The Robertson Family

As a Derbyshire equine and dog portrait photographer, I have the privilege of capturing some truly beautiful and personal moments—but this recent shoot with Kate and her family was one of those days that will keep me smiling for a long time.

From the moment I arrived, I knew we were in for a treat. With breathtaking backdrops from every angle—think dreamy pampas grass circling the pond, a driveway straight from a fairytale, rustic stables, and the little birch woodland near the school—the setting was nothing short of magical. But what made this session truly special were the people (and animals!) in front of the camera.

Kate’s two children, Lizzie and Charles, were full of energy and excitement, especially with their beloved pony, Harry Brown, and the family’s adorable dogs, Bongo and Bella, in tow. And to make it even more meaningful, Kate’s mum Angela joined in as well—capturing three generations in one frame. These are the kinds of timeless family memories that matter most.

Capturing the Everyday Magic...

The whole afternoon felt like a mini adventure. We watched Lizzie confidently take Harry Brown over poles in the school, her bond with him so natural and full of joy. Meanwhile, Charles was all about exploring—especially when we stumbled across what we jokingly named “the wood chip mountain,” which quickly became a playground for him and the dogs. It wasn’t just a photo shoot; it was a celebration of their everyday life—the kind of moments that often go unnoticed but mean the world.

These sessions are so much more than just posed portraits. They’re about freezing time. Childhood passes quickly, and having photographs of your children as they are now—muddy knees, cheeky smiles, wild hair and all—is something you’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s your daughter giggling as she plays with her pony or your son charging through the woods with the dogs, these are the scenes that tell your family’s story.

Why Photographing Families with Horses & Dogs Is So Powerful...

As someone who specialises in equine and dog portraiture, I’ve seen firsthand how much these animals mean to families. They’re not just pets or ponies—they’re part of the family. They’re playmates, companions, and sometimes the source of life’s best adventures.

When I photograph families like Kate’s, I focus on capturing the genuine connection between people and their animals. It's in the way a child wraps their arms around a pony's neck, or how the dogs never leave their side. These are more than portraits—they’re living memories.

It’s All About Fun and Adventure

One of the things I always tell families is that these sessions aren’t about perfection—they’re about fun. I work hard to make every session feel like an adventure for the kids. We run, climb, laugh, explore, and sometimes even get a little muddy. That energy and spontaneity is what makes the photos truly come alive.

I loved seeing how quickly Lizzie and Charles embraced the day. There were no forced smiles or awkward poses—just genuine fun with their pony, dogs, and family.

Ready to Capture Your Own Family Adventure?

Whether you’re based in Derbyshire or anywhere else in the UK—I travel far and wide to help families create beautiful, lasting portraits with their horses and dogs.

These moments don’t last forever, but your photos can. If you’ve ever thought about capturing this stage of your children’s lives, don’t wait. Let’s make some memories you’ll treasure for years to come.

📍 Derbyshire Equine and Dog Portrait Photographer | UK-wide Availability