WHAT TYPES OF HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY DO YOU OFFER?
My specialty is horse and rider portraits — in hand, under saddle, or bareback. I also photograph horses by themselves, such as in stallion advertisement and sale horse promotion.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR PHOTOS?
I prefer to photograph later in the day when the light is soft and warm. The hour before sunset is called “golden hour” and changes with the seasons and how close you are to hills: it’s about 5pm in spring and fall, 7pm in the summer, and as early as 2-3pm in winter. I will advise you of the best time when we book your session. I can photograph in the morning or afternoon too, but if the sun is bright, we will need to find areas with shade, where the light is even.
WHERE CAN I HAVE MY HORSE PHOTOS TAKEN?
All sessions are on-location. I will come to where the horse is kept, or if you have a trailer, we can meet in a unique location such as a beach, the river, or a lush forest. I photograph horses throughout the Kamloops, British Columbia and interior area, as well as travelling further afield upon request. Travel within 30km of Kamloops is complimentary; mileage beyond this is compensated at a rate of $0.50/kilometer. Travel fees may be lowered if multiple sessions are booked in an out-of-town locale, and flat rates are available for many areas within two hours of Kamloops.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Most equine photography sessions range from 60-90 minutes and we will explore several different locations to keep the horse interested. At each location, I will suggest flattering poses that work with the energy level of your horse. It’s really like a leisurely walk with some stops to smell the roses along the way, and maybe eat some grass!
WHERE DO I LOOK? WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS?
Most people feel awkward at the beginning of a photo session. Because we will be shooting in a relaxed outdoor space and you will have your horse to focus on, you should feel more at ease. You won’t spend much time looking directly at the camera. I will guide you where to look and what to do with your hands and body, and you will quickly feel comfortable. I provide open-ended posing guidance: I will give you an idea of what to do, but exactly how it’s done is up to you (for example, give your horse a hug). This results in natural, candid photos.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Wear what you feel confident in! Some women prefer to go glam and ride their horse in a fancy dress, and some people like to go relaxed and casual with jeans.
- Contrast is key; if your horse is dark, at least part of your outfit should be light or a vibrant colour. If your horse is light coloured, at least part of your outfit should be dark.
- If you wear a dark top, add some accessories for texture.
- Simple, large patterns such as plaid or floral are lovely.
- Women, it’s a good idea to wear make-up, even if you don’t usually – it accentuates your features in photographs taken further away. Ensure your nails are clean and trimmed in case they are in closeups.
- If you are unsure what to wear, I would be happy to go through your options via video chat!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
After your session, I will download and select the best photos and bring out the best colour and contrast with digital enhancements. This takes 1-2 weeks depending on my schedule. We will then set up an online or in-person ordering session, in which we will review your images and you can purchase products with your favourite images. Please arrange to have all decision-makers present when you are making your choices.
HOW MUCH IS A PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
A 60-90 minute photography session is $250 and includes a $100 print credit. Your portrait session will result in 40-60 final images for you order from, which will typically be ready 1-2 weeks after your session.
HOW MUCH ARE PRINTS AND PRODUCTS?
Before your session, I will send you a full price list of all the custom designed products available. Here are some starting prices:
Professional print packages: $100+
Gallery wrapped canvas: $180+
Prints on metal: $180+
Custom-designed hardcover album: $400+
Cards, collages, and photo cubes: $75+
Digital images: $50+
HOW AND WHEN DO I PAY FOR THE SESSION?
The session fee is due at the time of booking. I prefer email money transfers via online banking. When you place your product order after your session, you can complete your payment via e-transfer, cash, or cheque. To start the design process, a 50% deposit on your order is required. Once design is complete, the remaining balance is due prior to the printing and delivery.
BOOKING INQUIRY
Are you ready for beautiful photos of your horse? Contact me for photography session information today!