Beth, Tissy & Estrid

Above you’ll find a video Beth very kindly created, vlogging the entire experience of her portrait session. Seeing a shoot through a client’s eyes is always so special, and I’m incredibly grateful she chose to document the day.

This session was full of firsts for me. Beth competes in endurance with her beautiful Arab mares, Tissy and Estrid, making this my first time photographing both the endurance discipline and Arab horses. It was also a wonderful reminder of just how many different ways there are to share life with horses.

We couldn’t have chosen a better time of year. Autumn wrapped the yard in rich, glowing colour — deep oranges, soft golds and earthy tones that felt almost cinematic. I’ve always loved photographing greys in autumn, and Tissy & Estrid against those warm hues was simply breathtaking. There’s something about that contrast that feels timeless and elegant, allowing every detail and expression to shine.

One of the things I loved most about this session was the sheer variety of backdrops Beth’s yard offered. We moved through the driveway and stables, down to the paddock, by the wooden gate, and finished beneath the oak tree at the top of the hill. Each space gave the portraits a different feel, yet together they told one complete story — of home.

That’s something I’m always drawn to. Home isn’t just a location; it’s where routines live, where bonds deepen, and where most of our time with our horses is actually spent.

Beth has plenty of images of herself and her mares out competing — strong, powerful moments captured in the intensity of endurance rides. But this was the first time she had portraits of them simply being together at home.

And that’s what makes these images so special.

Around 90% of our lives with horses happens away from competition. It’s the small rituals that shape our days. It’s a way of life, not just a sport. Capturing this side of the relationship preserves something deeply personal.

These portraits hold even more meaning knowing that Tissy is getting older. As time passes, images like these only grow in value. They become reminders of the life they have shared together.

Of course we included Beth's husband, Dan, too.

This was a session filled with warmth, variety and meaning — a celebration of endurance, yes, but more importantly a celebration of home, partnership and time well spent together.

Beth, thank you for trusting me to capture this chapter with Tissy and Estrid, and for sharing your experience so generously. It was truly an honour.