Botanic Gardens in Winter

Most flowers don’t survive long into winter - especially in the UK, and even more so in the Midlands where the elevation is higher and the air is colder. During my exchange semester in Sheffield, UK, I got to experience the brutal, yet magical, British winter firsthand.

I wanted to do at least one portrait photoshoot while in Sheffield, and I knew I wanted it to be somewhere that meant something to me. Every week, I’d walk through the Botanic Gardens on my way to the supermarket for groceries, watching the trees and flowers slowly change as autumn turned into winter. The leaves fell, the colours faded, and before long, the gardens looked almost lifeless.

But not everything gave in to the cold. A few trees and flowers held on - some even seemed to thrive despite the freezing temperatures. That resilience sparked an idea for a photoshoot: to capture and celebrate the plants that refused to give in.

I asked my friend Aruna, whom I met during my exchange, to model for me and luckily, she was happy to take part.

If you would like your own portrait photoshoot, check out the different packages I offer. I am more than happy to work with you choose the perfect location and create the look you're after.

"This was my very first photo shoot and Manthila made me feel really comfortable! He provided me with locations and ideas, helped me with poses, and was always open for my own suggestions. I had a lot of fun and I am very happy with the results!"