Horses are some of the most magnificent creatures in the world. With a graceful presence, they make lovely subjects for photographers, especially when photographed with their owner. As an avid horse lover since childhood, it was a dream to have an opportunity to photograph Shanee with her horse Dino. What I experienced was a unique bond shared between the two. That feeling of love, trust, and friendship was my goal to capture through these images.
Before the shoot, Shanee and I brained stormed to get a general idea of what type of photos she was looking for. Having had professional photos taken at her equestrian horse shows, she had no lifestyle pictures showing their personalities.
That was my job, as a visual storyteller, we planned her wardrobe around 3 outfits. Her riding apparel, a flowy dress, and casual jeans and top. I arrived at Pine Hollow Farm Equestrian Center in Parkland, Florida early so I could get familiar with the area and plan different locations around the grounds.
In the very first shots in front of Dino’s stall, while Shanee brushed him, I saw the magical connection of love and trust between the two. It was important to capture that magnetic harmony in my photographs. Shanee changed into her dress and hopped on Dino’s bareback. I was blown away by how she could literally do anything on that horse’s back! Hula Hoop Flow is her second love so we added her hoop as a prop.
In the last set of photos, I was looking for a natural authentic interaction. I was so grateful that Shanee brought her friend Mattie who was so helpful as my assistant. Maddie held my reflector so I could bounce the natural sunlight onto Shanee face giving that warm sun kiss feel. Look at the very last shot of the photoshoot, Dino’s eyes are closed, and it literally looks like he is giving Shanee a telepathic (((HUG))). I absolutely LOVED working with Shanee and her soulmate horse Dino and we are both THRILLED how her images came out!
This was my first experience photographing a horse and rider. Funny thing, when I was a little girl, I always wanted a horse of my own. Within the two hours we spent together, I felt like I was that little girl, living my dream. I will hold the memory of this photoshoot in my heart forever!
