Over the past five years Jo and I have discovered that we are practically family and we’ve become firm friends. This was my second shoot with Jo, and it was such a joy to be invited back to photograph her again.

Jo asked me to come and photograph her three girls at home, and she wanted the whole experience to feel calm and natural. She’s completely in tune with her horses and speaks to them about everything. They know her whole heartedly and she knows them. We didn’t want to take the girls far from the yard, instead choosing to create a collection of images that felt intimate and full of trust, something that really shows the bond she has with each of them.

Her youngest mare, Zante, is around five or six and already enormous, which is my favourite type. When we went to find her first, she was lying down in the stable having her early morning snooze. Jo joined her quietly, and she didn’t mind one bit. Then, when she was ready, she decided that set of images was done and came to join us for another set up standing, her choice entirely.

Jo wore the most beautiful burnt orange dress that worked perfectly against her wild curls and the soft tones of the horses. I’m honestly so jealous of Jo’s incredible hair, I’d happily swap any day.

We then spent time with Fonteyn, Jo’s chestnut mare who is currently in work, and Firefly, her retired chestnut who has such a wise, gentle presence. Both shone just as brightly and gave me so much to work with. Each one showed me their personality and love for their mum in their own way.

Jo changed outfits three times, one for each mare, and we talked and laughed the whole way through. The shoot almost disappeared into the background as we caught up and simply enjoyed being around the horses, exactly as she’d hoped for.

When it came to the viewing, Jo brought her daughter and husband to help choose their favourites. They all loved seeing how the moments had been captured and picked out the perfect pieces to print and hang around their home, another set of memories ready to take pride of place.

Thank you Jo for trusting me once again and for being such a wonderful friend.

If you’d love to create a calm and meaningful portrait shoot like this one, request a brochure or get in touch to plan your own equine experience.