Farleigh Aramis sunrise beach photoshoot

by Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn | Oct 21, 2019

It took some special people to join me at first light, before sunrise for a North Queensland Equine photoshoot on the beach. Having a fond love for photographing on our Victorian horse friendly beaches, I was delighted to photograph on one of the iconic beaches that hug the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.

Our model is Farleigh Aramis, a 5 year old, Australian Riding Pony, affectionately known as Butter at home. He was bred by Farleigh Stud in Armidale NSW, where the ponies are famous for their temperament and quality.

Joëlle Verfürth of Speewah Equestrian Centre purchased Butter as a yearling and they have shown in-hand successfully, and it’s no wonder with his quality. He will begin is show riding career in 2020 with their sights set on Royal Show level.

In my pre-planning consultation we decided that a beach session would allow us to create beautiful wall art for Joëlle’s home for her to treasure forever. Usually, I ask that the horse we photograph visits the beach prior to our session so we don’t have a fearful looking horse. As time wasn’t on our side prior to the session, we decided to allow him to get use to the early morning atmosphere without any pressure. And this gave me a wonderful opportunity to quietly capture their connection while Joëlle connected with her boy, reassuring him that he is in a safe place as he visits the beach for the first time. We were thrilled at how much he loved the water as this really helped me photograph his personality and create lovely action photographs whilst he was on a lunge line.

One of the reasons I love sunrise photography is the light. From first light to sunrise there can be beautiful intense colours rapidly changing. As a photographer, this allows me to capture something special and unique. I love how light falls on the horse and shapes him to bring him to life. Crisp early mornings can liven a horse and enhance their striking movement, making them more showy in front of my camera.

On this gorgeous Queensland morning it was a balmy 24 degrees – very different from our Victorian weather where in October as a storm rolls in, it brings snow to our peaks. Butter has a playful personality, and his new found love of the water brought out his playfulness. At home, Butter has a high play drive. He loves to play with yoga balls and he loves to chase other horses with a lunge whip in his mouth, says Joëlle.

“Just magic, you really have captured his natural beauty so well! I am over the moon with these photos and with my horse. Highly recommend photos with Equine Photography By Rachel Flynn, It was such a fun, relaxed and personalised experience.” Joëlle Verfürth, QLD.

Would you like unique Equine wall art of YOUR horse?

Rachel is returning to Far North Queensland in June 2020

Together we will create beautiful memories for you to treasure forever of your beloved best friend.

Rachel’s photography extends from incredible scenic images, stunning equine portraits,
creatively directed images and equine event photography.

Reserve your spot now to avoid disappointment!