Model for a day

H&R reader, Rowena, won the chance to feature in the #equetechrealrider fashion campaign in the May issue of H&R. We went behind-the-scenes on the photoshoot

The four winning models – Rowena, Tam, Lissie and Tracy – were an equal mix of excited and nervous when they arrived at the venue. None of them had done any modelling before, but the expert team of stylist, hair and makeup, and Equetech’s Director, Liz Hayman, soon put them at ease.

First was hair styling, followed by makeup. Once the models were prepped, it was time to try on outfits. Styling is an essential component of a shoot and Liz helped the ladies adjust their outfits so they looked their very best.

Time to get in front of the camera and first up were individual competition outfit shots. After some test pictures to check the lighting levels and help everyone relax, the results were gorgeous! Next up were group competition outfit shots in the studio with a white background before everyone changed out of their outfits.

A fashion shoot needs feeding, so the team sat down to lunch and glasses of prosecco all round to celebrate the success of the morning. In the afternoon it was time to switch to casual outfits, shot on an atmospheric dark grey background.

Rowena explained: “It’s been a real eye opener for me as I’ve never done anything like this before. It was so exciting to have my hair and makeup done, get some styling advice and, although it was a bit scary, have my photo taken. Everyone at the shoot was lovely and so friendly. It was really encouraging and I just can’t wait to see the images and my photo in Horse&Rider. I told my farrier and he even said he’d buy a copy! Everyone has been so pleased for me winning this competition.”