Golden Hour Magic: Three Sisters and Their Horses at Lourensford

Some shoots feel like they’re touched with a little bit of magic, and this equine session with three sisters and their beloved horses at Lourensford Wine Estate was exactly that. The setting alone—sunlight pouring through the trees, golden hour wrapping everything in its warm glow, and the peaceful charm of their stable yard—was enough to make the day feel special. But what truly made this shoot unforgettable was the connection between the sisters and their horses.

Equine Photography in Cape Town.

The atmosphere of golden hour is something every photographer dreams of. That gentle, honeyed light softens everything it touches, creating an ethereal glow that feels straight out of a fairytale. On this particular evening at Lourensford, the light seemed to linger just a little longer, bathing the stables, fields, and forest edges in warmth. The sisters, dressed beautifully and comfortable in the presence of their horses, looked as though they belonged to the landscape itself. It was a reminder of how powerful natural light can be in telling a story—it doesn’t just illuminate, it breathes life into every frame.

Each horse had such a unique personality, and it was an absolute joy to capture them in their element. The elegant grey Arab, with his sweet little companion always nearby, radiated gentleness. There’s something about Arabs that carries an almost mystical quality—their proud carriage, fine features, and expressive eyes. Yet what struck me most about this one was his softness. He leaned into his owner’s presence with trust, and the bond between the two of them was so natural and calming. His smaller companion often wandered close by, adding a touch of whimsy to the shoot, reminding me of how horses often find comfort not only in humans but also in each other.

Then came the striking 5-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred, whose stature was nothing short of impressive. Towering yet graceful, he had a presence that immediately drew you in. His glossy coat glistened in the fading sunlight, catching every strand of warmth the golden hour had to offer. But what made it even more captivating was how perfectly he complemented his owner—her flowing red hair catching the light alongside his gleaming chestnut coat. The two of them, both red-heads, felt like a natural pair in front of the camera, their connection radiating in every shot. It wasn’t just about their striking physical resemblance—it was about how effortlessly they moved together, a quiet dance between horse and rider that spoke volumes about trust and understanding.

And then there was Nikita, the big bay mare with all the sass and plenty of attitude. From the moment we began photographing her, she made her presence known. With ears flicking, eyes sharp, and a bold confidence about her, she brought an energy that was infectious. Horses like Nikita remind me why variety in personality is such a gift for a photographer. Every flick of her tail, every glance, carried character. She was fun, fiery, and beautiful, and her rider handled her with just the right balance of affection and patience. Together, they created photos that were both powerful and full of life.

What stood out most to me throughout the session was not only how well-behaved each of the horses were, but also how naturally the sisters connected with them. Horses can be unpredictable, but on this evening, there was an unspoken harmony. Each sister seemed completely at ease, and each horse responded with calmness and trust. There were no forced moments, no need to rush—just genuine bonds unfolding in front of the lens.

Equine Photography in Cape Town.

As the evening came to a close, the golden light softened into dusk, and I felt grateful to have witnessed something so timeless. Equine shoots like this are why I love what I do—capturing relationships that run deep, between family and between horse and rider, set against the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Town. At Lourensford Wine Estate, with the sun dipping behind the trees and three sisters sharing moments with their horses, it all came together in a way that felt more like memory-making than photography.

It was a reminder that photographs are more than images—they’re a way of holding onto the magic of a moment, long after the sun has set.