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Kaylie & Her Herd: A Windy Afternoon of Magic | Equine Photography in Cape Town

  • Writer: Ashley Chapman
    Ashley Chapman
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

There is something incredibly special about returning to photograph a client whose story I’ve watched unfold through the years. Kaylie and her beautiful herd — Daisy, Toby, and Phoenix — are a perfect example of why I adore this work. Every visit is a reminder of the deep bond she shares with her horses and how her journey with them continues to grow and evolve.

Equine Photography in Cape Town
Equine Photography in Cape Town

When I pulled into the yard for this session, the first thing that greeted me was the unmistakable Cape Town wind — strong, swirling, and full of personality. If you’re from the Western Cape, you know that the wind sometimes feels like an extra guest at your photoshoot! But rather than fight it, we embraced it. The leaves rustled overhead, manes lifted dramatically, and Kaylie’s hair danced in every direction. And somehow, despite the chaos the wind brought with it, the entire scene felt alive and warm. That’s the beauty of Equine Photography — it doesn’t require perfection; it thrives on authenticity. It celebrates real moments, natural movement, and genuine emotion. And this session was overflowing with all three.

One of the biggest joys of the day was seeing Toby. I honestly had to blink twice when I spotted him — he’s grown up so much since our last session that it almost didn’t feel real. There’s a new confidence about him, a presence that wasn’t there before. He’s taller, stronger, and carries himself with a quiet maturity that hints at the incredible horse he is becoming. Yet, at the same time, he hasn’t lost that gentle curiosity. He stayed close to Kaylie, watching her with soft eyes, clearly feeling grounded in her presence. Photographing him felt like capturing a milestone — a moment in time marking how far he’s come.

Equine Photography in Cape Town.
Equine Photography in Cape Town.

Daisy, ever the soulful anchor of the herd, brought her calm, grounding energy to the shoot. There’s something about her that radiates steadiness and wisdom — as if she understands the assignment every time. She positioned herself beautifully under the big tree, ears forward, eyes soft, almost as if she knew it was her moment to shine. And Phoenix, with his lively spark, added the sweetest charm. There’s a playfulness in his expressions and stance that brings balance to the group — a reminder that every herd has its spectrum of personalities, and each one is just as important as the next.


But what stood out the most throughout the afternoon was Kaylie’s connection with her herd. It’s rare to witness such an intuitive bond — one built on trust, tenderness, and years of shared experiences. The way she communicates with them through the slightest gestures… the way they respond to her without hesitation… it’s the kind of relationship that makes Equine Photography so meaningful. Kaylie doesn’t just love her horses — she understands them deeply. And they, in return, trust her wholeheartedly.


Capturing these quiet, honest moments is why I adore photographing horses in Cape Town. Every session reminds me that these images aren’t just photos — they’re pieces of a legacy. They’re chapters in a much bigger story. Clients like Kaylie, who invite me back again and again, allow me to document how their lives — and their horses’ lives — evolve over time. It truly is one of the greatest honours of my work.


Kaylie, thank you once again for choosing me to capture your growing memories. Watching Toby mature, Phoenix flourish, and Daisy remain her steady, gentle self has been such a privilege. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for you and your herd — and to be there with my camera when it arrives.


 
 
 

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©Ashley Chapman

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