What Can I Offer
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Equestrian event coverage
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Sporting event coverage
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After event online galleries
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Social media content
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Editorial content
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Commercial photography
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Social event coverage
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Drone footage & aerial photography
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Behind The Lens
My Name is Debra J Stokes.
Welcome To My Portfolio Of Work
This website is a showcase of my current work and a result of combining my two passions in life. Drawing on my equestrian experience and photography knowledge I take immense pride in producing images that represent horses and riders at their very best. I believe it requires perfect timing, interesting perspectives and engaging composition to capture unique moments of sporting action and competitor's raw emotions. There's nothing quite like the sense of achievement I feel when it all comes together to produce a memorable image. I have successfully transferred these skills to other sports, especially motocross and enduro, as I find these two and eventing complement each other perfectly.
I am based in the UK and my love of photographing sports takes me all over the country. I am open to travelling abroad and welcome any opportunities to expand my coverage. My goal is to develop a body of work that will continue to grow and reflect my passion for all sports.
How It All Started
Like a lot of young girls I was horse mad growing up. I started riding at age 6 and when I reached 18 I left everything behind in order to fulfil an ambition to enter the equestrian world and work with horses. My parents smiled and sent me off saying that I would be home within 6 months, fed up with the hard work and having run out of money. They could not have been more off the mark. I did run out of money but for over 25 years I immersed myself in the Equine Industry, living my best life as a competitive rider, Yard Manager, travelling groom and horse owner. I had found my place in the world.
My interest in bikes stems from my brother. Mirroring my love of horses from an early age he developed the same passion for motorbikes.
I bought my first camera aged 15 and fell immediately in love with photography as a creative outlet. It was much later in life, when my mum gifted me a place on a photographyworkshop that the bar was raised for me in terms of what I wanted to achieve.
Now specialising in Equestrian Sports, I am on a mission to put myself in as many different situations as I can so that I may continue to challenge myself, develop and grow as a creative photographer. Although, I have experience in many other areas of photography, my main focus and passion will always be with horses.
If you see something in my work that captures your interest and would like to discuss any opportunities, please get in touch.
Whats In The Bag?
Sony A7III, Sony A7RIII
Sony FE 16-35mm /f2.8 GM
Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS
Sony FE 70-200 f2.8mm GM OSS
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Events Attended in 2019
Burghley Horse Trials
Badminton Horse Trials
Houghton International Horse Trials
Chatsworth International Horse Trials
Bramham International Horse Trials
Sandringham Driving Trials
Barbury Horse Trials
Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing
Inspiration
One of my career highlights as a competitor came in 1989 early on in my eventing days, when I had my picture taken for Eventing Magazine with one of my hero's Pippa Funnell (Nolan back then) when we both won our Novice sections at Crew's Hill one day event. Cheesy grin on my face says it all.
