Equine/Horse and Rider Portrait Session

Session Fee: $400 - Capturing the special bond between you and your equine partner or perhaps just your horse by him/herself.

Includes:

  • one horse, add $100 for each additional horse. The more horses, the more time and editing that will go into your session.

  • the time and talent of photographer, the location of your choice and the professional editing that goes into each photo. No prints included.

  • 1-2 hours shooting time at your home barn or other permissible location within the GVRD or Fraser Valley. Travel outside of Chilliwack may require $50-$100 travel fee.

  • 1-2 wardrobe changes

  • 20-25 high resolution hand edited images in colour and B&W for you to reprint at a lab of your choice. Photos are delivered through digital download.

  • 8”x6”” hard cover photo book using your images. valued at $95.

How to prepare for your horse portrait session

The Horse

Preparation is key to a successful session. Prep will begin up to a week prior.

  • Ask a fellow, trusted horse person to be your horse handler for the session should you need to step away to change or for an extra pair of hands while you mount and to carry extra tack or other items. I typically bring an assistant with me to horse sessions, her job is to gain the horses attention to get ears forward, but she is also a competent horse person who will be on hand if needed, so if you prefer a more private session with just us, a handler isn’t necessary.

  • The day before your session, bath (if weather permits) and groom your horse as if you are attending a show.

  • Be sure to clean around eyes, nose, mouth and ensure inside and down the back legs are free of manure. A little face oil around the snoot and eyes can help with the dusty look they sometimes get in those areas.

  • It’s a good idea to apply hoof conditioner daily leading up to the session if the weather has been dry. An application of clear hoof polish that dries right before we begin to shoot is a good plan.

  • Mane/tail braiding is your choice for a more formal look, if you want a simple, relaxed look to your session, a loose, brushed mane and tail look beautiful too!

  • Fully tacked or bare back is your choice, though we can certainly do both if you like, starting with untacked. If tack will be used, do ensure it is cleaned and oiled.

  • Right before we begin shooting an application of flyspray is a good idea in the summer months.

  • Prep a bag or bucket to bring with us as we move through the property/location, containing a body and face brush, flyspray, hoof pick, clean rag, clear hoof polish any extra small items like bridles, reins, leadrope, makeup and hairbrush for yourself, water bottle. Throw in a few horse treats too.

  • My assistant will bring a bag with items to get horses attention to bring their ears forward so no need to worry about that.

  • If you have a young or excitable horse, a ride, lunging session or other brain work may be in order a couple hours prior to shooting but not to the point of sweating, avoid wearing the horse out too much. If your horse is older or generally chill and laid back just let him rest the day of the session, we want him awake, not tuckered out. Most horses will likely be quite tired after photos so plan to call it a day afterwards.

  • If you are a graduate and are planning on wearing your grad gown on and around your horse, it’s a good idea to start exposing your horse to the dress the week (or more) leading up to the session, so they don’t spook at the size, colour, sound or sparkle of it.

  • If our session is taking place around feeding time, plan to feed your horse early so they aren’t fidgety and hungry though we will make every effort to avoid shooting at their usual dinner time.

  • Make sure you and your horse are ready to go at least 10 minutes prior to our session start time. Give yourself lots of time so you aren’t rushing and stressed, this energy can be passed onto the horse.

You

  • Take a look through my equestrian portfolio or do a google search, see what clothing resonates with you for your horse and rider session. We’ll have time to do a couple wardrobe changes so you can do a fancier look with a dress or full western show wear and then we can do a more casual look too. I also have a small selection of what you might call “fantasy dresses” that are long and flowy that you are welcome to choose from. We will have to see if your horse is accepting of the new clothing item.

  • If you like, get your hair and makeup done just before coming to the barn to prep the horse or if someone REALLY loves you maybe they’ll prep your horse while you get pampered!

  • Don’t change into your photo clothes until the horse is 100% ready to go.