Anna, Rio & Cody

Earlier this year, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Anna, her two beautiful dressage horses, Rio and Cody, and her gorgeous dog, Willow, at their family farm in Marchington. This shoot was extra special – it marked the end of an era before Anna moved her horses up to Cheshire to her brand-new yard.

After so many years of having her horses right at home, it felt incredibly meaningful to capture them in the place where so many memories had been made. From quiet mornings in the stables to sunny afternoons in the paddock, the farm had been a huge part of Anna’s equestrian journey. This session was about more than just photographs – it was about celebrating the past while looking forward to an exciting new chapter.

We were blessed with the most stunning May evening light – golden and soft – and the countryside was lush, vibrant, and full of life. I think this might have been one of my favourite sessions for colour alone! We created elegant portraits of Anna with each horse individually, then brought Rio and Cody together for some lovely portraits.

Of course, the dogs Willow & Treacle joined in on the fun, happily posing alongside the horses.

One of my favourite spots to work in was the manicured lawn area – it’s fast becoming a favourite location for my equine shoots. We couldn’t resist sneaking the horses into the garden for a few shots amongst the greenery, which turned out beautifully and gave the gallery a unique twist.

We ended the day with dramatic black background portraits of Cody – real showstoppers that brought the session to a perfect close. These images are always a favourite for wall art and fine art prints, and Cody’s portraits were no exception.

Occasions like this are a perfect reminder that a portrait session isn’t just for “someday.” They make wonderful Christmas gifts, unforgettable birthday presents, and a meaningful way to celebrate milestones – whether that’s a big move, the arrival of a new horse, or marking the end of a cherished chapter in your equestrian story.

Every shoot is an investment in memories you can hold onto forever, whether it’s with your beloved horses, dogs, or both.

As a Derbyshire equine photographer, I’m lucky to capture these moments for clients locally – but I also travel all over the UK (and beyond!) to create timeless, bespoke artwork that celebrates your bond with your animals.

If you’re ready to mark your own milestone – big or small – with a portrait experience, I’d love to hear your story. Get in touch to start planning your session and let’s create something unforgettable together.