Capturing a Whisper Between Human and Horse: An Award-Winning Moment

2 new awards for the month of August 2024

There’s something truly magical about the Irish countryside—its rugged charm, the rolling hills, and, in this case, a wild horse that decided to join us during John and Sally’s wedding portrait session. For any photographer, moments like these are the reason we love what we do. When the unexpected becomes the unforgettable.

A Whisper Between Human and Nature
It was during John and Sally’s intimate bride and groom portraits, the kind of time where the couple gets to step away and just breathe after the whirlwind of the ceremony. As we wandered through the countryside, an old stone wall bordered the field, and out of nowhere, a wild horse gently poked its head over to greet us.

Sally, naturally, moved closer to the animal, reaching out to rub the horse. What struck me as I framed the shot was the gentleness in the air. The horse closed its eyes, as though fully at peace in this quiet exchange. In that moment, there was a kind of whisper between human and animal—soft, fragile, and timeless. The Irish landscape, with its soft greens and the ancient stone, added depth to the photograph, giving it a sense of serenity.

A Horse’s Blessing
Not long after, John and Sally shared a kiss, and as I adjusted my camera, I noticed the horse in the background—still there, still watching. The scene felt blessed by nature itself. These were the kinds of moments you don’t orchestrate; they simply unfold, and when they do, you’re lucky to be there to capture them.

These images ended up being two of my proudest captures, not just because they came out beautifully, but because they captured the spirit of the day. The quiet romance between the couple and the silent, watching horse—a scene that, in many ways, reflects the peacefulness of rural Ireland.

The Wedisson Award Achievement
When I entered these photos into the Wedisson Awards, it wasn’t with any expectation of winning. After all, Wedisson is one of the most prestigious platforms for wedding photographers, and the competition is fierce. Every month, photographers from all over the world submit their best work, hoping to be recognized among the best. To be selected, even once, feels like a huge achievement.

Winning the award that month felt especially meaningful because the photos were not only technically sound but deeply personal. They reflected the spontaneity and raw emotion of John and Sally’s day, along with a bit of Irish magic.

For those unfamiliar with Wedisson, it’s an international wedding photography contest that recognizes the top wedding photographers. Winning a Wedisson is no small feat—there are thousands of submissions every month from some of the world’s top photographers. To have my work stand out and be acknowledged is a humbling experience and a testament to the unique moments we captured that day.

Why It Matters
As a wedding photographer, capturing moments like these is what I live for. The quiet, unscripted exchanges between couples, the unexpected guests (like a curious horse), and the beautiful Irish scenery that frames it all. It’s not just about creating pretty pictures but telling the story of a couple’s day in a way that they’ll look back on for years to come. Winning awards like the Wedisson is a lovely validation, but at the end of the day, it’s these moments that matter most to me.

So if you’re planning your wedding in Ireland, and you’re looking for a photographer who can capture not just the big moments but also the small, quiet ones that make your day unique, I’d be honored to be part of your story. Whether it’s a horse peeking over a wall or the Irish landscape whispering its secrets to you, we’ll capture it all—beautifully and authentically.

And a special thank you to John and Sally for trusting me with their day and to Wedisson for the recognition.