The Portrait Shoot Experience

This is so much more than just getting a few nice photos of your horse, this is a process, an experience, with every tiny detail thought of and planned out. From initial shoot booking/enquiry, to the final viewing session, be prepared to be cared for every step of the way, and walk away with a gallery of breathtaking images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Booking

Booking your shoot can often feel daunting and with day to day life already being busy enough for most of us, it means that people often repeatedly put off booking, forever missing out on a beautiful photoshoot experience.

For this very reason, I’ve created a booking process that is totally effortless, something which can be done in the time it takes for you to make a cup of tea.

1. Click the Book Your Shoot page

2. Choose your shoot package (small descriptions are next to each package for you to make the best decision for you and your horse)

3. Select any add ons you’d like, such as additional horses or backdrops

4. Select your date and time

5. Secure your shoot with easy online payment - you can opt to pay just the deposit now and the rest later, or pay in full

Once your booking is through and I’ve received your deposit, your booking is secured. With this in place I’ll reach out via email to go over any final details ahead of your shoot, such as ensuring you have an appropriate space to shoot in - we need a large enough indoor space to make the magic happen, whilst the gold standard is an indoor arena (A majority of my clients hire indoor arenas for their shoot), we can use a wide stable alleyway or large open fronted washbox.

You can also use this time to ask me any questions you might have about your shoot; I’m here to help with my years of expertise and always want to give you every bit of information you may want or need.

A Horse Centered Approach

A majority of equine portrait photography is shot in natural light, with the background being edited in in post processing. The images I create are done very differently using off camera flash and a collapsible backdrop, through this I’m able to capture a far greater depth of detail and expression from the horses I photograph, light paints the subject, drawing out emotion in each portrait.

I have spent many years studying and practicing the use of off camera flash, honing this as a skilled craftsman, mastering the tools I use. With these techniques I’m able to create a greater range in the portraits I shoot, using different lighting techniques and posing I’m able to draw attention to particular areas of the image, sculpt key details of my subjects, and create both atmospheric and classical portraits with a high level of finesse.

These are masterful images, honouring your horse as they deserve to be honoured.

Your Viewing Experience

Making Arrangements

My approach to working with any horse always has gentleness and patience at it’s core. I’m a huge proponent of force free, consent based training, and insist that the only pace we move at is that which your horse sets.
I have a lifetime of experience with horses, as well as acute sensitivity to their emotional state through years of personal study, meaning that I understand many of the micro expressions that are commonly missed. If your horse begins to show the slightest bit of worry or tension, we slow down, take a pause or even give them a break from the session, reassuring constantly throughout.

We work at their pace, not mine, not yours, but their pace. Time isn’t a factor when we shoot.

Working in this way means I’m able to get the very best shots of your horse, a happy horse is a much more beautiful one, and that will shine through in the images we create.

Artistry & Expertise

Viewing your final images deserves to be done with just as much finesse as the photoshoot itself, which is why, when your images are ready, you’ll be invited to your very own private viewing session.

During this session you’re welcomed into the comfort of the SkyLimit Photography office, with soft lighting, scented candles, and comfy sofa for you to curl up on, whilst you get your first look at the hand edited images we’ve created in a personal slideshow of your images on the big screen - tissues are always on hand as 90% of my clients can’t help but become emotional when they see their beloved horse up there in these images - it’s a big moment.

During your private viewing session, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose from a carefully curated selection of wall art options. Each option has been meticulously selected for quality and suitability for the work that will be printed upon it, every product is extensively vetted before it even make it into this selection, meaning you’re getting the very best there is.

Whilst I offer the classical framed range produced to the highest industry standard, I also have some very individual products, such as the renaissance framing range that presents images as if they were oil paintings, a stunning work of art for your wall.

You’ll also have access to my expert advice to help you make an informed decision for you around what will work best in your home, your budget, and the image(s) you’ve chosen to be on display.

Wall Art Collection