A few days ago I shared a blog post with my favourite images from Nicola and Bond’s photoshoot. We thought it would be interesting for you to see Nicola’s favourite images from the shoot, we share a few favourites and there’s a few new images too. So the lovely Nicola has written this blog post about her photoshoot experience and shares her top tips for your equine photoshoot. I hope you all enjoy.

“Until I had a photoshoot with Jessie, I was convinced that Bond was not very photogenic when static and he had to be moving to really capture him. How wrong I was. From the minute Jessie started clicking her camera he was memorized by her and I could not quite believe what I was seeing, evenmore so when I opened my gallery.

The main worry I had before I booked my shoot was how on earth were we going to ensure that Bond had his ears forward, didn’t have his tongue out (his favourite selfie pose), that we both had our eyes open and that I was smiling. I messaged Jessie with this and she said don’t worry, I’m a professional! (Actually she didn’t say that, she was really nice and said everyone worries about that but I have tricks for all of it!)

Other things I was unsure about was how to choose my clothes and also whether there was anywhere on or around the yard that would prove nice spots for photos (I was convinced there were non!) The other biggie was the weather, just what would be the ‘right’ day for photos!

In the end I took five outfits to the yard and Jess helped me to pick three out to use which were a dress, a casual outfit and a favourite jacket outfit. It all depends what you like and are comfortable with. At this stage I had decided that I would not be getting on him which made the choices a bit easier.

It was only when showing Jess around the yard on the morning of the shoot that I realized just how many perfect spots around the yard there are! Some very old beautiful buildings and special doors that I had not even noticed before that day. We also discussed the weather, I actually didn’t know that bright sunshine was actually quite tricky to take photos in and the slightly dull but bright day we woke up to was actually perfect!

As I chatted with Jessie it was apparent that she was going to make me feel very comfortable having the photos taken and that I would have fun. The next couple of hours flew by as we moved our way around the yard and I changed into my different outfits in between. Do not underestimate how tired you will be at the end of all this (especially after you have put all your gear away!) I was absolutely shattered!

After a couple of weeks an email dropped to say my Gallery was ready for viewing, I was ridiculously excited to see them and was blown away by what Jessie had created for me.

The photos with my dress on are so natural and the ones near the buildings just could have been taken in any era, especially in the black and white versions. Yes there is a also a funny one here of Bond dragging me to the grass, he absolutely knew that I had high heels on and zero control!

My Narnia coat went down very well with Bond and I absolutely love the shot of us stood by the wall (which also created some very funny outakes as he played with my hair). Some very lovely memories for me to keep forever.

One of the photo styles I wanted creating was the black background shots, these are interesting as they kind of need to be taken inside but out! It was hard to imagine what they would look liked but as you can see, the results are very striking.

My Top Tips for your Equine Photoshoot

• Smile at all times, this makes your face ache but makes sure the photographer can capture that at the same time as your horse actually has their ears forward
• Wear at least one absolute favourite item of clothing during your shoot
• If you are getting changed in your stable, make sure you take a large towel to stand on and a small mirror to check your hair (especially if it does its own thing like mine!)
• Let the other people on the yard know what you are doing in advance, (it means they are more patient if they are trying to get to the yard and you are teetering down the drive in front of them in heels!)
• If there is a particular shot or shots you want, then let your photographer know in advance so they can plan this into the time.
• And lastly, enjoy every minute, this is your time to shine.

If you want to check out Nicola’s instagram head to the link below: 

https://www.instagram.com/nicolajmellor/

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

Jessie x

I initially met Nicola online during Sophie Callahan’s My Rural Business Challenge 2020. It’s a challenge that fellow photographer/blogger Sophie created to bring together likeminded equestrian/country businesses and individuals. It attracts people from all over the UK but it turns out Nicola and I live approximately 5 minutes away from each other! Cheshire Equine Photoshoot. 

Fast forward to June and one of my first equine photoshoots after lockdown was with the lovely Nicola and her handsome chestnut gelding Bond. I arrived at the most photogenic yard, you’ll see what I mean.

We started off with a lovely summer dress and made our way to the lane stopping for a few photos along the way. The first photos we took were against this corrugated blue metal which works as quite a cool different background.

The next location proved a little tempting for Bond as he pulled Nicola for a munch of grass, as if walking in heels wasn’t difficult enough! But he was also willing to stand and smile for a photo and JUST LOOK AT THAT SMILE so all is forgiven. 

We didn’t want to travel too far with Nicola wearing heels so we walked to this little lane on the entrance to the yard. It was surrounded by lots of trees and greenery. 

On the way back for an outfit change I spotted these wheels, I am not too sure what they are for but I thought they made for an interesting photo! On photo shoots I am always looking for different textures and backgrounds. Whether that be brick walls, coloured containers, flowers and trees.

We took a few black background photos and had a quick outfit change to something more relaxed and casual. With footwear ultimately easier to walk in too!

The views surrounding the fields were stunning as I am sure you will agree. It really was a great yard for having numerous photogenic spots and ultimately we got lots of variety in the images. 

Finally, the last outfit change and I love this little pathway we shot on. I shot a few images through the trees which created a cool effect. Finishing with a photo shot through one side of a barn out to the other and a traditional over the door smiley photo. This simplistic pose is one of my favourites.

Nicola is now one of my brand ambassadors but I will save that story for another blog post that is coming soon! If you want to follow Nicola and Bond on Instagram head to the link below. Nicola has one of the best accounts on instagram, it documents the true friendship and bond she has with Bond.

https://www.instagram.com/nicolajmellor/

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

Jessie x

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

Jessie x

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

Jessie x

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

It might not have been a show but oh did it feel good to be back out photographing some kind of event! I was supposed to be Caverswall & District Riding Club’s photographer for their show season but with the recent Coronavirus pandemic, it has meant no events have been able to run.

Nevertheless the committee ran a fantastic clinic with Katy and we managed to get lots of great shots! Whenever I shoot events I always aim to get the standard trotting and canter picture, but where I can I love to capture the finer details and the off guard moments.  There’s nothing better than an unposed picture of a child loving their pony or a horse getting a big pat after being a good lad!

I hope you enjoy these images. Images are available to purchase on my website, please don’t screenshot, images are available from as little as £5 so there should be something for everyone! Thank you so much to everyone that has purchased, I really do appreciate it. There is a link below to view them. 

If you haven’t seen, the August show will be running which is hugely exciting! There is limited entries so get them in. Click the link below to enter.

Interested in your own photoshoot with your horses, dogs and family? Fill the form in below and I will be in touch.

At the beginning of the year I posted on social media that I was looking for a sponsored rider for the 2020 season. I posted a form and got over 100 entries, it took me hours upon hours to whittle it down! There was some amazing entries from people of varying competition levels.

When I was younger I entered numerous sponsored rider searches and was never selected, I wanted to select someone like me who would have been absolutely thrilled. I wanted someone with potential, who looked like they were on their way up in the equestrian world and mainly someone who loved their horses. I think I made an excellent choice with Phoebe, when I finally got to meet her for the first time I loved her winning mentality and passion for her horses.

After having to reschedule due to Covid, we finally got to meet in June for our first photoshoot and at the end I asked Phoebe a few questions. I hope you enjoy this interview learning a little more about Phoebe and her two horses Vince and Fletcher. 

How long have you been riding?

“I’ve been riding for 12 years”

Who was your first pony and what was he/she like?

“Primrose, a little dark bay Welsh A who was really naughty”

Phoebe’s grandad shouts ‘very naughty’ in the background and proceeds to tell me that Phoebe’s mum also rode Primrose when she was a child, which was the start of all things horsey. What an amazing story that both Phoebe and her mum to learnt to ride on the same pony!

How long have you had Vince and Fletcher?

“I’ve had Fletcher since February 2018 and I’ve had Vince not long, only since April last year (2019)”

Tell me what you’ve competed with Fletcher?

“We’ve competed up to 90cm, we went to the British Riding Club national championships last year and got 6th individually. We also did the Pony Club Championship and went to the nationals in Lincolnshire show jumping.”

“We’ve done a bit of everything with him, we’ve had a go at the workers, dressage and show jumped.”

“He’s a cross country machine and he’s the one that gave me the eventing bug.”

So are you hoping to bring Vince on to event?

“We did a lot of training last year with him while competing Fletcher. Next year we will do BE on Vince, we want to do the grassroots Badminton qualifiers”

“Vince has come from a 3 star rider, his dad is one of Mark Todds horses and his brother was in the Olympics in 2012 so he’s got good lines. He’s come a long way, he was a handful.”

Biggest horsey achievement?

“Coming 6th at the nationals last year, it was a really good weekend”

Who is your rider inspiration?

“ Erm probably Oliver Townend, I’ve met him three times and even rode XC with him when I was younger!”

“When I was 11 I was at Pony club doing the XC and he’s was there with his youngster coming through the water and I’m like ‘oh my god what’s this man doing I am trying to have my picture taken and he’s in the way.”

Phoebe’s grandad continues to tell me how he asked Oliver to hang on a second while they just had a picture and when Oliver asked if he wanted him to get in it, Phoebe’s grandad not realising who it was said “oh no you’re alright”. Then once they realised they did then get pictures together!

Her grandad also tells me Phoebe’s never really had rider inspirations, she’s more concentrated on her rivals.

This is where Phoebe’s winning mentality comes in – “You either win or you’ve lost, there’s red rosettes and then there is irrelevant. It’s more rivalry that drives me and I have competitions with people in my head. I only compare with people my level.”

Have you ever tried Showing?

“I started showing with Marcus who was my first proper horse. We did workers and the flat”

Phoebe’s grandad here lets me know that she got bored of it very quickly!!

“I did the showing to get me into the workers, then once I did the workers, I wanted to do the eventing. We did get reserve champion at NW champs in the riding club horse class, I was only 12 in a class full of adults.”

Have you ever done a puissance?

“Only at the yard at the annual yard show. Grandad won it last year at 1m30.” 

Did I mention that Phoebe’s grandad also rides, how cool would it be for your grandad to win the yard puissance!!

Do you ever get nervous?

“Grandads done a good job stopping me from getting nervous. With Fletcher being nervous would be the worst thing. I don’t really get nervous but I do get disappointed in myself if things go wrong, I want to be the best at everything. Its a good but a bad trait at same time. “

Have you been riding during lockdown?

“Yes loads! We hired an arena the other day with Vince, there was a puissance wall he jumped and we ended up jumping round the 1m course. He’s fearless when it comes to cross country, with fillers and everything.

“At first with cross country, I think he was scared and grandad kept saying you need to trust him because he needs to trust you and now we have this partnership we’re onto a winner. He doesn’t bat an eyelid at anything now and he’s incredibly bold. The feistiness in him, I think thats where the boldness and braveness comes from. “

I hope you enjoyed this blog! You can find Phoebe on Instagram phoebebrophyeventing 

Make sure to give her a follow and keep an eye out for her on my feed with future photoshoots and on the eventing circuit next year!

Jessie x

If anyone here has ever lost an animal, you’ll know the pain I’m about to talk about. In the last 18 months we lost 3 dogs, we always knew we’d lose them close together because they were similar ages. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make it any easier, does it?

We lost Lady first, a little cavalier who spent her life surrounded by labradors and was probably ‘more Labrador’ than cavalier in the end. A sassy little diva she’ll be forever known as, we lost her age 12 last year.

Last September we lost Beauty, this one was always going to be the hardest and my tears start to fall as I sit and write this. It is still so raw. You see, I used to be scared of dogs, I’d scream and hide behind my mum if a dog even came near me.  I had to have plastic surgery as a child as I was bitten by a dog in the face, missing my eye by a few centimetres. I don’t actually think that’s the reason I was so scared, I have an extremely distinct childhood memory of being chased on a bike by a dog, with my uncle running behind me begging me to stop. I have no idea how long I cycled without the dog actually chasing me, I just did not look back. Getting a dog when I was aged 7 seemed the obvious solution for my parents. So this little puppy arrived and she used to make me cry on a daily basis as she bit my school socks (the ones with the holes in, ideal for a puppy really). But of course, who can’t fall in love with a labrador puppy and before long I was a dog-loving child with all my fears gone.

I can’t really find the words to describe Beauty, whatever I say would be an injustice. She’s left a lasting legacy and well, look at me, working a career involving dogs and I can’t imagine my home will ever be a Labrador free place again. She was 14 when we lost her and although a great age, I really would do anything to have her just a little longer.

Then during lockdown, we lost our lovely Daisy, she was Beauty’s best friend and we knew she would never want to spend long on this planet once Beauty had gone. She was the kindest soul I have ever met, I know people say things like that about their own dogs but truly she was. She was my 11th birthday present and will remain the best birthday present I’ve ever received. My mum got Fudge and Bear as we knew there would come a time when Beauty, Daisy and Lady would pass and Tinkerbelle would be left on her own. Daisy would let the puppies hang off her ears, bite her face whilst never once snapping; she was like their mum really. She was 12 years old when we lost her and it felt like grieving for all 3 of them once again.

I couldn’t bear it really. I sat and cried and looked at pictures and laughed as we recollected memories. I knew I had to do something so that’s where ‘Daisy Day’s has originated from, consumed with grief and needing something to concentrate on. I put everything in place during lockdown and launched the project as lockdown started to lift.

I am lucky to have so many photos to remember them by and this year alone two horses have passed away before we have had the chance to do their photoshoot. I know people think ‘oh we’ll get round to it’ and they never do and then it’s too late. Owner’s with a horse or dog that is reaching the end of its life due to old age or terminal illness can enter to be selected for their own Daisy Day, a one-hour photoshoot capturing beautiful keepsakes to treasure.

One horse/dog will be selected each month, where they can have their own photoshoot in their favourite place. The only requirement is a £30 donation which will be donated entirely to ‘Oldies Club’. After the session the owner will receive a mounted 9×6 print and 6 digital images for social media. I absolutely love older animals and I am hoping we can raise money for charity, get pictures for owners to treasure of their animals and for me personally it’s keeping Beauty, Daisy and Lady’s memory alive.

If you want to enter your dog or horse for their own ‘Daisy Day’ click below and fill in the form. 

My second photoshoot back after lockdown and this one was a proper family affair, I’m talking 3 horses, 4 people, a dog and a chicken!!! The photoshoot was mainly to get photographs of 7 month-old border collie puppy Isla, but we got all the family involved too.

Especially considering her age, Isla was so well behaved. I think she was quite intrigued by me, aka the weird lady she’d never met before that kept making weird noises and shouting her name. She’d look at me inquisitively then bounce over excitedly to say hello, there’s nothing better than doggy kisses is there!

We took her to the field to get some action shots whilst playing fetch, which leads me onto my favourite part of the shoot. She suddenly decided ‘that’s enough fetch for one day’ and bombed down the field to this big water bucket and jumped straight in! We followed her down, where she was sat waiting patiently for her picture to be taken.

Of course I can’t write this blog post and not mention Gill’s fabulous idea of attaching a toy to a lunge line, as you can see from the pics Isla loved it. I rang my mum straight after the shoot to tell her she must use that game with her energetic chocolate labrador!

We then went back to the yard to get their three horses; Silke, Breeze and Kavanagh. They all looked immaculate, I mean look at Breeze’s mane and feathers! Perfectly white and truly picture-perfect.

I have picked a few of my favourite images from the day, if you’re interested in your own photoshoot then please do get in touch. I would love to meet you and your four-legged friends!

Jessie x