Equine Photography in Coeur d’Alene & Spokane

Absolutely! Travel fees are waived for clients within an hour radius of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, however, I'm more than happy to accommodate your session anywhere in the United States! Travel fees are based off of location and the goal of the session. 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. With that said, sessions are reserved exclusively for you and a new session fee will be required to reschedule for another date outside of reasons beyond our control.

Young or high-energy horses are never a problem. 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.

Absolutely! 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 and 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

This is highly dependent on the individual session and our goals for your images. The goal is to create a relaxed experience that feels fun and stress-free for both of you, so with that in mind, most sessions last 45-90 minutes. Some dogs warm up quickly, while others need time to settle in so I always schedule us a nice buffer just in case.

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.

Often, when people hear the terms “artwork” or “wall art,” they immediately picture a large framed piece above the couch. While that is a beautiful option, it's just one of many, and artwork extends far beyond what hangs on your walls. “Artwork” simply refers to your images in printed form.

Some clients are drawn to larger statement pieces, offered in a range of textures and finishes such as canvas, metal, or acrylic. Others prefer a collection of smaller framed pieces, perfect for creating a gallery wall or a thoughtfully curated collage. For some, smaller frames styled on shelves, bedside tables, or an office desk feel just right. Even a single, more modest piece, like an 18-inch print, can make a meaningful impact in the right space.

Others gravitate toward a collection of fine art prints, such as 8x10s, beautifully stored in a presentation box and easily rotated through frames or displayed on an easel. One of the most popular options is a custom layflat album, allowing you to hold the full story of your session without needing wall space - perfect for a coffee table or elegantly styled shelf.

The options are truly endless, and together we will create a tailored approach that fits your space and allows you to enjoy your images in the way that feels most meaningful to you.

Shelbi Nicole Imagery specializes in offering artwork-focused experiences. My goal is to help you create meaningful pieces you can live with and enjoy everyday, rather than adding to the thousands of images already lost in your camera-roll.

For this reason, standalone digital files are not offered. However, you may add on digital file bundles to any artwork purchase. Every printed image includes the matching high-resolution digital file, complimentary - giving you the best of both worlds: the ability to experience your images in a tangible, lasting form while also having them available for sharing and safekeeping on your devices.

All included digital files come with a limited personal print release, allowing you to print images up to 11x14” at the lab of your choice.

That's entirely up to you! Every client connects with their images differently, choosing artwork that fits their personal space and what feels most meaningful to them.

Your portrait session is reserved with a $295 session retainer, which includes one matted 8x10 keepsake print and a $100 credit to begin your artwork collection. From there, you will simply choose what you love most. Some clients are drawn to a few intentional pieces, while others choose to create a more complete collection that tells the full story of their session.

Most clients plan to spend anywhere from $1,500–$4,000+, depending on the artwork they fall in love with.

During your ordering appointment, my role is to gently guide you through the options and help design something that feels beautifully aligned with your home and how you want to experience your images every day.