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Dark Academia: Belle Art Photography at Thrive Edinburgh

Dark Academia: ELOPEMENT STYLED SHOOT

Thrive Edinburgh by Belle Art Photography

“The aesthetic was unmistakably Dark Academia, with muted tones, soft window light, vintage textures, and an introspective mood that echoed classic literature and timeless romance.”

Thrive Edinburgh brought together some of the most exciting voices in photography, and Becy from Belle Art Photography crafted a truly evocative editorial shoot inspired by Dark Academia. Set in an intimate apartment and against the moody, misty streets of Edinburgh, this session was all about storytelling – cinematic, poetic, and deeply personal.

The vision for this shoot was a Cinematic Love Story in Edinburgh – to create a rich, atmospheric narrative that felt like stills from an arthouse film. Featuring real couple Jay and Sam, the session moved through different moods and moments – from quiet intimacy indoors to dynamic movement through the city streets.

  • A cinematic portrait – A close-up shot of a model resting their head in their hand, eyes full of story and emotion.
  • A quiet moment by the window – One model reaches out a hand while the other leans against a wooden shutter, lost in thought. The moody light and historic setting evoke a film-like intimacy.
  • Soft morning light and connection – The couple lounges on a bed, relaxed yet deeply connected, with one gently playing with the other’s hair.
  • Laughter and energy on the streets of Edinburgh – The couple runs hand in hand, their coats flowing as they embrace the movement of the moment.
  • Writing letters in the soft morning light – One model sits at a marble table, pen in hand, while the other gazes out of the window, deep in thought.
  • Edinburgh’s stone steps and timeless romance – The couple sits together on a historic stoop, wrapped in soft layers and deep in conversation.

THRIVE

THE SHOOT EXPERIENCE

Dark Academia Elopement – A Belle Art Photography Editorial at Thrive Edinburgh:​
1. Quiet, Intimate Setting

The shoots began inside, where soft light poured through the apartment’s historic windowpanes. Becy captured Jay and Sam in the stillness of slow, intentional movements – sipping coffee, writing letters, getting lost in thought. The focus was on natural gestures, stolen glances, and unspoken words, setting the tone for an elopement that felt deeply personal.

2. Getting Ready & Connection

As the shoot progressed, the couple helped each other dress, buttoning shirts and adjusting layers in a subtle, tactile exchange of care. Celebrating the quiet ritual of preparing for a shared adventure.

3. Movement & Energy in the City

The energy shifted as the couple took to the streets of Edinburgh. Running hand in hand, coats billowing in the wind, laughter caught mid-motion—these frames encapsulated the freedom and exhilaration of an elopement untethered by tradition. The shoot included Super 8 film moments, adding a nostalgic, dreamlike quality to the movement sequences.

4. A Still, Reflective Ending

The final images took place on Edinburgh’s historic steps and in the surrounding gardens. After all the motion, the couple found stillness again, leaning against stone facades, lost in their own world. The contrast between movement and quiet made for a compelling visual story – one that felt both grand and deeply intimate.

Join Us in Brighton

Exciting news! Thrive is heading south to Brighton on 22-23 October. If you’re ready to learn from some of the best in the industry and participate in hands-on shoot experiences, mark your calendars. Are you in?

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THE TEAM