Esme & Santana

As a Derbyshire equine and family photographer, I’m lucky enough to witness some truly magical moments between children and their beloved ponies—but this one will stay with me for a long time.

On a warm sunny spring morning, we ventured into the woodland for a portrait session with Esme and her beautiful Haflinger mare, Santana. The golden light danced through the trees, and everything about the shoot felt like a scene from a fairytale.

This shoot had all the magic you could wish for… and even an unexpected surprise when a Chinook helicopter soared low above the treetops right at the end! Santana didn’t bat an eyelid—cool, calm and utterly perfect to the last moment.

Moments after the session, I received a message from Esme’s mum that warmed my heart:

“Thank you so much, Esme said it was a dream come true, and she felt like a total princess. We haven’t stopped talking about it, it was so good, thank you!”



And honestly, that’s exactly what I hope every child walks away feeling. These aren’t just photo shoots—they’re experiences, memories in the making, and moments that your child will carry with them for years to come.

Why Childhood Equine Portraits Matter

From working with many mums over the years, I know how quickly the years fly by and your children grow up. One day your child is learning to tie their first lead rope, the next they’re off to Pony Club rallies and growing into confident, capable young riders.

That’s why capturing these moments—right now—is so important. Childhood doesn’t pause. And the bond your child shares with their pony is something truly special, worth documenting in a meaningful way.

My equestrian portrait sessions are designed to do exactly that. To freeze this fleeting season, and create timeless heirlooms that tell the story of a little girl and the pony who helped shape her childhood.

A Relaxed, Joyful Experience

If the idea of a photoshoot makes you worry about stiff posing and forced smiles, let me reassure you—my sessions are the complete opposite.

They’re relaxed, natural, and led by your child’s energy and their pony’s comfort. With Esme and Santana, we strolled through the woods, chatting and laughing, pausing when we found beautiful light or a quiet moment between them. There was no pressure—just space to enjoy, connect, and be present.

And in that space, the most beautiful images unfold.

The Beautiful Bond of Esme & Santana

Santana is truly the stuff of dreams—a gentle, golden Haflinger mare with the kindest eyes and a heart full of love for her girl. Watching the two of them together was like watching best friends in their own world - it is a bond built on love, trust, and so many shared memories.

Since the session, I’ve absolutely loved keeping up with their Pony Club adventures on Instagram. They’re always out and about, learning, growing, and having the best time. But no matter how far they go, this moment in the woods—the day Esme felt like a princess—is now preserved forever.

For Mums Who Want to Preserve the Magic

If you're a mum in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, and you want to capture the connection between your child and their pony in a way that feels meaningful and luxurious, I’d love to help.

My portrait experiences are designed for families who want more than just a handful of digital files. These are for those who value beautifully crafted artwork—whether it’s a fine art album, a bespoke wall piece, or heirlooms your child can pass down to their own family one day.

Because these years are short. But portraits like these? They last forever.

Ready to create something unforgettable?

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, heartfelt equine or family portrait session in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something magical—together.