Lara & Wiz
San Juan Capistrano, CA
There’s something truly special about an equestrian session at golden hour—the way the light spills across the barn, catching the soft outlines of dust in the air, the gentle glow reflecting off a horse’s coat, and the peaceful energy that settles in as the day comes to a close. This mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography at Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA, was nothing short of magical, and I was so grateful to be there to witness it.
The Location: Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center
Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center is a stunning venue for capturing the beauty of both horses and riders. With its charming stables, open arenas, and scenic views, it offered the perfect setting for this session. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the entire barn seemed to glow, creating an atmosphere that felt warm, intimate, and cinematic—a dream for any photographer.
The Dynamic Duo: Lara & Wiz
Every equestrian session has its own unique energy, and this one was all about playfulness and personality. Lara & Wiz were the perfect pair—cheeky, full of character, and effortlessly connected. From the very start, Wiz made sure to keep us entertained with his expressive ears, playful nudges, and larger-than-life presence. It was clear he knew he was the star of the show, and he soaked up every second of the attention.
Lara, equally as fun-spirited, embraced Wiz’s antics with laughter, showcasing the deep bond they share. Whether it was a candid moment of him trying to sneak a nibble of her sleeve, or a perfectly posed shot where they looked like something out of a storybook, every interaction between them was genuine and heartwarming.
The Beauty of Golden Hour Photography
Golden hour is often referred to as the “magic hour” for a reason, and this session proved exactly why. The soft, golden light wrapped around Lara and Wiz, accentuating every detail—the rich tones of his coat, the highlights in her hair, and the warmth of their connection. It’s the kind of lighting that makes everything feel timeless, adding an ethereal quality to the images.
Ashleigh’s ability to harness this light while maintaining the focus on the natural moments between horse and rider was incredible to watch. She guided Lara effortlessly, ensuring the session felt relaxed and authentic rather than overly posed. Seeing this in action was such a valuable learning experience, reinforcing just how much thought goes into crafting those perfect, effortless-looking images.
A Session to Remember
This mentoring session was a reminder of why horse and rider photography is so much more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing a relationship, a history, and a moment in time that can never be replicated. Lara and Wiz’s playful energy, combined with the dreamy golden light, made for a session that felt straight out of a fairytale.
If you’ve ever thought about doing a horse and rider session, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether it’s a quiet sunset ride, a joyful bareback moment, or just standing side by side soaking in the moment, these sessions capture the deep love and trust between a rider and their horse in a way that words simply can’t.
Would you ever do a golden hour horse and rider session with your equine partner? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your dream session!
