Blog: sessions, travel, education and more
Erin | Fall Equestrian Photo Session | Rockwall Texas
Always fun to photograph Erin and all her 4-legged family members, This year I was able to go to her new facilities. What a beautiful location. She has thought of everything, the barn, the pens and arena is any equestrian’s dream. We photographed her horses and dogs alone as well as photographing her with all of them.
Hayden | Frisco Senior Portraits | Baseball Field Photos
Since Hayden play baseball for Liberty High School, we started out his session on his high school’s baseball field before changing locations to the Frisco Heritage Park & Museum. I was a little out of my comfort zone for this session, as I usually like my sessions close to sunrise or sunset. This one was started late morning and we finished around noon, so had full sun, but we made it work. Also since we finished at lunchtime, the smells coming from Babe’s Fried Chicken was so tempting. I refrained, barely!
Riley | Fall Senior Portraits | Aubrey Texas
I photographed Riley’s other sister Senior pictures a few years ago. It is always an honor to be asked to come back do sibling’s senior photos. Riley brought 2 of her horses. Dolce & Encore and we did her session at my favorite Ranch in Aubrey Texas. The fall of 2018 was one of the few that actually had some color and it made for some great background that we usually do not get in North Texas. The beautiful colors where from all the rain received in the area. Unfortunately the rain also delayed Riley’s session several times. Originally when is was scheduled it was still warm. Riley bought new outfits for her session that would of been ok in warmer temperatures. When we actually were able to shoot her session, it was rather cold and she was determined to wear the outfits she purchased. With the help of a blanket and lots of hand warmers she was a trooper during the 3 hours of shooting.
Jentry | Scenic West Texas Senior Session | Boys Ranch
I did Jentry’s senior session on my way up to Wyoming last summer. Living near the banks of Canadian River made a great background. She showed me some great rock formations that has a breathtaking view. Although it wasn’t safe to bring a horse on these rocks, we did some beautiful images of Jentry and her dog.
Jentry is very active in FFA and 4H and wanted to include her FFA jacket and her horse. We avoid the storms and rain all around us, but it gave some dramatic skies for us.
Why portraits with my horse? Photographers why you need to know this!
I am teaching an on-line class covering horse and human portraits. One of the subjects I covered was why someone would want to do portraits with their horse. Why do I teach this to photographers? Knowing why an equestrian would want portraits with their horse is is a great way to know your client. Knowing their needs can help develop a way to market to your client. Finely detailing your target market is the most cost effective and less time consuming.
I used my own statistics on why. Photo sessions that I did horses and humans together ranged from senior sessions to remember me sessions. These stats are just horse/human portraits. I also do horse only and human only sessions, but I did not include those.
My Stat Results:
Seniors and their horses 45%
Sessions for ads/advertising 25%
Horse & Humans Bond 15%
Families with horses 5%
Engagement/Bridal 5%
Headshots with Horse 2.5%
Remember Me Sessions 2.5%
I do market to the top 2 the most and that is 70% of my sessions. The next is Horse & Human bond and I only listed 15% for this, most of the top 2 will include some horse and human bond images,
I do not market much for families . The fall is family portrait season and so many are in the need of portraits, they usually contact me. Although I only photograph weddings for current clients, I do enjoy photographing engagements and bridals. Those are also usually current clients or client referrals. The last 2, headshots and remember me sessions are also usually current clients. Many times the headshot is added on to a regular session, very seldom do I have someone strictly wanting just a headshot with their horse for professional reasons as a stand alone session.
Going over my own stats got me wondering what my actual followers on Social Media opinions would be. I asked questions and did polls. Instagram gave me enough answers to be able to get a good idea with over 100 answers on most questions and polls. Please look at each image for the results of each poll.
This was also around 70%. This really shows me how much we love our horses.
I am glad to say that 55% have had portrait with their horse and only 45% that have not.
It was 50/50 on not having a pretty location and needing some life changes
I found a lot of this very interesting and gave me some ideas on what my social media follower’s needs are. Other photographer’s I would love to see your results if you did something similar.
This was the most popular answer - 95% wanted this.
Approximately 70% had need for these
This was only at 55%. I have to take into consideration that a good portion of my followers have already graduated. So if I consider the the % of answers compared to the age factor, this is actually pretty high.
Also around 70%. A majority of those who need this where horse professionals; trainers, therapist and lot of equine photographers.
60% said that finances are keeping them from booking a session and 40% said time.
Received several other reasons other than what I asked
Conner & Maui| Equine Black Background | Brawley Farms | Bartonville Texas
These two were great to work with! Delaney wanted some photos of them together so we went ahead and tried and they did wonderfully. Many times when doing 2 horses in an alley way it is easier to do them separately and use photoshop to put them together. No need with these two! Colourful “Conner” is Delaney’s Hunter & I-Mai Tai OHF “Maui” is her Jumper.
We did black background photos using natural light and then I did some with some artificial lighting to really bring out their shine.
Morgan | McKinney Cotton Mill | Senior 2019
I was very excited to be able to shoot at the Cotton Mill. Morgan’s parents recently renewed their vows at the Cotton Mill and she had some session time that she did not use, so she used it for her daughter’s senior session. The day was drizzy and rather cold for the time of year, so glad to have a chance to go inside for a good part of Morgan’s session.
Sarah & Will | Engagement Session | Hall Arts | Frisco Texas
I have known Sarah for several years. She attended one of my workshops a few years ago and is a talented photographer, so I was honored when she asked me to photographer her engagement session. She also works for The Hall Group. which is known for all the sculpture and artwork on their campus and in their buildings. This gave us access to some great backdrops with the unique pieces located throughout the property and unique architecture inside.
Photographer Q&A | Photography Education
I get a lot of questions from photographers and those who want to become photographers, either just as a hobby or professional. I went back though my direct messages and posted some common ones.
What is the most important camera setting to get a good photo?
Actually it is not a camera setting, it is light and learning how to use light. In the years of teaching numerous beginner photographers, I have learned that not everyone sees light and how it sculpts the subject. I have discovered when they can’t find the main light source to look for the shadows. So looking for your light and looking at the direction the shadows are pointing and knowing how these will sculpt your subject.
How many focus points do you use?
One! I like to control where my camera focus point is. I manually move this focus point when composing my image. Usually on the eye of the subject. Many think that when they have multiple focus points, the camera will focus on all the points and everything should be in focus. Depending on what your aperture is, the focus points will focus on what is closest to the camera, not the whole subject.
When you do action shots, do you use burst mode for your shutter?
Depends. If it is slow action no, I work on getting my timing correct. For horses, this is walking, trot/jog & lope/canter, over fences and much more. The only time I use burst is horse racing and occasionally liberty photos. I find my timing can do a better job at getting the correct leg position that doing burst mode. Plus I want my camera shutter to last. Camera shutters only last so long before they need replacing. All my cameras are already are on their 2nd or 3rd shutter. Lastly, when going through my images I rather have to sort through 100 rather than 500. I can get the proofs much faster to my client when there are less to cull through.
What editing programs do you use? How do you pick the photos to use?
Even though these were asked separately, I put these together because , in my opinion, they kind of go together.
I use Lightroom for selecting images and for some editing, color/exposure fixes. Some retouching and cleaning up of background.. I use Photoshop for more extensive edits.
Lightroom is the program I use for selecting images. I have a 3 step process for selecting images to present to clients. My first step is to do a quick run through getting rid of closed eyes, flopping ears and duplicates, this eliminates about 30-50% The next step is a quality check where i get rid out of focus or motion blurred images.. I like my focus to be on the subjects eyes, so if the main subjects eyes are not in focus, I will not use. This eliminates another 5%. My next step is to narrow down my favorites of each pose. After selecting, I will do some quick editing and they are ready to go. Most the images I use on my website and social media are images the client selected as their favorite.
What is the best way to organize photos?
I really don’t think there is a best way to organize your photos. Whatever works for you is the best way and it may take some adjusting, but do develop a method early and stick to it. Having a consistent organization method is key. When I go back to look for old images when I did not have a consistent method I can’t find anything.
Here is my method. I shoot in RAW for starters, but I do not keep my RAW images.
Step 1) I create a folder for a session on my computer and an external hard drive. I name it this way:
For equine sessions: ranch -model -horse -date
For senior sessions: model- horse- sr19 -date
Step 2) Import to Lightroom & at the same time I use the LR option to backup to external hard drive at the same time
Step 3) See my lightroom workflow in the previous question. When finished with my LR workflow, I export the selected images to JPGS into a subfolder named edits. I then delete the RAWs off of computer. Don’t worry I still have the RAWs on the external. I back the JPGS up onto my SmugMug account and onto the external.
Step 4) Once my client selects their favorites, I move those images into another sub-folder called Picks. Those are edited/retouched. then backed up. Products are then delivered.
Step 5) Once a month I go through my computer and external hard drive. I make sure everything is backed up. I deleted RAWs from files that the order has been completed/deleivered. Yes I delete my RAWS, I still have my JPGs. In 10 years, I haven’t needed my RAWS ever.
NOTE: I do save some image copies on my computer that I will want for marketing purposes. I have separate folder for those.
TIP: To find my images fast on old hard drives, I have a screen shot (see photo sample)of the files on each hard drive and print that off. Each hard drive is labeled to correspond to the file sheet.
TIP #2: To keep your hard drive for going out, store in clean dry area. I keep mine in a safe and throw some silicone pouches in there with them. Also plug them into your computer every few months to keep them working.
When starting a photography business, what is the most important thing to learn?
Assuming you already have photography and post productions skills there are several things you need to know. First is you need to know how to market yourself. Marketing skills are just as important as photography skills. Second, have a business plan. Third be legit, pay your taxes, get insurance and so forth. If you want it to be a business and want to earn a profit, treat it as such.
If you have any other questions feel free to ask and I will answer on the next Q&A Blog.
Want to learn more, check out some of the classes, one on one mentor session, private photography lessons and workshops.
Katie | Senior 2019 | Keller | Fort Worth Stockyards
Katie is quite the fashionista and loved every outfit she had. We did 2 different sessions. One in the spring of 2018 with her Appaloosa; Eyesa Hot Smokin Chip “Hank” and other session in the fall at the Fort Worth Stockyards and Arts District. When I arrived for the spring session, I drove through a beautiful gated entry and a long tree lined driveway. Couldn’t of been a more perfect spot! Katie selected the Stockyards and the Kimbell Art Museum and her styling was perfect for both locations.
Hat: Charlie 1 Horse
Turquoise Jewelry: Family Heirloom
Locations: Arlington Texas, Fort Worth Stockyards, Kimbell Art Museum
Hair & Makeup: Horse Show Makeup Artist
Annabelle | Suddenly Nic | Senior Session in Pilot Point
Doesn’t Annabelle’s red shirt look marvelous with her palomino Suddenly Nic “Nac”! Looks stunning on Annabelle too. Annabelle competes with Nac in NRCHA events and AQHA shows in the Working Cow Horse Events. It was a rather wind day, yes I have said that before, but it’s Texas so it is normal. In the pasture was a beautiful stock tank surrounded by trees. I “thought” this would be a great place to start out the session. A large blue heron corrected this thought as it kept flying back and forth over Annabelle & Nac. Nac was not to fond of this so we had to move locations.
We got creative to avoid the wind and tried out the barn doorway, a covered walkway between the barn and arena, I even found a cool wall of pallets. We couldn’t bring Nac next to them, but made a great spot for just Annabelle. When the wind started to die down when used the outdoor area and the front driveway. Across the street was a large pasture and made a nice backdrop.
Red Shirt: CR Ranchwear
Location: Metcalf Quarter Horses, PIlot Point Texas
Makeup: Horse Show Makeup Artist
Emma | Rio Vista | Country Senior Portraits with Horse
When I pulled into Emma’s driveway, I immediately fell in love with the tree-lined driveway and knew this would be where some of her photos would be taken. Tree-lined driveways are always my favorite, they are scenic and I find it easier for the model to handle their horse. With the lack of grass, the horse won’t be so tempted to try to eat. Emma and her horse, Jax made me think of National Velvet. Emma has some Elizabeth Taylor qualities, mostly her big beautiful eyes and Jax could easily double as The Pie.
Caitlin & Anthony | Engagement Session with Horses | Aubrey Texas
I have know Caitlin since my horse judging coaching days. I did her Senior portraits and she has been one of my equestrian models several times. I very excited to do her engagement session, especially since she wanted her & Anthony’s e-session to be with her horses. The red dress she wore looked so good against the early fall colors.
Lucky of La Osita Farms | Equine Fine Art Portraits | Brawley Farms | Texas
Lucky’s owner Christina had me out to do some equine portraits of him, she was rather proud of her horse, as she should. She used the session for 2 reasons, one for fine art portraits and some conformation photos to help promote her farm. I tried to give her a good variety of shots, including equine headshots, black background, conformation and some artistic backlight options.
Lexi | Allen Texas Senior Portraits | Adriatica Mckinney
I am honored when I get asked to senior sessions when I did the graduates other sibling. I did Lexi’s sister a few years ago at the same location. What I like about the Adriatica is I can do many different shoots there and I always find new spots. It was unseasonably cold, very humid and rather windy the day we did her senior pictures, so we tried to find spots that she was blocked from the wind. Something I always allow is for my seniors to bring friends to be included. Friends are part of your high school memories so why shouldn’t they be included in your senior portraits.
Claire | Keller Senior Photographer | Flower Mound | Stone Creek
We took Claire’s senior pictures at one of my favorite locations, Stone Creek Park in Flower Mound, Texas, I love this spot as it is always a little different. The water levels are always changing and it gives it a different appearance each time. It is one of the few water locations I know of that I am not worried about snakes. It is a very popular location which keeps the snakes away. We did several outfits in the water and then when it got to dark we move to the lawn area. She worn a dress from my collection, that I thought would look lovely in the setting. The rocks can be very slippery and Claire found one, she slipped and fell,. She didn’t hurt herself or get her hair or makeup wet, but the bottom of the dress was pretty wet. I told her since it was wet she had to options to stay where she was and sit in the water with the dress one or change. Her eyes lit up and was all for the sitting in the water. I applaud her because I know that water was cold. I had rubber boots on and I could feel the coldness as i stood in the water.
Maddie & Magnus | Central High School | Keller Senior Photographer
This was my 2nd time to work with Magnus and 1st time with Maddie. Second time with Magnus as I photographed Maddie’s older sister for her senior portraits with Magnus a few years earlier. Love Maddie’s style and even though it was warmer than it should be for the time of year we took her photos, she stuck it out with some wonderful fall fashions and her letter jacket. When i say warmer, I should say hotter and the humidity was horrible. I believe the heat index was 106 that day. We took photos in a turnout area where she boards Magnus. She found a cute little fenced area to change clothes since my dressing tent would of been a sauna. Near the end of the session I walked over to the area she was changing as the light was great there. I was horrified when I realized it was covered in poison ivy! I am the type that gets it if the wind blows my way. I asked Maddie if she gets it and she said she never has, whew!. I was still worried about and asked her during her order session a couple weeks later and she never got it. Double Whew!!
Sarah & Fraizer| Frisco Senior Photographer
Sarah & Designed To Be Good “Frazier”! Frazier is Sarah’s former horse, but his current owner was nice enough to allow her to use him for her senior portraits. They both were a dream to work with. Right before I arrived for the session a storm blew through. When I pulled up there was a beautiful rainbow. Knowing the rainbow wouldn’t last long, I I barely introduced myself a started photographing Sarah with the rainbow in the background. It only lasted a few minutes, so when it was gone we did more formal introductions and started the rest of the session. We had to watch the weather carefully as storms where all around us, The wind started to pick up, but we found a great spot surrounded by cedar trees and it made a great windblock.
Brandalyn | West Texas Senior| Equine Session
Brandalyn attends Clarendon High School, but haul several hours to have her senior session done at the beautiful Grey Horse Ranch in Wildorado, Texas. She brought 3 of her horses, one that she recently won a AQHA World Youth Championship. Not only is Brandalyn active in her horse activities, she is also active in golf, basketball, FFA & 4H. Not sure when she sleeps! We were able to incorporate all her talents, plus her dog all in one photo.
