From quiet mornings spent at the barn to the excitement of show day, every season with your horse deserves to be remembered. Preserve the story you’ve built together with artwork that keeps those moments close.
Your everyday moments matter
Dogs don’t need to sit still or pose perfectly to be beautiful. My calm, patient sessions follow their lead, whether they’re wiggling, wandering, or simply watching the world. Most pups stay on leash for safety, which is removed during editing, leaving you with beautiful portraits that let their true personality shine through.
Want to join in with your pup but don’t feel comfortable posing? Not a problem, my sessions focus on authentic moments and genuine connection – no forced, awkward, or uncomfortable posing here. Interact with your dog how you normally would and I’ll handle the magic.
This is your horse’s time to shine. We’ll create a relaxed, low-pressure environment that lets their true personality unfold. No need to worry about perfect behavior; I’ll follow their lead, capturing the bond you share together.
Every great session starts with connection. We’ll chat about your horse’s personality, what makes them special, and the kind of images you want to achieve. From there, we’ll a plan and location perfect for your goals.
1-2 weeks after your session, we’ll reconnect via Zoom to unveil your images for the first time. This is when you'll select all of your favorites and design artwork that perfectly complements your space and style.
Your images are more than just photographs - they’re heirlooms in the making
Session Fee: $295
Images and artwork are purchased separately during your ordering appointment. Options begin at $495.
Most clients plan to spend $1500+ on their selections.
Absolutely! Travel fees are waived for clients within a 1-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 arises, 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 horse is a huge part of your story together, and some of the most heartfelt images come from simple moments of connection. 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 the images you want to achieve. The goal is to create a relaxed experience that feels fun and stress-free for you and your horse, so with that in mind, most sessions last anywhere from 45-90 minutes. Some hores 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.
Often times, people assume "wall art" means a massive framed piece over the couch, and while this is certainly one option, it's not the only option. Artwork simply refers to anything in printed form. Some clients choose smaller framed pieces for shelves, bedside tables, or an office desk, or even a stack of prints stowed safely away in a presentation box. Others love custom albums because they hold the entire story without needing wall space at all. And others love something smaller in a place they hadn't even considered - even a smaller 18" print will display beautifully in many spaces. The options are truly endless.
Digital files are certainly available, but most clients discover far more value in having something tangible to enjoy long after the session. As an added benefit, every printed image includes the matching digital file complimentary for sharing and safekeeping, and includes 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 complimentary 8x10 matted keepsake print and a $100 credit towards your favorite images and/or artwork. 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.
Options begin at $495. 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.