Polly & Pip | Equine Photoshoot at Clifton Castle, North Yorkshire
Claire Hirst Photography photographed Polly and her chestnut mare Pip (Pippin) at Clifton Castle Estate near Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Meet Polly & Pip
Oh, I had THE BEST time with these two. Polly bought her session as a gift voucher because she wanted some really special photos of herself and Pippin, and what a mare she is. Chestnut, a big white blaze, a sparkly browband and a lot of personality. Pip has the kind of face that does half my job for me.
Jo came along too, and thank you to Emma Chapman Training for helping make the day happen.
I'll be honest, horse sessions have a special place in my heart. It's how I started my career, and I don't get to do them as often as I'd like. Did you know most of my brides have horses? It's true, and I love it every time one of them reminds me.
The Shoot at Clifton Castle
Pair a mare like Pip with the backdrop of Clifton Castle Estate and it was always going to be something magic. Those big stone archways framed the two of them beautifully, with just enough age and character in the walls to give everything a moody, painterly feel.
Inside the old stables the light dropped low and dark, which is where the black and white portraits came from. Polly sat in the stable doorway with Pip's nose resting against her, and crouched with him bowing his head towards her, both of them completely in their own little world. There's nothing staged about a moment like that. You just have to be ready when it happens.
Out in the open it was all about the two of them looking at each other, Polly beaming up at Pip like he'd hung the moon. Honestly, who can blame her?
More to Come
These are only a few teasers while I get to work on Polly's proofs, and I can't wait to show you the rest. Polly, thank you so much for asking me to capture these memories. It was a pleasure.
If you've got a horse who deserves their own photoshoot, or you'd love to give someone the gift of one, get in touch here and let's talk: https://www.clairehirst.co.uk/contact
