I often get asked as an equine portrait photographer; “Do you only photograph horses?”.
And the answer is no, I photograph lots of different subjects!
In the past I have photographed weddings, brands, families, charity events and even surprise engagements!
Whilst equine portrait photography makes up 99% of my work, I love being asked to do interesting and challenging new projects even if the subject doesn’t neigh or eat grass!
(Although, full warning, I have been known to make ‘clicking’ noises to get ears forward for the shot, only to realise I am photographing a person, and not in fact a horse)
Here are a few highlights from some past non-equine shoots:
Making a splash: Surprise Proposal
Back in 2021 I got a call from my friend’s then boyfriend letting me know that he was planning to propose and wanted me there to capture the moment he popped the question. I was instantly delighted and honoured to be asked. I asked what his plan was; this is where things got really interesting!
Charlie and Looby shared a love of surfing together and he wanted a proposal that reflected this. Sneaking me out to Cornwall was a bit impractical, but they did train at The Wave in Bristol; an inland surf destination. He planned to get down on one knee, on the surfboard mid-training session and produce the ring (and hopefully not drop it!).
On arrival at The Wave, the whole surprise was nearly ruined when I almost walked smack-bang into Looby in the car park. Thankfully, I used my cat-like agility and quick thinking to dive behind a car and hide until there was enough space between us. Next, I had to find a suitable shooting position that offered the best vantage point but also was far enough from where they would be swimming/surfing so Looby wouldn’t recognise me. I even tied my hair up so my tell-tale curly mop wouldn’t give me away!
I nervously waited on the sidelines, spotting the couple as they started their swim and primed myself for the magic moment. As soon as Charlie popped the question I clicked away, grabbing as much of the action and emotion as possible between the waves.
Looby was completely surprised and it was so much fun to be a part of such a special moment for these two wonderful people. I had great fun celebrating their wedding day in September 2022, and felt so much joy when they welcomed their baby boy Lenny the following year.
These two have been great supporters of my business (a lot of my artwork adorns their walls) and I cannot wait to do our next shoot, which will be a family portrait session sometime in 2024.
Fun family shoot
Stacey booked me to photograph her family back in 2022 when I had a stand at the Gloucestershire Festival of Polo. We actually knew each other from when I was working at the Beaufort Polo Club, and it made sense to use the Club as a location for the shoot on a sunny April day in 2023.
In addition to Stacey and her husband Charlie, we had her two young sons Tafadzwa (Taffy) and Charlemagne, teenage daughter Aleesha and the family collie dog.
Initially, Taffy was not too impressed with being asked to smile and pose for photos, but once I got him to show off his football moves and spend time cuddling his dog he even asked to take more photos after we had finished the shoot!
Whenever there are kids on shoots I like to keep the shoot constantly flowing and incorporate their favourite activities. I have got family running races going, playing on swings and chase games to keep children happy and create beautiful, relaxed images that parents will love. I feel honoured to know that in years to come, these images will be precious memories for parents and children alike.
Confidence building boudoir photoshoot
A dear friend of mine got in touch wanting to do a boudoir photoshoot, reaching out to me because she wanted to celebrate her new-found self confidence and trusted me as a friend and pro-photographer to make the experience a great one.
At first it was slightly strange photographing my friend with little clothing, but we had great music blasting and I soon got into the creative flow. I loved hyping her up as we got amazing shot after amazing shot and she said it was a really empowering experience.
I honestly think every woman should have a photoshoot to literally celebrate YOU – be that boudoir or more clothed option. So many of us spend time criticising and comparing our images, especially in this social media age, when actually we should be embracing ourselves and taking the time to actually enjoy the body we are in rather than tearing it down.
I can’t share many of photos from this shoot, but all I can say is..WOW ;P.
Like my style and want to book me for your next shoot?
Whether you have horse or not, please do get in touch to discuss your photography needs! Pop an email to info@jossridley.co.uk or call 07788282126.
