In August I packed up my car, filled to the brim with camera equipment, my computer and frames (basically everything but the kitchen sink!), for an epic adventure to Scotland for two incredible equine portrait photoshoots.
Back in May 2023 I met the lovely Kerstin & Kyla, two sisters who had come all the way down from Scotland to attend Badminton Horse Trials where I was exhibiting. Kerstin bought a photoshoot for her sister’s 21st birthday to capture their 3 horses and childhood pony, plus 6 dogs at their family dairy farm in Scotland.
Holmhead Farm is based just outside of Dumfries and boasts stunning views across the local landscape. A few weeks prior it was the site for Kerstin’s wedding to Patrick, so the garden was filled with beautiful flowers planted especially for the occasion. On arrival, I was immediately greeted by a wave of dogs, which included collies Jim, Gypsy and Jen, spaniel Tess, 11 week old spaniel x poodle Flo and 6 month old Labrador, Jack. I also got to meet the equine loves of Kerstin & Kyla’s lives; childhood pony Silver, Kyla’s eventer Captain, Kerstin’s horse Kyrenia and Mystical Star, 26yr old thoroughbred who is affectionately known as Prat. She apparently gained her nickname from her past life as an ex-racer but did not live up to her name during the shoot!
Enjoy looking through some of the images we created together below – I will be back to Scotland end of May/early June 2024, if you would like to join the waitlist for shoot dates please fill out my contact form here.
A classic feature of their farm are these vibrant green corrugated iron doors, which contrasted beautifully next to the white painted stone walls of the original farm buildings. We utilised an old stable for some lovely black background style portraits.
The sun came out for our first shots in the garden, filled with a riot of bright flowers in full bloom.
Captain took a real liking to Kyla’s hat feathers and even gave us his signature cheeky grin!
