When the Rain Arrived: An Equine Photoshoot with Amy & Harley in Derbyshire

Equine

7 May

Back in April 2022, I met up with Amy and her lovely Welsh pony Harley for a relaxed equine photoshoot in Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire. It was especially lovely for me personally because I had photographed Amy years earlier when she was still a teenager with her Haflinger pony, so it felt incredibly special to capture another chapter of her journey with horses.

The photoshoot took place at a beautiful private yard surrounded by the Derbyshire countryside. The setting was peaceful, quiet and completely personal to Amy and Harley the perfect environment for natural equine photography.

When we first started the session, the weather was warm and sunny, giving us soft spring light and a lovely calm atmosphere. But, as often happens here in the UK, the weather suddenly changed. Out of nowhere, heavy rain descended on us and within minutes we were absolutely soaked.

Surprisingly though, it became one of the most memorable parts of the entire shoot.

Rather than stopping immediately, Amy laughed, embraced the weather and wanted to carry on for a little longer because she genuinely loved the rain. Luckily, the downpour arrived towards the end of the session, so we had already captured plenty of variety beforehand.

What Happens if it Rains During Your Horse Photoshoot?

This is one of the questions I get asked most often before a session, especially here in Derbyshire where the weather can be unpredictable at any time of year.

The truth is some of the most beautiful and emotional images can happen in unexpected weather conditions.

Rain can create:

Beautiful atmosphere and movement
Soft natural light and richer colours
Relaxed, authentic moments
Storytelling imagery that feels real and personal
Fun memories you will never forget

Of course, your comfort and your horse’s welfare always come first. If the weather becomes unsafe or unpleasant, we can absolutely pause, reschedule or adapt the session. But light rain or changing weather often adds character and emotion that simply cannot be recreated artificially.

Amy and Harley’s session is the perfect example of why I always encourage clients not to panic if the forecast changes.

Relaxed Equine Photography in Derbyshire

My approach to equine photography is always relaxed and natural. You do not need your horse to stand perfectly still or behave flawlessly for every second of the session. Some of the best photographs come from genuine interaction, movement and simply enjoying time together with your horse.

Whether we have golden sunshine, moody skies or unexpected rain showers, every session tells its own story.

And honestly? Sometimes the unpredictable moments become the ones you treasure most.

Thinking About Booking Your Own Horse Photoshoot?

If you are considering an equine photography session in Derbyshire or the Midlands but feel nervous about the weather, your horse behaving perfectly or even being in front of the camera yourself, please do not worry. Sessions are designed to feel relaxed, enjoyable and completely tailored to you and your horse.

The goal is simply to capture your connection naturally and create timeless images that you will treasure for years to come.