This is an older session, but I just realized that I never shared it, and this little family is too beautiful not to share. They have such a beautiful property and their horses both had such amusing personalities - all of that together put together an absolutely magical session!
Please...Don't Wait.
Please, don’t wait.
Usually I blog about recent sessions or events that have happened in the business, but today is going to get a little more personal.
As all of my wonderful clients are, I am an avid animal lover. I currently own my horse, three little budgerigars, a ton of fish (plus babies!), and an aquatic turtle. The only reason there isn’t a dog or two and a cat in the house is because our landlord doesn’t allow it. And believe me - we’ve tried.
Along with loving these wonderful creatures, I have lost them. I have lost two horses that I deeply care about in my dozen or so years of riding, as well as other types of pets I understand the deep pain that is experienced when a beloved animal passes. It doesn’t matter how old you are - it hurts.
I have also felt the deep pain of clients who have had their horse or pet pass away. It doesn’t matter if it was expected, or completely out of the blue. You are never ready for it.
My post today is not intended to sell prints or get you to book. It is to bare my heart and tell you that I get it; I understand. Sometimes, life just isn’t fair. I had a connection with one of the horses that I lost that was deeper than anything I have every experienced otherwise in my life. She was put down to an irreparable injury. She was only nine, and was an athlete in her prime, before it was all suddenly taken away. This was when I was a teen eager, and I am very sorry to admit that I have few photos of her. The ones that I do have, I cling to. I never had professional photos done of her, never showed at a show that had a pro photographing, never even took the time to intentionally clean her up and do little shoot with my phone, and I deeply regret that.
Please, don’t wait to capture your memories with your companion. Whether you hire a professional for a shoot, buy a photo or two at your next show, or simply take the time to take more photos with your phone when you ride, just DO IT. We never know how long you have with our family, and our horses and pets are the same way.
If I am able to help in any way, be it by capturing the memories for you, being a shoulder to cry on, or helping you preserve your memories in art, don’t hesitate to ask. We are all in this together - bonded by our love for these incredible animals we get to call ours. And in the end, through all the joy and tears and sweat and hard work and money spent and care given, our memories and legacies, in whatever form we capture them, are what will live on forever.
-Liz
This post was written in loving memory of all of our beloved horses and pets who have passed on.
What to Expect With Every Session
So, you want to book a session.
As a business owner, I strive to be consistent in my treatment of every session. My biggest goals are to make your experience as simple and personal as possible. Each session is catered to you and your pet or horse's individual needs in order to create the best artwork for you as possible!
The First Contact
When we first make contact, I will work with you to get a good idea of exactly what your dream session will look like. From the type of animal, to how many images you need, this process is treated with utmost transparency to help you select the exact session collection for your needs - no more, no less.
If you have chosen styling or have questions, we will work closely to make sure communication is clear and everyone involved knows what is going on. Ask any and all questions that come up - I am happy to help in any way possible!
The Session
Once we have a session date, location, and other details figured out, it's time to shoot! I (and my assistant if needed) will meet you at the predetermined location. The session time starts precisely at the time we planned to make things as clear as possible, so I recommend planning on being ready to go ten minutes before our scheduled time!
When everyone is present, we shoot! I love and recommend coming with posing and prop ideas if you have something that you just love. Even better if you send me the ideas before the session so I can make sure to work them in!
The Delivery
After our session, I carefully sort and hand edit the images for your gallery. Unless something else has been pre-arranged, typically it is up to my discretion which images are included. Usually, I include at least one of each pose that is flattering and has good lighting.
Payment, if it hasn't been completed at the time of the session, is due any time before images are delivered. Typical turnaround time during most times of the year is up to four weeks; please let me know before the session if you need a different timeline.
When the images are completed, the gallery will be sent to your email address. They will be in a simple, user-friendly gallery where the included digitals can be downloaded, and any desired prints or products may be purchased. Remember, the digitals provided are for your personal use, though commercial usage may be purchased from the gallery. Don't forget, I offer a complementary design appointment to help you find the perfect products for your wall or album!
As always, if you have any questions or requests, please do not hesitate to reach out! I am here for YOU and your dream session, and I want you to love every minute!
- Liz, Photographer at Elizabeth Knight Photography