Comfort and Class in an Equestrian Lounge from Mari Woods

Right out of the gate, my first project with a new client, Mari Woods, took me to a unique room in a unique location. The owner of an equestrian stable in Rye, NH had asked Mari to design and build a high-end custom lounge, complete with a full bar, into their stable. And not stopping there, the lounge was to feature a huge viewing window for owners to watch their horses being trained. And if that wasn’t all enough, I got to work with a horse. They say working with animals is the hardest part of any shoot, but this beautiful animal could not have been easier to work with and patiently walked past the camera more than a handful of times to get the shot just right.

All together, this was a truly fascinating project that tested and expanded my skills as a photographer, and more than anything was an absolute thrill to shoot.

The goal of the shoot was to highlight the luxurious details and the unique setting of this equestrian lounge. Inspired by the elegance and richness of European hotel lounges, this Equestrian Lounge includes dark-stained cherry cabinets, multiple backlit glass shelves surrounding a large-screen TV, and a well-appointed bar with a sink, featuring brilliant brass fixtures and a built-in espresso machine.

The backlit quartz below the bar top adds to the ambiance offered by the fireplace between the windows. A dominant element and tantamount to the success of the project is the high-gloss walnut bar top with a Chicago bar rail that even those from the Windy City would praise.

Nothing could be better than getting out of a leather saddle than sinking into a buttery leather recliner to unwind at the end of a long day and sipping on a perfectly aged Kentucky bourbon!

The shoot was incredibly rewarding and had a lucky outcome: New Hampshire Home Magazine liked one of the photos so much that they used it in a "final thought" piece at the end of their January 2024 issue. It was an honor to see my work featured and to know that the unique charm of this project resonated with a wider audience.

For those interested in seeing more of my work or learning about Mari Woods, please visit her website at Mari Woods. And as always, follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography for more updates on my photographic journey.