Northumberland Horse Photoshoot – Lesley and Benson
This article shares Lesley and Benson’s Northumberland horse photoshoot with equine portrait photographer Emma Campbell.
When a horse has been part of your life for many years, they become far more than a horse.
They become part of your everyday routine, your memories, and the many moments you have shared together.
For Lesley, that horse is Benson, a 15hh piebald hairy cob with the kindest soul, the gentlest nature and a personality that everyone seems to fall in love with. At 27 years young, Benson is not just a horse, but very much part of the family.
Benson, Lesley’s 27 year’s young piebald cob.
Why this portrait session mattered
For Lesley, this horse photoshoot in Northumberland was a chance to celebrate Benson just as he is now – full of character, spark and personality.
It was about capturing the connection they share and creating portraits that would become lasting memories of her very special boy.
Benson’s story
Lesley has known Benson since he was just four years old, when he arrived at the same yard where she kept her own two horses back in 2004.
Over the years, their lives kept gently crossing paths. A friend’s daughter bought Benson in 2010, and Lesley began loaning him in 2014. Then, in 2017, Benson officially became hers.
Benson has always been known as a kind and gentle soul. Full of character and loved by everyone who knows him.
In 2024, Benson unfortunately became very poorly and it was touch and go whether he would pull through. Thankfully, he did, and the best day of all was the day Lesley was able to bring him home.
A Northumberland Horse Photoshoot
On the day of Lesley and Benson’s portrait session, the weather was overcast. Although Lesley had been hoping for sunshine, the softer light actually worked beautifully for what we had planned.
At the yard, Lesley showed me that we had access to a rapeseed field, which was perfect. Strong sunshine would have been too harsh against the bright yellow flowers, but the overcast conditions gave us gentle, flattering light and a lovely setting for their portraits.
Why older horse portraits are so important
Photographing older horses is always incredibly special.
There is a depth to these relationships that only comes with time, often built through many shared years and experiences between horse and owner.
These sessions are not about perfection. They are about celebrating your horse as they are now and creating portraits that become more meaningful with every passing year.
A few kind words from Lesley
Lesley kindly shared these words after receiving her finished artwork:
“Emma’s work is amazing. Out came the hankies at my online viewing. Leaking eyes when I saw the images. It was incredibly difficult to choose as they were all beautiful.
Two weeks after the shoot, my artwork arrived. I was blown away by my portraits. Treasured memories of my gorgeous old boy captured so beautifully forever.
I have no hesitation in recommending Emma.”
Would you love a Horse Photoshoot in Northumberland?
Here’s what to expect from your session
If you are based in Northumberland or the North of England and would love to celebrate the relationship you have with your horse, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Your horse does not need to be perfectly behaved. You do not need to feel confident in front of the camera. And you do not need to know exactly what you want before we begin.
I will guide you through the whole experience, from planning your session to choosing the finished artwork you would love to enjoy in your home.
If you would love to create natural, meaningful portraits with your horse, perhaps this is your sign to finally make it happen.
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About the author
Emma Campbell is a professional horse portrait photographer and Master Craftsman (MCrGPP) with over 30 years’ experience capturing horses and their owners.
An award-winning photographer, Emma won Overall Winner, Image of the Year (Judges’ Choice) and Equine Image of the Year with The Guild of Photographers in 2020.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Business and is recognised as one of the first photographers to achieve Master Craftsman status in equine photography with The Guild.
In 2024, Emma became a Panel Member, Judge and Mentor with The Guild of Photographers and has judged at ClickMasters Live and The British Photography Awards. Her work has featured in equestrian and photography publications and has been exhibited at the Design Museum, London.
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Emma Campbell
HORSE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Coverage
Emma Campbell is a Master Craftsman horse portrait photographer based in Cumbria.
She photographs horses and their amazing owners across the North of England, Cheshire, North Wales and Southern/Borders Scotland.
UK wide on request.
© 2026 | Emma Campbell Photography | Horse Portrait Photographer