Choosing the ideal time of year for your equine portrait photoshoot is a huge part in capturing stunning, timeless images of you and your horse. Each season brings it's own colours, lighting, and atmosphere, offering lots of different options to add the special touch to your images. Let’s explore each season and below, and some of my favourite memories captured over the last year.

Spring: vibrant greens and blossoms

Spring is a fantastic time for your photoshoot as everything awakens after winter. With fresh greens, colourful flowers (bluebells, daffodils, rapeseed, blossoms), and longer daylight hours, the soft, diffused lighting of spring gives us lots of golden hour opportunities. The ever-changing British weather also offers stunning sunsets, and moody skies all in one photoshoot! Styling choices often revolve around include light pastel outfits that complement the fresh and airy feel of the season, with slots of soft colours such as whites and greys to avoid clashing with the bright colours in the landscapes.

Summer: Golden Light and Lush Greenery

 Summer (if we're lucky) offers long days and warm, golden-hour light with that twinkly feel out off a fairytale. The soft greens and yellows found in the long grass, often filled with buttercups, can offer beautiful foliage framing images for your final image collection. Early morning or late evening shoots are ideal to avoid the harsh midday sun while capturing that golden glow. Flowy dresses, lightweight fabrics, and earthy tones work well for styling, while braided manes and glossy coats showcase your horses, and I'd often the easiest time to get them clean.

Autumn: Rich Colours and Crisp Atmosphere

This is hats off my favourite season, and also my busiest!  For those who love warm, earthy tones, autumn is a perfect choice. The rich reds, oranges, and yellows of changing foliage create the most show stopping, and beautiful backdrops .The cooler temperatures keep the flies away, and the softer light during this time of year means we can be much moire flexible with our shooting times, while still capturing beautiful, soft light. Cozy styling options like knitted jumpers, tweed blazers, and earthy tones blend beautifully with the autumnal palette, creating a rustic and timeless feel.

Winter: unique Beauty and Dramatic Contrast

 Winter is a season often people run from when it comes to a photoshoot that revolves around their horses, and as a horse owner, I see what they're coming from. However, winter offers a truly magical backdrop, especially if there’s a hard frost, or a dusting of snow. The Soft whites and cool blues create an elegant and serene atmosphere, making your horse stand out dramatically against the landscape. While winter light is softer and more diffused, the lower sun angle allows for unique, cinematic compositions. Styling for winter shoots often includes layered outfits, deep colours, and elegant coats that add depth and warmth to the images. If you and your horse are comfortable with the cold, I will always jump at the opportunity to have a winter photoshoot. P.S - it's also one of the bets seasons for dog photoshoots!

CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the best season for your equine portrait photoshoot depends on your personal style, preferred colour palette, and how you envision your final images. Whether you desire the fresh vibrancy of spring, the glowing warmth of summer, the cozy richness of autumn, or the striking elegance of winter, each season offers its own unique charm. I will let you in a little secret though, the best time to book your photoshoot is now.

Although seasons are important, the shoot will always revolve around capturing special moments between you and your horse. And as someone who has lived in Scotland her whole life, I can guarantee, trying to plan a sunset shoot is not always successful with our ever changing weather. However, these special moments between you both are happening now, and all the time, so don't wait as you never know how much time you'll have to spare.