A Beautiful Tribute: Lucia, Calla & Penny

Some portrait sessions start off as simple celebrations – a birthday present, a way of marking a moment in time. Others take on a deeper meaning, and that was very much the case with my recent shoot with Lucia and her beloved pony, Calla.

Originally booked as a birthday gift, this session soon became something far more significant when the family received the heartbreaking news that Calla had been diagnosed with a condition that meant they would be saying goodbye this summer. What began as a gift of photographs turned into a treasure chest of memories, a way of honouring a very special pony who was so dearly loved.

Calla’s Story

Calla was a beautiful 10-year-old mare who had already lived a full and varied life before finding her forever family. She’d previously been a broodmare in Scotland and moved around quite a bit before settling into her home with Lucia, Helen, and Pete. They described Calla as nervous but endlessly kind and soft. Calla quickly showed her true colours – a pony who adored cuddles and companionship.

Although her ridden partnership with Lucia didn’t get off to the easiest of starts, together they built something incredible: an unbreakable bond. Over time, their hard work shone through, and the pair went on to win plenty of Pony Club awards. I’ve had the privilege of photographing them at numerous competitions, and it was always a joy to watch Lucia’s dedication and Calla’s spirit shine in the arena.

This session was also extra special because we included Penny – Lucia’s very first pony, now an incredible 31 years old. Penny came into their lives when a local riding school closed down, and after giving Lucia the happiest of childhood memories, she was happily retired and took on the roll of Calla’s trusted companion. Including Penny in the photographs felt like completing the circle of Lucia’s pony journey – past, present, and all the love in between.

A Family Affair

When families book a session, I always encourage them to take the opportunity to capture as many memories as possible. For the Evans family, that meant not only portraits of Lucia with her ponies but also family photographs and individual moments with each horse. We also wove in some very personal touches – including pieces of jewellery that belonged to Lucia’s grandparents. These sentimental details brought another layer of meaning to the images, making them even more timeless.

From Helen, Lucia’s Mum

I’ve known Imogen for just over 3 years now and we met at a Pony club event that Imogen regularly photographs at. I always admired her work and so when Lucia and Calla started their riding journey together I always loved the pictures she managed to take of them together either in dressage or more often in a jumping arena.

Imogen will tell you herself you get such a small window of opportunity to capture that action shot. And knowing what we know of the pair they never hung about. So when it came to choosing someone to photograph Lucia and Calla there could only be one person.

We purchased this as a Birthday gift for Lucia in April but following a very sad and emotional turn of events this gift would become something even more special and our way of honouring our beautiful Calla. The attention to detail and the planning we went through together with Imogen before the day was just amazing. She thought of everything, the tiny details that resulted in the pictures having special meaning. Then the day itself the weather wasn’t on our side so we changed plans again nothing was too much trouble. The day was relaxed and happy we had laughter and tears but nothing could prepare us for the simply stunning images Imogen had captured at our private viewing.

Sorry Imogen I was a complete mess we were all crying in the end. The slideshow to music just beautiful. We couldn’t leave any image behind so purchased all of the digital images and had some beautiful portraits for our home. Sadly Calla as you may already of gathered is sadly longer here with us, she is running free from pain, but we have unforgettable memories of that special day and treasured images to look back on.

That is all down to you Imogen. You are such a beautiful person inside and out and although I have said it before, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything.

Love the Evans Family

A Lasting Memory

There were plenty of tears during their viewing session and again when they collected their finished portraits – but there was so much joy, too. The photographs now serve as a reminder not only of Calla’s life but also of the love and bond she shared with Lucia.

One of my favourite sayings feels so fitting here:

“How lucky are we to have loved someone so much that makes losing them so hard.”

Calla may no longer be here, but she has left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and memories that will live on forever in the hearts of her family – and in the portraits we created together.