Flo Knoyle | Edgy Equine Portrait Photographer | Multi- Award Winning | Leek, Staffordshire | Covering the UK
flo@thehorsephotographer.co.uk | 07590894420 | Click Here To Book
the whispers of folklore at usk castle
All-Inclusive Equine Photography Retreat. Origin Year Special.
Be part of the beginning. This is the first ever Whispers of Folklore Retreat, and the only time it will run at this price. You’ll join an intimate group of creatives to photograph four cinematic themes, styled by a multi-award winning Equine Photographer. Learn how to master light, direction, and equine storytelling like never before.
📸 Build your dream portfolio, learn how to direct horses + humans, and be mentored by Flo Knoyle.
🚆 International airport + train stations nearby.
💳 Payment plans available to suit you.
Only 3 spots left. £150 deposit secures.
Book your place before the legend begins without you.
Usk Castle, Monmouthshire
19th-21st September 2025
Limited to 8 places | £1000 pp | £150 deposit secures
Step into the Story
What if... for one weekend, you could immerse yourself in a world where ancient myth, local Welsh legend, photography, and the spirit of horses all merged into a single, unforgettable experience?
Welcome to The Whispers of Folklore at Usk Castle - a luxurious equine photography retreat where creativity knows no bounds. Where every detail has been meticulously curated by us to transport you into the realm of fantasy, fun, and fierce authenticity.
This is no ordinary equine photography workshop. It’s your invitation to step beyond the ordinary. This is where hobbyists, professional photographers, fantasy artists, and all other creative souls alike will gather to be inspired, amazed, empowered, and utterly transformed.
Whether you’re a seasoned equine photographer, a fantasy portrait photographer, a hobby photographer, an artist seeking something wildly unique for your reference, or simply just a horse lover absolutely yearning to capture the magic... then this equine photography retreat is for you.
"Flo always goes beyond with her work and creating workshops. I'm always surprised by the new things that she creates and that I'm able to experience it and get advice and praise for my photos. The workshop and the experience was amazing, I enjoyed every bit and I can't wait to attend more in the future!"
- Lietta
*the experience*
FRIDAY
Your journey begins the moment you arrive at the historic Usk Castle in Monmouthshire, South Wales, on Friday evening.
Nestled amidst the ancient stonework and rolling Welsh hills, you’ll be welcomed into glamping luxury with a thoughtfully curated goodie bag, setting the tone for a weekend of pure creative indulgence.
That evening, we’ll gather for introductions, a toast to the weekend ahead, and a meal prepared with love. You will meet your photographer guide, Flo Knoyle, and professional model, Simone Stocks and get to know them and the rest of the group. This equine photography retreat is about connection, conversation, and stepping into a world of shared inspiration with the whole team.
Over two immersive days, you’ll photograph FOUR breathtakingly styled themes, each crafted to ignite your imagination:
SATURDAY
Breakfast, followed by...
'Sleipnir Rising' (morning)
Meet Tindur, the Icelandic Horse, a skewbald gelding whose energy embodies the soul of Viking legend. Dressed in a custom Viking warrior costume, Simone will command the scene with fierce presence, giving you the chance to capture bold, powerful images that pulse with ancient viking magic.
Lunch, and then...
'The Elven Enchantress' (afternoon)
Humilde, the pure white Andalusian stallion becomes a living embodiment of serious ethereal beauty. Simone will be styled in flowing, celestial attire, her presence blending with Humilde’s elegance to create dreamy images that shimmer with light, texture.
Q&A session with Flo and Simone, followed by dinner.
SUNDAY
Breakfast, followed by...
'Armour & Shadows' (morning)
Aramis, the imposing black Friesian stallion of Outlaw Entertainments, will be Simone's medieval equine companion into battle. This is your moment to create cinematic, high drama images that tell a story of strength and mystery.
Lunch, and then...
'The Welsh Dragon Awakens' (afternoon)
Maesmynach Cymro Pur, a cheeky black Welsh Section D , brings the Welsh myth to life. Fully costumed into the Welsh Dragon. Simone accompanies him as the Dragon Queen. With a nod to ancient Welsh legends and a playful modern edge, this theme will push your creative boundaries and leave you with a portfolio piece that NOBODY else has.
Q&A session with Flo and Simone, followed by optional trip to the local pub to toast the weekend, laugh about the chaos, and maybe even cry a little.
You’ll leave with new friends, creative allies, and connections. Not to mention a portfolio of images bursting at the seams! These are the kinds of people who get it ... who see the world through the same eyes as you do. And trust us… the conversations, collaborations, and chaos you share here won’t end at Usk Castle’s gates!
This is your chance to:
- Be one of the very first to photograph this retreat before the world knows its name
- Work with incredible horses, couture styling, and cinematic themes at a fraction of its future value
- Help shape the future of Whispers of Folklore by being part of its most authentic chapter
- Lock in an all-inclusive luxury experience for less than it will ever be again
meet the photographer
flo knoyle
Hey, I'm Flo. I’m the founder and creative director behind Flo Knoyle Photography, a luxury portrait brand built for fierce, unapologetic equestrians who want images that scream authenticity, power, and soul.
Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of capturing the connections between horses and their humans. My work blends luxury styling with visceral storytelling, empowering clients to see themselves and their horses as bold, confident, and beautifully unique. I want to share this with YOU.
My latest offering? A groundbreaking, women led fantasy equine photography retreat at Usk Castle - my biggest production yet. I designed it to push creative boundaries, combining sculptural styling, mythic themes, and professional coaching. My goal is always the same: to help everyone create images that spark self-belief and stir the soul.
Together, Simone and I are breaking new ground, combining key expertise in model direction, equine direction and styling, and fantasy storytelling to create a powerful visual narrative with four unique horses.
meet the model
simone stocks
With over a decade of professional modeling experience Simone brings a rare blend of technical expertise, equestrian passion, and expressive artistry to every set. Based in London, she thrives both in front of and behind the camera, expertly balancing roles as a model, photographer, and social media curator .
A trained rider with 20 years’ experience and diplomas in Horse Care & Management, Simone brings a deep understanding of equine behaviour to each photoshoot. That connection gives her a unique talent for co creating authentic, dynamic moments with horses - making her the perfect partner for our photography retreat.
Simone’s presence is magnetic. She fluidly brings characters to life filling each frame with emotion, movement, and intention. Whether you’re shooting editorial campaigns, fantasy photography, or high-fashion equine portraiture, Simone’s adaptable skills and creative insight will elevate your images to unforgettable.
what's in it for you?
This isn’t just about building your portfolio. It’s about transforming the way you shoot, how you see, how you direct, how you create. You’ll walk away with skills you can’t Google. This is real hands on education.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
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Tailored 1:1 and group coaching with me throughout the weekend
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Learn to confidently direct both professional models and horses and how to bring them into harmony for powerful, emotive shots
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Master the art of composition, visual storytelling, and framing that hits hard and feels cinematic
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Discover how to use natural light with intention
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Understand how to work with energy, mood, and movement in a way that makes your images come alive
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Learn to find, assess, and elevate locations into scroll stopping sets
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Develop your own signature visual style with guidance and feedback
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Build confidence working with horses and learn how to capture them at their best - even the tricky ones
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Optional post-retreat Zoom session to review your images, get editing tips, and refine your portfolio selection
This is an investment in your growth, your vision, and your next level as a creative.
£1000 all-inclusive. £150 deposit secures your space.
Limited spots. First come. First chosen.