horse + rider

I strive to provide laid-back, worry-free sessions that ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. While the level of preparation is entirely up to you, I have some suggestions to enhance your session. Depending on the type of session, outfit changes may be available, so we encourage you to bring different options to capture a variety of looks. It's important to dress appropriately for the weather, allowing you to wear anything from casual attire to elegant dress or even your horse show attire. I highly recommend having your hair and makeup done for a polished look, but ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable and confident during the session.

When it comes to your equine partner, we suggest treating the session as you would a competition. This may include clipping, ensuring your horse is clean, painting hooves, applying makeup, and having a clean bridle. If your horse tends to have excess energy, we recommend a ride or a lunge before the session to help your horse and rider be relaxed and at ease.

Additionally, it's always beneficial to have a second person present to assist, especially during outfit changes, if possible. Their help can make the session run smoothly and ensure that both you and your horse have an enjoyable and stress-free time.

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.

The background plays a crucial role in these sessions, especially when it comes to creating the desired atmosphere. While greenery and barn architecture are preferred, I am open to working with various locations to achieve the desired result. It's essential to keep in mind that horses are unpredictable creatures, and they tend to be more relaxed in familiar surroundings such as their home or familiar locations. However, if there are other locations you're interested in that offer better scenery and you're comfortable with transporting your horse, please let me know. We can incorporate those locations into our schedule.

In terms of timing, it is ideal to capture the best lighting conditions for stunning photographs. Early morning at sunrise or late afternoons around sunset provide soft and flattering light. Shooting in the mid-afternoon can result in harsh lighting conditions that are not ideal for photography. To ensure the best possible outcomes, I always schedule sessions at the beginning or the end of the day. It's important to note that these sessions typically last for an hour to two hours, and they will require the full duration of the optimal lighting. Therefore, I am only able to accommodate one session in the morning or evening during those times.

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.