Bridging Generations Through Equine Bonds
Family and Horses at Peak Performance
On a warm…. ok HOT, sunshine filled day at Peak Performance Horses in St. Augustine, FL, I had the distinct pleasure of capturing a session that felt deeply personal to me. It was more than just a photoshoot; it was a bit of a mirror to my own childhood memories, showcasing the bond between family members and their horses. This day with Kelly, her daughter Ava, husband David, and their adorable dogs, Beatrice and Archie, was a beautiful reminder of the connections that horses foster between us.
Growing up, horses were the heartbeat of my family, especially between my mother and me. They were our shared passion, our common ground, and the backdrop to many of our happiest moments together. Watching Kelly and Ava interact with Roland, Jake, and Pilgrim, I couldn't help but see reflections of the relationship my mother and I share. Like us, Kelly and Ava find their best times together in the company of horses, an experience I know all too well and cherish deeply.
Our session began beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree in the main horse pasture where I photographed the “full family portrait” that included all the human family members, three horses and the two dogs. This is always a little tricky BUT it is totally worth it to the families I photograph when we work together to create the scene.
As the morning progressed and we turned our focus to the horses, the parallels between my past and this session grew even stronger. Roland's goofy nature, Jake's resilient and steady gaze, and Pilgrim's serene presence brought to life the unique personalities of horses I've known and loved. Photographing Kelly and Ava with these sweet and loved horses, I was witnessing the kind of unspoken communication and mutual respect that had defined my own experiences with horses. It was a dance of trust and understanding, a reminder of the countless hours my mother and I had spent riding, grooming, and simply being with our horses.
“Every shoot I’ve done with Cara has been so fun and produced such amazing photos! She has an amazing ability to capture all of my horses’ personalities and really enhance them. Even in crazy florida heat she’s always so willing to go above and beyond to get the perfect shot. I would 100% choose her again for photos! 🧡”
The black background studio portraits in the barn's alleyway offered a dramatic contrast to the day's earlier shots, highlighting the individual beauty of each horse. It was a chance to capture the kindness in Jake’s eye and the unique markings of Roland and Pilgrim. They looked stunning against the dark interior of the barn alley way.
Documenting the Kelly and Ava’s achievements in the show ring added a layer of depth to the day's narrative. Each ribbon and belt buckle was a testament to the dedication, hard work, and love that go into equestrian sports. It reminded me of my own family's celebrations of our equestrian achievements, moments that were as much about honoring our bond with our horses and time spent as a family as they were about the victories themselves.
The session concluded with the creation of stunning equine art including three round farmhouse framed portraits of each horse, a choice that will work beautifully together on the walls of their home. These artworks are not just decorative pieces; they are unique to their family and will provide a smile every single time they walk by them in their home.
At Fast Horse Photography, I strive to offer a luxurious, full-service experience that goes beyond capturing images to celebrating the unique stories and bonds of my clients. This session at Peak Performance Horses was particularly special to me, as it reflected the cherished bond between Kelly and Ava—a bond that resonates with my own experiences with my mother and our shared love for horses. It was a vivid reminder of why I am so passionate about equine photography: because at its heart, it's about capturing the timeless connections that shape our lives, just as horses have shaped mine.
