Family, Equine & Couples Photography Sessions | North Yorkshire | Claire Hirst
So, you want to book a shoot. Brilliant.
Whether you've been following along for a while or stumbled across my work and thought "yes, that's what I want" — welcome! I'm Claire, based near Darlington, North Yorkshire, and this is how a session with me works from start to finish.
Before the shoot
A few days before your session I'll be in touch to check the forecast. Most of my sessions are outdoors, so we are a little at the mercy of the weather gods — but honestly, don't panic about a bit of grey. Grey skies photograph beautifully. It's the harsh, bright sunny days that are actually trickier to work with!
If we genuinely need to move the date, we will. Simple as that. No stress, no faff.
I'll also ask you what you're hoping to get from the shoot. Some people say "I trust you, just go for it" — and I love that. Others have specific ideas like black backgrounds, certain locations, or particular animals they want included. Either way, just tell me — it helps me plan ahead and bring the right kit.
On the day
I'll arrive a little early, have a chat, run through any last-minute thoughts and put you at ease. Worried your child will be shy? Your horse will play up? Your dog won't sit still for two seconds?
Trust me. I've seen it all. Years of photographing children and animals — including a stint with Disney Cruise Lines — means I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
Sessions usually last around an hour to an hour and a half. I'll guide you the whole way through — you won't be expected to pose awkwardly and stare down the lens. Instead I'll give you things to do, moments to have with each other, and I'll be quietly capturing it all as it happens.
I'm not looking for a pretty backdrop. I'm looking for the light. I'll find the spot that makes you look incredible, whether that's dappled shade on a sunny day or long tufty grass for texture and depth.
A couple of practical things:
For equine shoots, please bring someone along to help with attention — a shaking bucket goes a long way! Getting your horse in the night before so they're reasonably clean is a big help too
Kids and stains? Horses and slobber? Don't panic — that's what editing is for. Snot removal is basically a specialist skill of mine at this point
What should I wear?
Honestly? Whatever makes you feel like you.
Comfort shows in photographs. If you're uncomfortable, it'll come through. So wear something you love, that fits well and feels right.
Think about the season too — rich autumnal colours and chunky knitwear look incredible in October. A floaty dress on a golden summer evening? Stunning. Got a prom dress gathering dust? Bring it to an equine shoot. Genuinely. It works.
After the shoot
Once we're done I'll work through everything and build you an online viewing gallery — usually within a couple of weeks. You'll be able to browse your favourite shots and choose your final selection from there.
Your package includes 15 high resolution JPEG images, fully edited and delivered via download link. The link is live for one week, so make sure you save everything to a computer or laptop — saving to your phone won't give you the quality you'll want for printing.
Additional images can be purchased separately, and I'm always happy to chat through editing requests before you commit.
Pricing
£350 — includes shoot time, processing, and 15 high resolution digital images (Within a 20 mile radius of Darlington. Additional mileage charged at 45p per mile.)
Ready to book?
Sessions run Monday to Friday, with evenings available through spring and summer when the light is at its absolute best. Half term slots go quickly, so if you're planning a family shoot, get in early!
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your date.