Late April into May is one of the most special times of year on Dartmoor. It’s the season when new life arrives, foals finding their feet for the very first time, staying close to their mothers as they begin to understand the world around them.
There’s something incredibly raw and honest about these early days. Wobbly legs, quiet moments of reassurance, and the first sparks of curiosity, it’s a privilege to witness, and even more so to photograph.
Giving Space – The First Rule of Photographing Foals
At this time of year, the mares will often move away from the herd to foal, keeping themselves and their newborns separate for the first couple of weeks.
Because of this, distance and respect are everything.
I always switch to a longer lens, typically 200mm or more, so I can observe and photograph without intrusion. These early days are critical for bonding, and the last thing we want to do is disrupt that natural process.
As the foals grow in confidence and begin to rejoin the herd, their behaviour changes. They become more inquisitive, often approaching out of curiosity. When that happens, I’ll quietly step back, allowing them space while maintaining that trust.
Photographing Foals – Keeping It Natural
Photographing foals isn’t about getting closer, it’s about working with the moment.
One of the most important techniques I use is lowering my perspective. I’ll often sit or lie on the ground to bring myself down to their level. This helps maintain their natural proportions and creates a much more intimate, engaging image.
Using a longer lens also allows me to isolate those small, fleeting moments:-
a foal nuzzling its mother,
a first playful step,
or simply standing quietly in the landscape.
These are the moments that tell the real story.
A Short Window That Changes Quickly
What makes this time so special is how quickly it passes.
Within just a few weeks, those fragile, tentative movements are replaced with confidence and energy. The foals begin to explore, interact, and truly become part of the herd.
Photographically, it’s a unique window, one that offers something completely different to any other time of year on the moor.
Experience It for Yourself
May through June is, without question, one of the best times to join me on Dartmoor.
My 1-1 photography workshops are designed to give you the opportunity to experience these moments first-hand, learning how to approach, observe, and photograph ponies in a way that is both respectful and rewarding.
It’s not just about taking images,it’s about understanding behaviour, reading the scene, and being part of the landscape.
📖 A Glimpse into Wild Dartmoor
Many of the moments captured in my book, Wild Dartmoor, come from times like these, quiet encounters, natural behaviour, and the connection between ponies and the landscape they shape.
If you’re drawn to this way of photographing, the book will give you a deeper insight into that world.
