There really is something magical about nearing the summer holidays, about to finish school, and looking forward to spending los of time with your pony! I shot with Annabel and Hugo, towards the end of June as summer was starting to blossom around us.
Rather than shooting at the yard, we headed to one of my absolute favourite local locations , Heatherhall Woods. It's a staple in my locations book, with wide woodland tracks, quiet winding paths, fallen logs, rustic benches and, as a bonus, parking (which is always appreciated when travelling with horses and ponies!).
This session took place during one of the UK's hottest spells, so we made the most of the cooler morning temperatures with an early start. It was the perfect decision, giving us beautiful soft light filtering through the trees before the day really began to heat up.
Hugo may only stand at around 13hh, but what he lacks in height, he certainly makes up for in personality! He has such a wonderful presence, and it's easy to see why Annabelle adores him. They've shared so many adventures together over the last few years, and photographing the bond they've built was an absolute pleasure.
One of the reasons I love woodland sessions so much is the variety they offer. Every corner brings a different backdrop, from deep, rich greens to pockets of golden sunlight dancing through the trees. It also means we can keep the ponies gently moving throughout the session, helping them stay engaged while creating those lovely natural walking shots that tell a story.
Of course, Hugo wasn't the only four-legged star of the day! Tallulah, the gorgeous Golden Retriever, came along too, and she was an absolute bundle of fluffy joy. She brought so much fun to the session and loved being involved. Including family dogs always adds another layer of personality to a shoot, and Tallulah certainly made everyone smile.
Thank you, Annabelle, for such a wonderful morning with Hugo and the lovely Tallulah. It was such a joy to capture your story, and I hope these photographs always remind you of a summer filled with sunshine, woodland adventures, and special moments together.
Always wanted a shoot somewhere special, whether it's a woodland, beach, or open moorland, on-location shoots are highlights in the diary at any time of year. However, with Autumn just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get in touch.