Highside Farm Shoot
High Sun: An Equine Photoshoot at High Side Farm, Bassenthwaite
Capturing the perfect equine portrait is always a thrilling challenge, but our recent shoot with Jess and her gorgeous horse, Poppy, definitely tested our adaptability! We set up camp in the stunning surroundings of Bassenthwaite, right in the heart of Cumbria, for a day of brilliant sunshine and incredible views.
Overcoming the Midday Sun
While a bright, cloudless sky sounds ideal, high heat and harsh sun are actually some of the trickiest conditions for a photographer. Harsh shadows and squinting eyes (both human and equine!) mean you have to work fast, find the right angles, and use the light creatively.
Thankfully, Jess made my job an absolute breeze. She turned Poppy out absolutely immaculately—every inch of her coat shone in the Cumbrian sun, and her tail and maine were perfection. When a horse and rider look that good, it makes chasing the right light worth every second.
The Perfect Backdrop: High Side Farm
Our base for the day was High Side Farm in Bassenthwaite, and I honestly cannot recommend this venue enough. Nestled against the dramatic Skiddaw mountain range with sweeping views over the valley, it is an absolute dream location for equine photography.
Beyond being a fantastic backdrop for a photoshoot, High Side Farm offers some incredible accommodation options, ranging from cozy glamping to beautiful holiday cottages. In fact, looking around the stunning grounds, I’ve already secretly earmarked it for a future trip—I’m definitely hoping to book a relaxing break there sometime soon for me and my wife!
Creating the Portfolio
Despite the heat, the connection between Jess and Poppy was beautiful to witness and capture. The harsh light eventually gave way to softer tones, allowing us to create some truly striking, fine-art images that I am incredibly proud to add to my portfolio.
A huge thank you to Jess for her hard work, to Poppy for being a superstar model, and to High Side Farm for having us.
Keep an eye on the gallery to see the final edits from this gorgeous Bassenthwaite shoot!
