Celebrating your connection
Worried your horse might act up?
FAQ
Absolutely! Travel fees are waived for clients in North Idaho and Eastern Washington, however, I'm more than happy to accommodate your session anywhere in the United States! Travel fees are based off of location, duration of stay, and number of clients being photographed - please inquire for a custom quote.
I closely monitor the weather leading up to your session to ensure we have the best possible conditions for beautiful light and a relaxed experience. If it looks like the weather won’t cooperate, you fall ill, or an emergency comes up, we’ll simply move your session to another day that works for both of us. Please know that sessions are reserved exclusively for you and can only be moved in extenuating circumstances. In those cases, a new session fee is required to secure a new date and time.
Young or high-energy horses are never a problem, but we'll want to take a few extra steps ahead of time. I recommend lots of exercise the week leading up to the session, and particularly the evening before/day of the session to burn off any pent up energy. If you plan to exercise or lunge the day of the session, make sure to do it early enough that the horse has plenty of time to dry out and receive a good grooming. Large patches of wet hair and dried sweat are nearly impossible to fix, even with good editing.
This is actually a pretty common concern. I have a very well-trained eye for picking out the best spots to photograph - usually spots that you would never even consider! I always arrive to the session location extra early to pick out the best spots so that we're prepared with a game plan when we start shooting. However, if you are truly concerned, you are more than welcome to send over pictures or videos of the property for further discussion, OR we can have you haul-in to the location of your choosing.
Yes, and I encourage it! The bond you share with your dog is a huge part of their story, and some of the most heartfelt images come from simple moments of connection - a snuggle, a laugh, a lick in the face, or a quiet touch. You don’t need to pose or perform; just be present - I'll handle the rest!
Sessions typically take place at your barn or property, however, there are infinite options for hauling in to the location of your choice.
Some of my favorite spots in North Idaho and Spokane areas include:
- Farragut State Park
- Saltese Uplands Conservation Area
- James T. Slavin Conservation Area
- Riverside State Park
- Newman Lake
- 4th of July Pass
Bring anything that helps your horse feel happy and comfortable - favorite treats, toys, and fresh hay and water can be helpful, in addition to a nice, neutral-colored halter. If you are planning to participate in the photos, we'll pick out a nice outfit for you as well during our planning! I will have extra treats and noise makers on standby!
This is highly dependent on the individual session and our goals for your images. If we are visiting multiple locations or adding in multiple looks or outfits, we'll need some extra time. Most sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. Some dogs warm up quickly, while others need time to settle in so I always schedule us a nice buffer just in case. The goal is to create a relaxed experience that feels fun and stress-free for both of you.
I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes our beloved companions face emergencies, illness, and end-of-life situations. Please know that I approach these circumstances with the utmost compassion and flexibility. If something happens before your session, we can absolutely reschedule for a time that works, or, if it feels right, create a memorial session to honor your dog’s memory in the unfortunate event of their passing. My priority is always supporting you and celebrating the special bond you share, no matter the situation.
If fine art portraits are on your agenda, we'll want to make sure we plan appropriately before my arrival. Black background portraits require a three-sided structure closed off from as much light as possible (something like the entrance of a barn aisle.) White background portraits should be taken outside in a shaded area, preferably on solid footing, such as pavement. Dirt (or dirty floors with lots of debris) can make getting a clean edit around your horses hooves extremely difficult so you'll want to make sure to have a clean environment prepared.