Millie, Nala & Olive

January might not be everyone’s favourite month for outdoor photography, but with the right planning and a beautiful location, it can produce some truly stunning portraits.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Millie for the second time, this time at her new workplace in the Cotswolds, to capture her gorgeous mare, Nala, and her newest addition, Olive.

Despite the crisp winter air, the images are full of warmth, colour, and character. A lot of the magic comes from careful styling and location planning, and we were lucky to have a stunning yard and a kind neighbour who let us use their driveway as a backdrop – perfect for adding variety and charm to the session.

One of the things I love most about working with repeat clients is the opportunity to get creative.

Throughout the shoot, we made small changes that made a big difference – swapping outfits, adjusting hair, adding jackets and gilets, and experimenting with different poses. We captured portraits of both Millie and her horses individually, as well as beautiful images of Millie, Nala and Olive together.

Photographing horses that are well on their way to being fit for the eventing season can be tricky, especially when they’re clipped and the weather is chilly, but with a little flexibility and the help of Millie and her team, the shoot ran smoothly and produced an incredible variety of images.

A successful equine portrait session isn’t just about the weather or the season – it’s about planning, care, and attention to detail.

Choosing the right locations, timing, and styling allows even a January shoot to feel timeless and luxurious. I love travelling all over the UK for portrait sessions, bringing this careful approach to every client’s unique environment.

If you’d like to commission a portrait session for your horses, dogs, or even a combination of both, I’d love to help you create something truly special. Click here for all the details, or you can click the button below or call the studio to get in touch.