Sophie & Minstrel
An evening shoot with Sophie Bird and her horse Minstrel on the beach at Sand Bay. There's a personal connection — Minstrel was produced by my wife Alex, so it was a pleasure to photograph the two of them together.
Sophie and Minstrel powering across the open sands of Sand Bay — there's nothing quite like the feeling of a gallop with the whole beach stretching out ahead of you.
That look when your best mate actually cooperates for the photo. Sophie and Minstrel, side by side where they belong.
The quiet moments between rides are where the real bond lives — Minstrel dropping his head right into Sophie's hands says everything.
No saddle, no agenda — just Sophie draped over Minstrel's neck while he patiently waits, the whole of Sand Bay theirs for the afternoon.
Minstrel decided the best way to pose was to shove his nose right into Sophie's lap — and honestly, her laugh says it all.
Helmet off, hair down, and that look of pure adoration — Sophie glancing up at Minstrel like he hung the moon. He probably thinks he did.
Minstrel decided the photoshoot was the perfect time for cuddles — and honestly, these unscripted moments are always the ones that steal my heart.
Sometimes it feels like he understands every word. This little moment between them needed no colour to tell its story.
The portrait that says it all — two faces, one bond. You can see the trust between them in every detail.
Pure joy — Sophie couldn't stop grinning as she leaned in to hug Minstrel's neck, and his ears-forward expression says he didn't mind one bit.