Black Background

I pride myself on providing laid-back and stress-free sessions for all our clients. While the level of preparation is entirely up to you, I have some suggestions to ensure that your equine portraits are captured in exquisite detail.

To showcase your horse in the best light, I recommend emulating the show preparation you would undertake for a competition. This includes grooming your horse meticulously, ensuring they are clipped, clean, and their bridle is in impeccable condition. While not mandatory, clipped ears and muzzle are highly recommended as they stand out beautifully against the black backgrounds. Braiding your horse is not a requirement but can elevate the overall aesthetic if feasible.

In terms of location, sessions are typically conducted in a barn aisle or a covered arena, if available. It is ideal to have a clean area with the lights off or barn doors closed, although this is not fully necessary. Please ensure the floor is swept and tidy, as it may be visible in some shots. If possible, having an assistant on hand can be extremely helpful.

When it comes to the bridle, it is recommended to use the show bridle that your horse typically wears. A simple metal snaffle is the best choice, although figure 8's and other jumper, dressage, and western bits are welcome. Before the session begins, please remove the reins and attach a lead rope to the bit, as this will be edited out in post-processing. The lead rope will serve as a tool for easy switching sides and maintaining control. Don't forget to bring your horse's favorite treats to keep them happy and engaged throughout the session!

I strongly encourage you to share your images with your friends! While crediting is preferred, it is not a requirement. If you choose to credit, you can tag Sophia Lewis Photography on Facebook or @sophialewis_photography on Instagram. Sharing your images allows others to appreciate and enjoy the beautiful moments captured during your session. Feel free to spread the joy and memories with your social circles!

I have multiple payment options available for your convenience. We prefer to receive payment through your very own online client portal. It's important to note that a 30% retainer is required for booking. The remainder of your payment is required at least 1 week prior to your session. This will make the payment process seamless and efficient.

If you prefer to pay with a check, the 30% retainer is still required. The remainder of your session fee must be paid one week before your session date. If the check bounces a 10% fee will be added to your session cost.

I aim to be as flexible and accommodating as possible, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding payments or deposits, please do not hesitate to reach out. I want to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you throughout the entire process.

Depending on the distance involved, there may be travel fees to consider. However, rest assured that I will discuss these fees with you before finalizing the booking. Typically, for trips that require long-distance driving or flying outside of my regular locations, I implement a flat fee to encompass travel expenses for all clients. It's important to note that if we haven't discussed travel fees prior to confirming the booking, they may not apply in your particular situation. Transparency is vital to me, and I want to ensure that all fees and expenses are communicated clearly and agreed upon in advance.

Creating the perfect portraits requires a significant amount of work, which includes extensive touch-ups. Please rest assured that any scratches, scars, fungus, or other blemishes can be removed upon request, and there will be no additional charge for this service. Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to me.

It's worth mentioning that while I can work wonders with editing, I cannot clean a dirty horse through post-processing. To achieve the best results, I highly recommend having your horse cleaned and groomed before the session. This includes considering a sleek coat by clipping, as it adds a polished and professional look to the final image. Additionally, it's important to note that dirty bridles and tack will be noticeable in the photographs.

I understand that you may have specific preferences for editing, and I want to ensure that you are absolutely thrilled with every image you receive. However, it's important to keep in mind that excessive editing will increase the time it takes for you to receive the final images. My goal is to strike the perfect balance between delivering edits that meet your expectations and providing a timely delivery.

I include digital files in all of my session packages, giving clients the convenience of sharing their images online with friends and family. The method of receiving your images depends on the Coverage Option you have chosen.

TIER 1: The digital files you receive are considered 'digital proofs' and will have my logo on them. These files are intended for social media use only and cannot be printed without going through my professional printing labs to ensure the highest quality. You will receive these images via email with a personalized online gallery link, allowing you to easily download the files to your computer.

TIER 2: goes a step further by including High Resolution Files with a Print Release. These files will be delivered to you via a Custom USB through the mail. Along with the USB, you will also receive a Social Media Gallery for immediate downloading and posting. Please note that the USB will be shipped out 1-2 weeks after you receive your online gallery.

The completion time for images to be added to your gallery may vary depending on the type of session. Typically, my turnaround time is around 4-6 weeks. Rest assured that I strive to deliver your final images as promptly as possible while maintaining the highest quality.

Certainly! If you are interested in purchasing High Resolution Digitals along with the Printing Rights, you have the option to do so. The Printing Rights will grant you the ability to print the images from your session, as well as any other images you may have seen in my selected galleries.

For pricing details regarding the purchase of printing rights, please feel free to inquire. I will be more than happy to provide you with the information you need.