Lisa & Ella

Some portrait sessions feel quietly special from the very beginning, and this was one of them. Lisa was gifted a portrait session from Gil & Emma at GREV, and as we spoke through her story during the design consultation, it became clear just how meaningful this experience could be — not just as photographs, but as a way of capturing a life she’s built and the animals who are part of it.

Home is at the heart of everything for Lisa and her family. Having the space to keep their horses there has been a huge part of their journey, allowing them to enjoy not only the day-to-day moments but also the bigger milestones that come with being horse owners. It’s a life that’s grown naturally over time — and one that deserved to be documented in a way that felt just as personal.

What stood out most was Lisa’s connection with Ella, her heart horse. Their bond is quiet, steady, and deeply rooted — the kind that doesn’t need to be over-explained, but you feel instantly when you see them together. Of course we included husband Dan, her other horses Sooty & May, and their 5 dogs, Big Bella, Little Bella, Nelly, Betty & Poppy.

One of the things I loved most about this session was how effortlessly the day came together. A little extra help behind the scenes made all the difference, allowing everything to flow calmly and without pressure — exactly how it should feel when you’re working with multiple horses and dogs.

We kept the horses moving between locations together, something that worked beautifully for them and kept everyone relaxed. It’s always about working with everyone on shoot day, and creating an environment where everyone is feeling 100% comfortable. I often joke with my clients that there's nothing I haven't seen before, our horses and dogs aren't robots, they don't know what we're up to. So lots of patience and experience is essential for my job.

Lisa had been unsure about what to wear beforehand, which is something I hear often. But having access to (almost) her full wardrobe on the day meant we could carefully choose pieces that felt natural, flattering, and true to her. Simple layers, soft textures, and tones that complemented the setting allowed the focus to stay exactly where it should be — on the connection between her and her animals.

There’s often one image from a session that holds everything — and for Lisa, this was the portrait she had envisioned from the start.

Together with her husband, their five dogs, and three horses, we created a portrait that feels both grounded and full of life. Not overly posed, not forced — just an honest reflection of their world. A little chaos behind the scenes too, but that's exactly what we wanted to capture. Their life, just as it is.

It’s the kind of image that becomes more valuable over time. The one that hangs on the wall and quietly tells a story every single day.

Afterwards, Lisa shared that she never would have considered doing something like this before — and now, she can see just how special it truly is. That shift is exactly why I do what I do. Because these aren’t just photographs… they’re a way of holding onto the moments, the relationships, and the life you’ve built, exactly as it is now.

Portrait sessions like this are never just about the photographs. They’re about pressing pause for a moment and recognising the life that’s been built around the animals we love most. Whether it’s the quiet bond with a heart horse like Ella or the joyful chaos of a full family portrait with horses and dogs together, these are the moments that deserve to be remembered. Lisa’s session is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need a special occasion to capture something meaningful — sometimes the most important stories are simply the ones we’re living every day.