Dodderhill Equestrian Centre
At Louise Ward Photography, I specialise in capturing the beauty, power, and personality of horses and the people who love them. Based at the stunning Dodderhill Equestrian Centre, I’m surrounded by the landscapes, light, and atmosphere that make every session feel natural, relaxed, and full of character.
Whether you’re looking for timeless portraits, action‑filled ridden shots, or heartfelt moments that celebrate the bond between horse and rider, my aim is to create images that feel authentic and unforgettable. With a friendly, patient approach and a deep understanding of equine behaviour, I ensure every session is enjoyable for both you and your horse.
From first contact to final gallery, I’m committed to delivering a professional, personal experience—and photographs you’ll treasure for years.
Hello!
I’m Louise Ward, an equine and wildlife photographer whose journey began long before I ever stepped behind a professional lens. My love for photography started when I was around ten years old, after my Grandad gifted me a panoramic camera—something small, but powerful enough to spark a lifelong passion.
In 2018, after suffering a serious spinal injury that caused constant nerve pain down my right leg, photography became more than a hobby—it became a lifeline. I picked up a Canon Powershot SX430 IS to distract myself from the pain, photographing garden birds, planes overhead, and the moon. That simple act of creating images helped me rediscover joy and purpose during a difficult time.
By January 2019, I invested in my first DSLR, the Canon 750D, and from there my skills, equipment, and ambition grew rapidly. I taught myself full manual settings—ISO, aperture, shutter speed, white balance—because I wanted complete creative control over every shot. Today, my kit includes professional bodies and lenses such as the Canon 7D Mark II, Tamron 70–300mm, Sigma 150–600mm, and the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for portrait work.
My work has been recognised across the UK, including:
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Category winner in the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust competition (2020)
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Category winner in the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust competition (2022), selected by Iolo Williams
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Featured on BBC Winterwatch (2022)
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Northern Lights image featured on BBC News, ITV News, BBC Midlands Today, and ITV Central (2023)
These milestones reflect not just technical skill, but a deep love for capturing the natural world and now, the equestrian world.
I've known Arron from our days at Catshill First School, all the way through to North Bromsgrove High School. With life, we went our separate ways, I myself joined the British Army and Arron went onto to become not only an amazing horse rider but an incredible equestrian teacher. I hadn't seen Arron for 'cough cough' nearly thirty years!
It's been a year since I received a message from Arron asking if I'd like to be the photographer down at Dodderhill, something which I was initially nervous about due to having never attempted equestrian photography before, but I accepted the challenge and have gone from strength to strength! Learning how capture poses with ears forward, cantering leg poses, black background photography and more recently Holi powder photography.
What I Do at Dodderhill Equestrian Centre
Based at the beautiful Dodderhill Equestrian Centre, I specialise in equine photography that celebrates the bond between horse and rider. The centre's peaceful atmosphere, open spaces, and natural scenery create the perfect backdrop for authentic, expressive images.
My work at Dodderhill includes:
📸 Horse & Rider Portrait Sessions
Elegant, emotive portraits that capture personality, connection, and the unique story you share with your horse.
🏇 Ridden & Action Photography
Dynamic shots that freeze movement, power, and precision—ideal for riders who want to showcase their horse’s athleticism.
🐴 Horse-Only Portraits
Beautiful standalone images that highlight your horse’s character, expression, and presence.
🌿 Natural, Relaxed Sessions
I work patiently and calmly, ensuring horses feel comfortable and riders feel confident. My understanding of equine behaviour helps me anticipate moments and capture them at their best.
🖼️ Professional Editing & Retouching
Every image is carefully refined to bring out detail, colour, and atmosphere while keeping the final result natural and true to life.
🐴📦Package prices
Bronze level:
£60 for an hour shoot, 5 edited non-watermarked full resolution (300DPI) digital images and one 7x5 mounted print of your choice.
Silver level:
£80 for an hour shoot, 10 edited non-watermarked full resolution (300DPI) digital images and one 7x5 mounted print of your choice.
Gold level:
£100 for an hour shoot, 10 edited non-watermarked full resolution (300DPI) digital images, two 7x5 mounted prints and one 12x8 mounted print.
Please note:
A £30 non-refundable booking fee also applies – this covers your photo shoot and secures your time slot. Payable to Dodderhill Equestrian Centre directly.
