Robin (Alfie)
These images captures a quiet moment of observation, focusing on a robin in its natural environment. Through this photograph, I was interested in documenting both the character of the bird and the subtle details of its presence, using composition and timing to preserve a fleeting moment in nature. Although outside my equine practice, images such as this reflect my wider interest in observing and photographing the natural world.
This robin holds a special place at the horse yard and carries a deeper significance beyond being a wildlife subject. He began appearing shortly after the loss of a much-loved horse named Alfie, who passed away on 24 November 2025. What made his arrival feel especially meaningful was one unusual detail — this robin has no tail.
As robins are known for having distinctive tails, this small difference felt impossible to ignore. In a way that resonated deeply with those at the yard, it echoed the horse we had lost, who had passed without a tail. Since then, the robin has remained a familiar presence, feeding and nesting nearby, and we came to name him Alfie in honour of the horse.
Photographing him has been one of the most surreal and personal moments within my practice. These images are not simply wildlife photographs, but documents of memory, symbolism, and connection. For me, they represent how photography can hold meaning beyond what is immediately visible, preserving not just a subject, but the stories and emotions attached to it.