Gold Award Winning Image

24th November 2009

Fantastic news – I have received the Gold Award in the monthly print competition run by the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers for my image of Swift.

Bye for now_F

Winter Deals

Equine Portraiture Shoot – only £75

Although you may not think so winter is an ideal time to have your Equine Portrait shoot.

The change in the seasons provides autumnal colours, frosty mornings, mist – in short lots of atmosphere.

To take advantage of this great offer the shoot must take place before 28th January 2010.

For Equine Portraiture details please go www.fionacrawford.co.uk and select the ‘Services’ section, select Portrait, More Information and open the PDF. or click the below link.

http://www.fionacrawford.co.uk/sections/portrait/PersonalEquestrianPortrait.pdf

To make your booking please contact me via email, text or phone;
info@fionacrawford.co.uk
07973 678 251, 01363 776226 (pls do leave a message)

Christmas Vouchers – only £125

An Equine Portraiture Shoot makes an ideal gift for Christmas. Purchase your Christmas voucher before 15th December 2009 for the special price of only £125.

The vouchers are valid for use anytime in 2010

To purchase your voucher please do so via my website www.fionacrawford.co.uk under ‘Buy Images’ –
‘Gifts’ or email, text or phone me to get in touch;
info@fionacrawford.co.uk
07973 678 251, 01363 776226 (pls do leave a message)

Bye for now_F

MPC Camp

26th & 27th October 2009

It a whole host of ‘lasts’ for me as the season draws to a close. This was the last Pony Club camp at Stockland Lovell for this year. Again the weather was unseasonably warm. The kids were up for jumping anything they could so we all had a brilliant couple of days and they have a whole bunch of found memories and the images to go with them.

Bye for now_F

QPC & WSPC Hunter Trial

18th October 2009

The last Hunter Trial of the season for me and luck was on our side. The weather was fantastic and the ‘stick pile’ jump out the back of the course was massive – so lots of colourful, exciting, dramatic images to finish the XC season off with a bang!

Bye for now_F

Vicky, Emma, Eddie & Frank

Lucy & Swift

Trish & Lotti

Woodspring Riding Club Camp

24th September 2009

Pontispool Sports Centre

SLM Camp

18th Sept 2009

The last Stockland Lovell Manor adult camp of the season and what a fantastic time we had. As I think the above images show.

Bye for now_F

Blenheim Palace Horse Trials - 2009

Prize winners announced;

I had such a fantastic time at Blenheim.

The lucky winner of my Blenheim Prize of a free ‘Personal Portrait Shoot’ to include one mounted and framed image was won by Georgina Govier.

The two runners-up were Hannah Campbell & Kate Lee; both receive a free ‘Personal Portrait Shoot’.

Do remember even though you did not win you can still take advantage of my ‘10% off ‘ Blenheim discount if you book a portrait shoot by Wednesday 14th October. More information on all my products can be found on my Services page on my website

Bye for now_F

SDRC Camp

8th Sept 2009

Above are a collection of some of the best images from the South Devon Riding Club Camp at Stockland Lovell Manor.

Bye for now_F

KVRC Camp

5th Sept 2009

Above are a few images from yet another fabulous day with some familiar faces at their last camp of the season with the Kennet Vale Riding Club Camp at Stockland Lovell Manor.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

1st September 2009

The last meeting of the summer jumping season at Newton Abbot today. It always flies by - so roll on March 2010.

I am available over the winter for any racing commisions so do get in touch. I don't need much of an excuse to head off to our local winter courses!

Keep my Equestrian Portraiture Packages in mind for Christmas Gifts - Treat yourself or a loved one to this remarkable experience that will leave you with fond memories and an exquisite set of photographs to treasure for a lifetime.

Bye for now_F

Pony Club Camps

31st August 2009

O.M.G -

The school holidays are over and I am Pony Clubbed out!!It has been a fantastic summer but a bit crazy with pony club camps. They kept me far too busy to blog so I have picked some of the best bits for an image card. A few days of R & R now before heading off to Blenheim Palace Horse Trials with my exhibition stand.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

22nd & 23rd August 2009

It was the two day racing festival at Newton Abbot at the weekend. It was fantastic fun with far too many images for just one image card so I decided to do two! Enjoy.

Bye for now_F

Mendip Farmers Pony Club Camp @ SLM

15th August 2009

This is a lovely little pony club camp. There were only 12 riders which kept the atmosphere really fun and encouraging. It is the minimum number I can take for a day but always really enjoyable as I get to know everyone and don’t have to rush around. They had a morning on the XC course and a mini CT in the afternoon before heading home.

I am fully booked for the rest of the summer for Pony Club camps but do keep me in mind for any Riding Club camps after the summer holidays are over. I still have a few Equestrian Portraiture slots left so it’s well worth getting in touch.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

August 2009

What a difference a week can make. Last Tuesday the rain was coming down in torrents and today we had the most beautiful sunshine for the entire race meet.
It was bliss to have the freedom to photograph without being restricted by wet weather gear. Long may it continue.

The racing was pretty good too. We had full numbers in most of the races so lots of tight finishes and full frames of horses to capture.

The jockey Marcus Foley retired from racing here today, after the presentation his fellow jockeys decided he looked a bit hot and gave him a dunking!

Bye for now_F

Gatcombe Festival of Eventing

10th August 2009

Prize winners announced;

I had such a fantastic time at Gatcombe and enjoyed some lovely conversations with many of you.

The lucky winner of my Gatcombe Prize of a free ‘Personal Portrait Shoot’ to include one mounted and framed image was won by Vicky Bealing.
The two runners-up were Shan Simpson & Diane Williams, both receive a free ‘Personal Portrait Shoot’.

Do remember even though you did not win this time you can still take advantage of my 10% Gatcombe Event discount if you book a portrait shoot by Friday 14th August. More information on all my products can be found on my Services page on my website.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th August 09

We had two days of brilliant racing however it did feel more like a winter race meet than a summer one! The weather did not play fair for August. The ground staff did an amazing job to keep things going especially on the Tuesday after even more rain over night.
The jockeys came in from racing looking like they had been up at Haldon Hill in January!

It did create a good atmosphere and we are getting used to such a wet summer now that everyone kept smiling in true English fashion. The mud and rain made for some really gritty photos too so I was happy! My camera gear was not so keen but a good waterproof cover saved the day - again...

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Monday 19th July

It was sunshine and showers today – luckily not enough to upset my digital equipment. After every shower came the most exquisite sun which just brought the images to life. The flat races at the end of the day gave me the best results. I have put a mixture in for you to see just how different one day’s results can be.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Monday 13th July 2009

We had a fantastic number of entries for the racing today at Newton Abbot. Monday racing can be a bit flat sometimes but today saw about 80 horses run in the seven races. This does help with the photography – there is so much more atmosphere created by 5-6 horses jumping the hurdle at the same time. It gives a real edge to the image and the viewer can see the skill and the potential danger.

Bye for now_F

Kennet Vale Riding Club Camp

Saturday 11th July

This is the second time this season I have been asked to accompany the Kennet Vale Riding Club to their camp. So I must be doing something right!!
There was a few new faces and rider/horse combinations which livens up proceedings a bit. With just the one instructor I got plenty of time with each rider to get the images they were after. See you all again in September.

Bye for now_F

Millfield 2009 - CPEDIJ1*

5th July 2009

This event is one of those humbling experiences that makes you think about the more important things in life. One – how lucky we all are to have been born in a time of equality and opportunities for all. Two – the overwhelming character/power of the horse.
Today was the Junior Para Dressage International Competition at Millfield School. The children never cease to amaze me with their determination and humour. The horses just bring a tear to my eye, so careful and willing to please.
What more can I say – come along next year and see it for yourself.

Bye for now_F

Solent Riding Club Camp

Friday 3rd June

This is the second time I have covered the Solent Riding Club Camp at Stockland Lovell. They are a fun bunch and as a bit of a change for me they are really into their dressage so I didn’t have to do the miles out on the xc course today. I got to drink coffee, eat cake and sit on the bank of the school and take pictures. I know – it’s a hard life being me….

Bye for now_F

Stockland Lovell Manor - Adult Camp

30th June 2009

It was the third Adult camp at Stockland Lovell Manor for this season; I popped along for the day – their 2nd out of three.
It is always a real joy to photograph and it was another fun packed day with lots of laughter and the infamous water jump took another victim!!!
I couldn’t resist putting this sequence of images on the blog – sorry Janine!

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Tuesday 23rd June

What a fantastic day – the weather was brilliant, the ladies were all well turned out for 'ladies day' and there was a good number of horses for each race.

But best of all we got to see history being made! AP McCoy rode in his 3,000th winner on British soil in the first race of the night, riding Havenstone.

Bye for now_F

Frampton Riding Club Camp

Sunday 21st June 2009

I spent today with lots of familiar faces as I was covering the Frampton Riding Club camp at Stockland Lovell Manor. We had a brilliant day with lots of laughs along the way. The weather has held up a treat this year I couldn’t be happier with the constant sunny days and consistently good results. Long may it continue…

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Tuesday 16th June 2009

It was the second evening meet of the season tonight at Newton Abbot and the first themed night - tonight it was ‘Boys Night Out’. Next week we have Ladies Day, I will let you know who was the better behaved!!
With the longest day fast approaching racing didn’t start until 6.45 pm.
This can be a bit of a battle for me to catch the light right as you get exceedingly long shadows but you do get fantastic warmth to the pictures if the sun stays out.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Monday 8th June

The rain kind of stayed away today – it was that kind of drizzle where you get wet without realising. Not too much though to stop play as they say!

The racing was good – some tight finishes – which means some good shots.
A few thrills and quite a few spills as you can see from the pictures – middle right wanted to complete the race without their jockey and top right wanted to run down unsuspecting photographers!

Please note no photographers were hurt in the taking of this photo..

Bye for now_F

Stockland Lovell Manor Residential Camp

Saturday 6th June

I have decided the sun does not always shine on the righteous.

Today we all got soaked – right through to our underwear! I was covering the adult residential camp at Stockland Lovell. In every single one of these pictures it was chucking it down. With my sturdy waterproof camera cover I didn’t have to stop shooting and was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Although the horses are not shining with the sun they are glistening in the rain!

Bye for now_F

The Royal Cornwall Show

Friday 5th June 2009

I pimped myself out again today – to my dear friends the Pynes’.

It was for the Royal Cornwall Show, on the Friday morning they have at least 6 rings going at the same time and it is impossible for one photographer to do more than one ring. So along came me - I have my uses!!

I had the choice and went for natives again – little ones this time - Dartmoor’s – again a personal favourite. Following them I had the breeding ponies and then the spotties so a very varied day to say the least!

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Thursday 4th June 2009

Today was another great day at the races. We were so lucky with the weather too.

They did move the last hurdle back on the race track so I had to run like the wind – I could have done with my own horse to get back to the parade ring in time! Many of the spectators commented similar to this as I ran past them!

It made me change my angles and position - which is so refreshing. The results were a few cracking shots like the one middle right on the image card. I just love this image, they are just crossing the finish line, the horse is blowing, the glistening sun on their coats and the jockeys are framed with the blue sky and clouds!

Bye for now_F

Wilton Riding Club Camp

2nd June 2009

Nothing but blue skies…. Another fabulous day in the sunshine, all the horses were shinning in their glossy summer clothes.
Today was a commission from the Wilton Riding Club – they really get the most out of their camp – it is such fun as most of the attendees are over-worked mums riding their children’s’ ponies and horses having some well earned time out.
Reliving their childhoods and enjoying the freedom. Guaranteed good models really!

Bye for now_F

J B Equestrain Camp

30th May 2009

I had a commission from a yard in Bristol today; the yard clubbed together and asked me to cover their weekend at Stockland Lovell. They didn’t have any tuition booked just a holiday with their horses. A really nice break for all involved.
So, lots of hacking in the sunshine and playing on the cross country course.
Lots of great photo opportunities thanks to the glorious weather and the relaxed atmosphere.

Bye for now_F

Equine Photo Contest Results

14th May 2009

The results are out from this year’s Equine Ideal Spring 2009 Photo Contest –
I had entered four images into the Professional Divisions.

I am over the moon with my results:

In the Black & White category I was placed 2nd with Lucy & Katie (bottom left)
In the Horses & Humans category I was placed 6th with Maddy & Vegas (top right)
In the Head Study category I was not placed but received an Honourable Mention with Double Trigger (top left)

I received my ribbons (rosettes) in the post yesterday and the judge’s comments were really constructive.

I have added them below too.

Maddy and Vegas from the Professional - Horses and Humans category. Excellent use of light, colors, great exposure, and beautifully posed. The background works very well, too, not to mention the expressions on both their faces. The Pony and His Girl. Well done!

Double Trigger from the Professional - Head Study category. What a great shot, enhanced by a great treatment and absorbing lines. Excellent balance of dark and light, in the background and in the horse himself. Everything ties together quite neatly. This is a marvellous image. I love it. Next time you're fiddling with this picture, try to get some detail in the blaze so we can see where it begins and ends.

Lucy and Katie from the Professional - Black & White category. From the patterns in the shingles on the roof, to the pattern of the horses' heads, to the clapboarding of the walls, this picture is just a delight to behold. The girl on the left is washed out, though, and if you want a picture to work well in B&W, these kinds of details have to be taken care of. Other than that, it's an excellent picture. Anyone could stare at it for hours.

Bye for now_F

Tina & Kate

24th May 2009

Today I got the chance to photograph the last of my voucher winners from Christmas 08. The lucky lady was Tina and her adorable mare Kate.

We met at Stockland Lovell Manor and used the fantastic setting and weather to our advantage.
Both models were naturals making the shoot very quick and easy to manage. Kate loved the idea of being allowed to eat all the yummy dairy grass so was more than happy to pose as needed as long as she could grab a mouthful between shots!

To see all the images from today go to my website http://www.fionacrawford.co.uk/ navigate to my ‘Client Area’ and select ‘Portraiture’.

Bye for now_F

Stockland Lovell Manor Adult Camp

23rd May 2009

Another glorious day today and back to Stockland Lovell Manor to cover their own Adult camp. A pony club camp for adults – it’s a good idea and I think they can get up to a lot more mischief than the kids do!!
It was a fun packed day whizzing around the course, getting shots of everyone.
A high proportion of the riders were concentrating on their flat work this time so I could practice my dressage shots. We had lots of fun on the XC course too as it was still flagged from the previous weekend’s competition so lots of people were having a go against the clock! As always making for some great pictures.

Bye for now_F

Devon County Show

Friday 22nd May 2009

I am in shock – Devon County Show – in the sunshine – it can not be true! Well it was. I haven’t worked there in just shirt sleeves for at least 2, if not 3 years!
I was pimping out my talents again – no morals I know! I worked for Jim, Jeanette and their fantastic team again, with all the trimmings – tea, birthday cake and lots of chocolate. And, I got to pick the ring I wanted to cover – Highland ponies of cause – not that I am at all bias!

Bye for now_F

Gower Riding Club Camp @ Stockland Lovell Manor

Tuesday 19th May 2009

The rain fell on several occasions and when it did it was full on. I spent a lot of time running for cover! But in true Stockland Lovell style the sun shone with the same vigour as the rain falling.
I have covered The Gower Riding Club camp for the past 5 years and they don’t tire of me – which is great.They say it is because I always produce fresh angles and different shots each year. Thank you – it’s always great to hear such nice feedback.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

Monday 18th May 2009

Again some fantastic racing today at Newton Abbot – the sun was shining and the atmosphere was a reflection of that. We had two flat races to finish the day so I had the opportunity to play with some low angles and some cropped in close up work.

Check out all the images – go to my website www.fionacrawford.co.uk and select the ‘Client Area’ then select ‘Newton Abbot – 2009’.

No racing for two weeks now, I will get withdrawal symptoms!!

Bye for now_F

Stockland Lovell Horse Trials

15th, 16th & 17th May 2009

I have just dried out from a very wet and blustery 3 days at Stockland Lovell Manor covering their first BE of the season. The course looked amazing – so many photographic opportunities for me. The fences are always so nicely dressed and have dramatic backdrops. Shame the weather did not play fair – so much pre work goes into these events and I felt so sorry for the organisers, volunteers and competitors alike as the heavy showers and gale force winds kept battering away at all who were present!
We all kept going with true British spirit and I was surprising pleased with the majority of the images. When the sun shone the images just jump out of the page but when the heavens opened you can't but help loose the punch factor of a picture!

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

12th May 2009

I was back at Newton Abbot again today – the season is in full swing now with meetings most weeks through the summer. The weather didn’t play fair tonight – it was overcast and a constant drizzle challenged my skills. But life would be dull if it all went my way wouldn’t it? We had a good number of runners in most of the races so the images were full of colour and movement. A good outcome considering I was up to ISO 3000 for the last race at 8.30pm…sorry boring tech speak!!

Bye for now_F

South Devon Riding Club Camp

10th May 2009

After the excitement of Badminton it was lovely to head back to Stockland Lovell to cover South Devon Riding Club Camp. The instructors were fabulous making the most of the good weather and the ever changing cross country course! The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and I think that reflects in the images.

Bye for now_F

Badminton Horse Trials

8th and 9th May 2009

The past two days are one of the many highlights of my calendar year. Badminton Horse Trials – such a great atmosphere from the competitors and the spectators alike. The dressage arena was almost crackling with the tension – no surprising that some horses couldn’t cope!
The cross country seemed to be a perfect blend of questions and bowling on. Thank you Kit for employing me again this year. Never a dull moment working for the Houghton camp!

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

7th May 2009

We had some fantastic racing today at Newton Abbot – the sun may have not been shining and the crowds had stayed away but they missed lots of close finishes and tight racing. The finishes and the fields were ideal for me today for the photographs, as they were made so much more atmospheric with lots of horses battling for first place.

Bye for now_F

Newquay Riding Club Camp

6th May 2009

I spent today at Stockland Lovell covering Newquay Riding Club Camp. It was there first time at Stockland Lovell so they were all blown away by the facilities. It was a small commission with only 16 riders but it makes for lots of fun as I have more time with everyone. We even got some sheep joining in with the afternoon XC session!!

Bye for now_F

Witheridge Riding Club Camp

28th April 2009

Today was spent with some familiar faces; I have been photographing the Witheridge Riding Club adult camp at Stockland Lovell. Every year they invite me back to photograph their camp. So I must be doing something right! It’s so good to see the progress people make from year to year and this year was no exception. Everyone was jumping out of their skins! Not with fright I need to add.
Go to http://www.fionacrawford.co.uk/ - click on 'Client Area', click on 'Action' and select 'WRC' to see the full works.

Bye for now_F

British Young Rider Dressage Series - SW

25th & 26th April 2009

I have just got returned from two days photographing at the Hand Equestrian Centre just outside Bristol. I was covering the BYRDS South West Dressage Festival for the competitors and the press.
They had a gala on the Saturday night which included Freestyle/Anything Goes to music. It was very entertaining and some of the combinations had put in a huge effort into their routine as well as their costumes. To see all the images from the weekend go to www.fionacrawford.co.uk - navigate to the 'Client Area', select 'Action' and navigate to the 'BYRDS' folder.

Bye for now_F

Newton Abbot Races

24th April 2009

Today saw the first evening meeting of the season at Newton Abbot Racecourse. It was overcast so the horses in the last race could have done with miners’ lamps!! It does mean I can play around with long exposures and the evening light can give quite vivid results. To view the images go to my website www.fionacrawford.co.uk - navigate to the 'client area', click on 'Newton Abbot' and select the meeting date. In the meantime I have put a select few images above for you.

Bye for now_F