Equine and Equestrian Portrait FAQs - Dallas-Fort Worth

I serve the greater Dallas - Fort Worth Metroplex and into north Texas with my equine and equestrian portrait sessions.

Don't worry, I've got experience working with horses of all temperaments and have tricks (and maybe even some treats) to keep your horse calm and focused.

YES! These photographs are forever! You want your horse to look it's best. At a minimum, a basic grooming to remove dirt and tangles is needed, but most clients prepare their horse "show ready". If applicable to your discipline, braiding can add a touch of elegance to the photos.

Simple and clean tack is best. Avoid busy patterns or excessive bling. Opt for a plain leather halter or bridle if not riding.

Choose comfortable and flattering clothing that complements your horse's color and the overall theme of the shoot (i.e. are we going for a show look? or a relaxed, trail ride vibe?). Avoid bright colors or busy patterns that might distract from the horse and the scene. Make sure everything is in good condition, free of holes, tears and wrinkles. Don't forget accessories like jewelry, scarves, belts and footwear for each outfit.  

In addition to the one you wear to the appointment, I recommend bringing at least 1-2 other outfits to your equestrian portrait session. This will give you a variety to choose from and create different looks for your photos.

Yes, you should bring treats and water for both you and your horse, a couple of grooming towels to remove dust as well as basic brushes and combs for touchups as may be necessary. A lunge line might be a good idea to give your horse a light walk to relax them before the session (without getting them sweaty!). Make sure all tack is clean of sweat and grime. Do you want any props in your session like hats, blankets, or other equestrian accessories such as a crop or spurs? These items can add a personal touches to your photos.

It's up to you! Light makeup and a neat hairstyle can enhance your look, but natural beauty is always stunning too. 

Relax and have fun! Your horse can sense your energy, so staying calm will create a more positive experience for both of you.

There is never an extra charge to include your pets in any portrait session; the more, the merrier! 

You get to decide and we'll talk this through in your pre-session consultation; we need to consider your horse's personality and the type of photos you want. Open fields, wooded trails, or even your own stable can be stunning backdrops. 

Early morning and early evening provide the best light for outdoor photography, but if the day is overcast, or the location is well shaded, then any time of the day will do.

In the Texas summer, my favorite time of day is early morning to beat the heat. In the cooler months, late afternoon is a great alternative. Photographs taken mid-day, without shade on bright, sunny days will not return good results. 

You can relax, we’ll just reschedule your session! I leave openings in my calendar to accommodate rain days, so we'll get you rebooked as soon as possible. 

Most sessions last 1-2 hours, depending on how many outfit changes you have and the number of shots under saddle and dismounted. 

Yes! With the exception of very few cameras, the vast majority of them capture in color and the black and white conversion happens in post processing. That being said, if you know in advance that you want all black and white images, I will give you specific instructions on what colors to wear.

If you may want a few images converted to black and white, that's ok. Most images can handle the conversion well and I hand edit, controlling each color channel separately, so can adjust anything that jumps out or just doesn't look right.  

About a week or so after the session, you'll come to the studio in old town Carrollton for your viewing and ordering appointment. I'll show you the best of the best of all the images we captured, with one or two fully retouched so you can see what your finished portraits will look like when all the pixie dust has been added. 

I'll take you through a process to winnow down to your absolute favorites and then you'll decide how you'd like to enjoy them in your home. I have samples of all the products available to you and this is when you'll place your print order so please make sure that all decision makers are present at this exciting appointment. 

Once that's done, I start the retouching and will order your prints, wall art and albums, delivering them to your home four to five weeks later. 

I offer a wide variety of print products so you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. Most equine and equestrian portrait clients order an album to hold all the favorite images from their session along with something for the wall like a Story Print (with multiple images from their session), or a single image printed on canvas, metal or acrylic. Small tabletop keepsakes are available to enjoy on your desk at work, bedside table or bookshelf, or you can print yourself with the purchase of a Digital Negative package. 

Yes! Whether you purchased a 5x7 print, a 36" wall canvas or a Digital Negative package, every image that leaves the studio is fully retouched. I like to call it my "pixie dust" because enhancements are sprinkled around the image to make them sing. 

Standard retouching includes lead line removal (when horses are solo, when you're posed with them holding a line, it is not removed so I pay extra attention to an elegant hand and placement to minimize it's presence), open / closed eyes, eye and nose touch ups, animal slobber and dust removal, and distraction / small object removal from the background along with other general enhancements. 

For you, blemish and stray hair removal, eye glass glare removal, skin smoothing and teeth whitening is all included in standard retouching. Enhanced retouching services such as braces removal, clothing wrinkle removal, hair color root touch up and more available for an additional cost

Not a problem; your satisfaction is guaranteed. I strive to provide a 5-star experience from start to finish so you can invest your time and money with confidence. 

A professionally created raw image is just the start of my service. Each image that is delivered is examined and retouched by hand to make a good image great. As a matter of policy, I only provide the very best images to my clients and therefore do not release unretouched images. 

Yes! Please contact me right away as I prioritize Silver Sessions. Senior and end-of-life portraits are some of the most poignant and meaningful images I take and are a beautiful way to honor your horse while they are still with you and provide a lifetime memory after they’ve gone. Read more about my Silver Sessions. 

• Until I lose some weight
• Until it's warmer, cooler, more green...
• Until the hair grows back on my dog's leg where the vet shaved it 
• Until...until...until...

Don't. I've never had a client regret having their pictures taken of, and with their horse - only that they waited too long to do so. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, don't take it for granted. 

Digital photos are at constant risk of loss due to theft, file corruption or disc failure. Prints have presence and the professionally produced products that I offer are all archival and protected against fading and creasing.

A wall canvas or other tangible image in your home draws the eye every single time. It’s easy to dismiss the importance of a physical print when you’re not actually faced with one, but once you unwrap your print, feel the weight of it in your hands and see the light shining from its surface, you’ll see what I mean.

Yes, I have both liability and indemnification insurance and can provide a certificate upon request. 

In accordance with state and local laws, 8.25% sales tax will be calculated on the total amount due for your session fee and print product purchases.

You can get detailed information, including pricing and next steps to schedule your session by visiting the Contact Me page of the website.