How did you start in photography?

 

I spent many years in the fashion industry in front of a camera – it turned out that my preference was to be on the other side of the camera!   For me, photography became more than merely a favourite hobby when I started to work for Juddmonte Farms.  I was given the opportunity to develop my ability to photograph horses and included taking conformation photographs of their bloodstock – patience and precision are essential in this side of the industry!  I was also able to witness the re-structuring of an incredible estate which opened up huge opportunities for me to photograph the changing landscape and abundant wildlife. 

 

~ Where did your interest in photography stem from?

 

My family – my father seemed to be attached to his camera and my elder sister also has a great eye for a photograph.

 

~ Where do you take inspiration from? Who influences your work?

 

Peter Beard inspires me – no one influences my work.

 

~ How would you describe your style?

 

I’m not sure how to describe my style – maybe a small insight into my ‘world’ – to capture a moment that otherwise might be missed and hang onto it.  Taking a photograph, whether a horse, a landscape – requires personal involvement – knowing your subject, not just ‘snapping’ is the key.

 

~ How did you become involved in polo photography? What is it about the sport that appeals to your way of taking images?

 

It seemed to be a natural progression – my mother was a member of the club for many years, my ex husband played at the club – I seemed to spend a huge amount of time there so out popped my camera and ‘x’ number of years later… I’m still there! 

 

The fast and furious pace – capturing and conveying in a single shot the movement of horse and rider.

 

~ Your thoughts on Beaufort as a Club? As a place to photograph?

 

I’m a staunch fan – I think it’s fantastic that it remains a family run club.  It’s an incredible stepping stone to greater things – you just have to look at the standard of players who have benefited from this club. 

 

I’m very lucky to be able to have the ‘run’ of the club as their photographer.  I think it is paramount to respect peoples’ privacy and I adhere to this strictly.  Obviously Charity days are a little different, especially when a member of the royal family plays, but I still leave the ‘money’ shots to the melee of photographers on the day (no wonder I still play the lottery!).

 

~ Most memorable Beaufort moment/picture?

 

So many to choose from!  A moment – taking Emma T to hospital when she had broken her wrist – I won’t go into details but it was definitely memorable.  Picture wise, it would have to be Andrea Vianini with his’ Cossack’ style riding!!