WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE?

I recommend you prepare your horse as you might for a competition. Bathe/groom, clean up around the ears, chin, feathers, or clip them, if that's what you would normally do. Brush out your horse's tail & trim or braid their mane, if you are able to, though the latter is not required. You will also need to thoroughly clean whatever tack your horse will be wearing. I suggest your horse's designated bridle for the most impact, but a halter is also fine. The reins should be removed on one side, or use a lead rope attached to the bit; it is mainly there to help control and situate your equine during the shoot, but either way, it will be edited out later. 

As for set up, the sessions are done in a barn aisle or a covered arena if available. I advise using a clean area, with the lights off and barn doors closed if possible. The floor will be in some of the shots, so keeping a broom handy to  sweep the area is recommended. Remember to bring your horse's favorite treats as well!



DO I NEED TO BE THERE TO HOLD MY HORSE?

The basic answer is yes, you - or someone familiar & comfortable with your horse - must be present to assist with handling. Under very specific circumstances, an exception can be made. An extra hand is also always welcome, if available!
 


CAN I BE IN THE PHOTOS?

Of course! I love photographing horses with their people, however there is a $50 charge per additional human subject.



ARE THERE ANY TRAVEL FEES?

Travel fees may be included depending on distance, and will be discussed with you prior to booking. Generally this will only apply to trips outside of the Central Texas area. Any bookings that require flying or driving long distances will be charged a travel fee to cover estimated travel expenses. If I have not discussed travel fees with you prior to booking, they may not apply!



MAY I POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Yes, I highly encourage you share images with your friends! Credit is preferred but not required. If you'd like to credit, tag S.M.B Photography on Facebook or @s.m.b_photography_2022 on Instagram.



HOW DO I PAY FOR A SESSION?

Sessions are paid for using credit/debit card through the gallery website. I charge a 50% booking fee, with the rest of the balance due the day of the session. The final payment may be made in cash on site, if coordinated ahead of time, or paid through the website. 
Images will not be processed until the session is paid in full.



MAY I CHANGE MY SHOOT LOCATION AFTER BOOKING?

Yes, shoot locations may be changed up to 72 hours prior to the session. However, travel fees may be applied or adjusted depending on distance. You must also confirm permission and provide waivers for the new facility immediately upon notifying me of a change in location.

CAN YOU EDIT THIS OUT?

A lot of time and effort is put into meticulously editing these portraits to make them look absolutely perfect, and that includes extensive touch-ups. Don't be worried about scratches, scars, or other blemishes. If there are any specific scars or features you would like me to keep in the photo, let me know, too! An example of this is my own little mare, who has a notch in her ear that I leave in all of her photos when I edit.

Please be aware that editing will not clean a dirty horse, and, the cleaner the horse, the better quality the image! I cannot de-hair a furry coat, so, if you are looking for a sleek coat in the cooler weather, clipping is recommended. Dirty bridles and tack will also be very obvious with such detailed photos. Keep in mind that the more editing is necessary, the longer it will take to receive the images, but I will do everything I can to make your photos as close to perfect as possible!



CAN YOU GET THIS PARTICULAR SHOT? WHAT IF I HAVE MULTIPLE HORSES?

Every session will have a set number of poses for each horse, but if you have something specific in mind please let me know! If you have more than one horse, I will edit them together upon request, so don't worry if your horses don't get along or if there isn't enough space to fit them. I do my best to create believable compositions afterwards!



HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY IMAGES?

You will receive an email with a link to your personal online gallery, from which you can purchase additional photos & download the files straight to your computer or have them sent to your email to be downloaded from there. Depending on the package you purchased, you will have a set number of digital photo credits available within the gallery, that will allow you to download photos at no additional charge.

The time it takes to complete the editing of your images depends on the type of session, but my typical turn around is 1-3 weeks.



CAN I ORDER PRINTS OF MY IMAGES?

Clients can purchase physical products, including prints and canvases, directly from the linked gallery and have them delivered right to your door! There are plenty of options and prices available, and if you are interested in a size not listed in the gallery, please contact me to inquire about custom options! 



WHAT IF I BOARD MY HORSE?

You are responsible for obtaining permission from the facility and providing all required waivers/releases for us to be on the grounds. Confirmation and documentation must be provided to me no later than 72-hours in advance, otherwise the session may be canceled and or rescheduled.



CAN I USE A DIFFERENT COMPANY TO ORDER PRINTS?

Print releases are available for an additional fee.



DO YOU HAVE DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE HORSES?

I offer a 10% discount for 3 or more horses being photographed on the same day and property.

Q&A

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT
S.M.B.Photography2022@gmail.com