Equine
"I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a horse."
~ John Galsworthy
Services Offered
Forget-Me-Not
"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." - Aaron Siskind
A bond with a horse is something so special and unique; you have to have experienced it to understand. I've been working with horses for over 20 years and I've been lucky enough to have several wonderful horses in my life that I've felt deeply connected to. "Forget-me-not" sessions (sometimes known as "goodbye" or "farewell" sessions) celebrate the time you've had with your horse as you prepare to say goodbye.
I know the pain of losing an equine partner and best friend and I view these sessions as a huge honor. I know how much it means to have memories captured that will last a lifetime. These special sessions are discounted and only available for equines facing a terminal injury or illness, or senior horses over age 25.
Most "Forget-Me-Not" clients choose a 1 to 1.5 hour long session.
Equestrian Lifestyle
The "Equestrian Lifestyle" session is perfect for equestrians looking to capture the special connection they have with their equine partner. These sessions are all about you and your horse, with both posed and candid images included.
I know your horse is a special part of your family, and truly one-of-a-kind. These sessions are designed to capture all those little details about life with your beloved horse, from milestone moments, to a gallop on the beach, to quiet moments together in the pasture, there's truly something here for everybody.
If you want photos of just your horse but don't want black background portrait shots, we can also do an "Equestrian Lifestyle" session with photos of just your equine partner. These sessions can take place at your farm, or at another location of your choosing. During October - March, these sessions may take place on the beach.
"Liberty" photos are taken using a special rope halter that can be removed during the editing process so your horse doesn't have to be loose on the beach to capture these images.
Most "Equestrian Lifestyle" clients choose a 1 to 2 hour long session depending on different factors such as how many outfits they'd like and if they want any additional photos of their horse alone or at liberty.
Portrait
"Portrait" sessions are all about capturing your horse's glamour shots! Studio-style sessions contrasted against a black background show off your equine partner dressed to the nines, braided or show-ready, typically posed in their bridle, with different poses and angles to show off your horse's best features.
I shoot with natural light, so all these images require is a clean (swept, uncluttered) barn doorway or aisle. Some of the magic happens after the photo shoot where each image is meticulously hand-edited to best show off your horse's natural beauty.
These shoots are horse-only but if you want to be included in some of your horse's glamour shots, I may be able to add them on to an "Equestrian Lifestyle" session; just ask in advance!
Most "Portrait" clients choose a 30 minute to 1 hour session per horse, or as an add-on to an "Equestrian Lifestyle" or "Forget-Me-Not" session.
FAQ
What if it rains?
I'll keep an eye on the forecast the week approaching your session. Sometimes bright overcast days actually offer us the best shooting opportunities! If it really looks like the weather won't be on our side then I'm happy to reschedule for another day.
Can you hold a date for me?
Once you contact me we will begin the scheduling process. I can't hold a date until I have received a signed contract and retainer.
Do you offer payment plans?
I do! I typically require a 50% retainer to hold your date. The other 50% is due by completion of the session. I'm happy to split these payments up in a way that works for you.
How do I prepare my horse?
In the weeks ahead of your session, there are a couple of things you can practice to make your photoshoot as successful as possible! Teaching your horse to "square up" or stand with her legs in line with each other, and being able to place your horse's feet where you want them is a very helpful skill. It is also helpful if you practice having your horse bend his neck and turn his head, without moving his feet.
For "Equestrian Lifestyle" sessions please make sure your horse is bathed (if possible) or at least very well groomed! Use lots (LOTS) of fly spray and have more available! Make sure your leather halter or bridle and bit are clean and oiled. Let me know ahead of time if you'd like any "Liberty" photos, so I can bring a special rope halter that is easy to edit out.
For "Portrait" sessions, please prepare your horse as if you were going to a competition, whatever your discipline requires (braiding, banding, polished hooves, etc.). Use lots (LOTS) of fly spray and please make sure more is available! Please also make sure your bridle and bit are cleaned and oiled.
If your horse tends to be a little "fresh" you may want to consider riding earlier in the day (before bathing, etc) to help get some of the extra energy out.
How do I prepare myself?
This one is really up to you! Do your hair and makeup in a way that feels comfortable for you. Some people want a more stylized photo shoot with long dresses and makeup. Others prefer a more natural, everyday look. If you want to brainstorm some ideas, I'm happy to help!
How do I prepare my property?
If you're doing an "Equestrian Lifestyle" session, please make sure you have clutter and distracting items picked up (tarps, extra fencing, etc) and put away before the day of your photo shoot.
If you're doing a "Portrait" session, please make sure your barn doorway or aisle is swept clean and any extra clutter or items are put away.
If we are shooting at a different location (such as a beach, or another farm) please arrive early to make sure your horse has time to settle in. I don't usually recommend doing beach sessions for your horse's first time on the beach, so consider taking a "practice run" in the weeks leading up to the shoot to make sure your horse is comfortable with the shooting location.
Should I have a friend to help?
Yes! Whenever possible I try to bring someone with me to assist who knows how I work, but this isn't always possible. It's always great to have an extra set of hands to help get your horse's ears up, turn their head, position them, etc.
What if my horse misbehaves?
The best things you can do are 1. Don't panic and 2. Keep smiling!
Horses will be horses! It's okay if they don't always stand perfectly still or model in just the right way. We will make it through and there will be beautiful photos of your horse to show for it!
What if I have other questions?
Feel free to contact me! I'm happy to help answer all of your questions.