Image by Sophie Callahan
Name: Martha Lily Thompson
Business name: Martha Lily Photography
Whereabouts do you live? Ten minutes outside of Shrewsbury in Shropshire
In 10 words, tell us what your business does/sells/makes
Equine & brand photography, inspired by business owners, their stories & anything art or horsey. Ok that was more than ten, that was hard!
Tell us why you started your business
I always wanted to work with horses and I loved art and it sounds so cliche but I have literally always had a camera in my hand even at times, if it was my phone camera. I used to love making videos of the horses on my little pink Nokia even with the awful yard signal.
I then learnt I could make money from taking photos, for a long time I didn’t feel worthy of charging much more than £30 and when I put it up to £50 I thought I suddenly had to have photographed an olympic rider or something. Clearly that is a ridiculous thought. But learning self worth is still a biggy.
I went into events and loved making people’s day with their event photos and I love portrait and brand shoots because I really get to know about their story. This continues to fascinate me. I love that I do multiple things within this job, there’s one thing I need and that is variety.
What’s your favourite event or show? Blenheim was where I really became inspired I met a lovely equine photographer, Fiona Crawford. But I would have to say Badminton. I thought Blenheim was huge when I was 11; when I discovered Badminton, I couldn’t believe how big it was. Blenny will sure hold a huge part of my heart. I loved Badminton in 2019 as after watching my sponsored rider do her dressage we went into the rural crafts tent. For some reason I felt confident enough to speak to the people on their stands more than ever. Probably something to do with you, Rhea. Me and mum bought a couple of things and we just felt like we were floating. We came out of the tent and both said unanimously “ah this is so nice!” And then we laughed for saying the same thing.
Tell us about your four legged team members
I have three gorgeous horses. Kitty is my first ever pony we actually owned and we got her in 2007. She is 12.2, grey and 20 years old. She is very naughty and I love her immensely. Secondly is Zophie, you pronounce it like ‘toffee’ she is 14.1 an arab. x welsh and I think she’s 17 and she is bay with a cute little white dot on her bum. Definitely not a selling point or anything ha. We got her in 2009. Lastly is my Lola, the Lolo the po po. She is 8, a Connemara x tb 15.1 dark grey mare. We have had quite the journey since dec 2016. I had searched since August and she was just perfect. We had an exciting rehab journey 6 months in which was but twingey to say the least. That horse can buck. I love her so much she’s hilarious and partial to a cuppa like me.
What’s your greatest achievement/pinch me moment in your business so far?
I am so lucky to have worked with SO SO many amazing people and businesses. To name a few would have to be Olivia Towers, I love her we get on so well. Working with Olivia we worked with Holland Cooper Equestrian which was amazing. Charles Owen, this really was a pinch me one. Albion, again I still feel so lucky to have done that, even if it did rain! Of course the amazing and dedicated Leanne from Stockinjur too, I love her brand and her passion for it too.
I love meeting all of my portrait shoot ladies too, they are so lovely and hearing their stories is all part of it, it’s an honour to be the photographer they have picked to photograph their horses of a lifetime.
Care to share a funny equestrian/business story?
I once left my camera with it’s strap hung over an arena fence at a shoot. It wasn’t until I got home and it was dark that I realised what I had done. So thankful it was only 40 minutes away. The lovely lady was so kind handing it back to me at 9pm on a weekday. I had been doing Pony Club camps all week and I was rather exhausted. It’s definitely something I won’t do again!
Best bit of business advice you’ve been given
Become a sponge.
Yup. You can always learn more, learn what you can.
Favourite equestrian brands
Stockinjur, Equiboodle (Vic is so lovely) Holland Cooper Equestrian(gifted items), Smart Grooming(gifted items). Lemieux.Eqclusive. Sporting Hares, Pikeur.
One thing we might not know about you?
I’m actually allergic to horses. I’m much better at managing it now, when I was young I used to rub my eyes a lot and end up looking like a crying puffa fish. (not a good look in case you thought it was)
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
I think Abi Lyle would be a fantastic guest, I could listen to her speak for hours not to mention she’s hilarious. I’ve met Geoff Billington and I reckon he would have some brilliant stories. Probably you Rhea too, you’re also hilarious.
What is your superpower?
I can see other people’s strides when photographing.. but not my own ha!
What’s your pet hate?
People that don’t have their hair in a hair net or worse not even in a hair band when riding! AHHHHHH.
Also clashing colours when on a horse.
Why did you join Small & Supercharged Mastermind?
Because I was enjoying the free group so much I felt it justified paying for and I was excited to see what else I could do. I knew if I was paying for it monthly too it would give me the kick up the bum to use the resources to my best ability. This has definitely worked as I went from 700 followers to at this current moment over 3,400 with Rhea’s help in just a year.
What’s the best thing about the group?
I love the mastermind group because it is a safe space with inspiring and knowledgeable business ladies that are from all different types of business. There is no direct competition in the group and this is a big help as you want to be able to talk openly about up and coming ideas.
Everyone is so helpful and supportive with business and personal subjects and they all inspire me to want to be better. The kindness in all of Rhea’s groups is very strong too.
I love the weekly lives- it keeps me thinking of new questions to help me improve and push my business forwards. The monthly units remind me of other things I can be doing which is great.
instagram.com/marthalilyphotog
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https://www.marthalilyphotography.co.uk/
