"Let me photograph you in this light
in case it is the last time
that we might be exactly like we were..."
~Adele
The bond you share with your horse is like no other, and it’s a feeling you will always want to remember. The touch of their soft nose, the way they make you laugh, how it feels to ride together through golden fields at sunset…
Now imagine yourself with your horse in beautiful, meaningful photographs that capture that feeling.
As a fellow horse lover, I understand what it’s like to love a horse so deeply and to want to freeze this moment forever. We never know how much time we have left to enjoy our beloved animals. Investing in beautiful, high quality photographs is the best way to remember how it was to be together, exactly like you were.
Which type of session fits you?
Lifestyle Session
The Lifestyle Session is for horse lovers who want photos which artistically document real-life activities that happen between you and your horse every day.
Portrait Session
The Portrait Session is for horse lovers who want primarily posed images in multiple, dressier outfits. This session is ideal for High School Seniors.
Remember Session
The Remember Session is for people whose horses are over the age of 24 or are terminally ill. As your horse ages or their health declines, the urgency to preserve the memory of your relationship becomes more urgent, so these sessions are significantly discounted.
Testimonials
“Words are inadequate to thank you for the beautiful job you have done on Keara and Harley’s pictures. The album is so beautiful and will be a lovely reminder of this time in Keara’s life. Thank you again, with all our hearts…” ~ Aine M
“The images from our photo session not only capture memories, but will be artwork for a lifetime in our home. As our daughter transitions from her miniature horse to big horses you captured her heart and spirit with such beauty.” ~ Teresa P
“The pictures get more perfect and beautiful every time I see them. Your sincerity, warmth, and genuine caring helped me with healing the heartache of losing Jetta. I’ll never be able to repay you or thank you enough.” ~Ashley C
Session Investment
Shelley Paulson Photography is a Full Service Photography studio, meaning I personally guide you through each step of your photography experience until you have beautiful, finished art to hang on your walls and a custom-designed album to share with friends and family. Learn more about the difference between Full Service Photography Studios vs Shoot and Burn Photographers.
In addition to a personalized photography session resulting in beautiful, meaningful photos, Equestrian Portrait Sessions include:
A stress-free ordering session, where I personally walk you through image and product selection.
A custom-designed photo album so you can experience and share all your favorite images.
A generous print credit, so you can decorate your walls with the images you love most.
A flash drive of digital files for sharing your images online and making gift prints.
Clients typically invest between $1450 and $2450 on their portrait experience.
For detailed pricing, please fill out my Inquiry Form and tell me a little about you and your horse and what you’re looking for in a photo session.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
1 month ahead for spring and summer, 2-3 months for autumn, anytime in the winter!
What do I wear? How do I prepare?
Once your session is booked, I will send you a detailed packet of information on how to prepare both yourself and your horse to make the most of our fun time together.
Where do sessions take place?
Most sessions take place where the horse lives and is most comfortable. Don’t worry if you think it’s not a beautiful place, I am good at finding the beauty most anywhere! You can also trailer to a nice park, if you feel that’s a better option for you and your horse.
What time of day do sessions take place?
Because I love the warm, soft, golden light found in the last two hours of the day, that’s when I schedule my sessions.
What if it rains on the day of my session?
I leave dates open each week for rescheduling.
How many photos will you take?
This varies from session to session. Usually I present 75-100 photos for one session. I only present my best work!
What if I don’t have a fancy halter for my horse?
I always bring a nice leather halter and lead rope. If it doesn’t fit your horse, or is not the look you would like, we can also use your horse’s bridle.
What if my horse won't stand still or is naughty?
It’s a good idea to brush up on your ground work in the weeks leading up to your session. Make sure your horse can stand quietly at your side for more than a few seconds. I’ll work with you at the session to keep your horse happy and make sure the photos are great!
Do you travel outside of Minnesota for sessions?
I love to travel and am happy to give you a custom quote for an out of town session. I don’t currently have any trips planned, but will announce on my blog when I do.
Do you photograph people without horses?
Yes! I love to do portraits for high school seniors and older.
Do you photograph weddings?
I have made the decision to stop photographing weddings. I am very grateful for the many lovely people I have had the pleasure to work for and the wonderful experiences I had photographing weddings, but it was time for me to move on to follow my heart and focus my business primarily on equestrian work. Here are some of my favorites in Minnesota to consider:
Erin Johnson Photography
LaVie Photography
Generation Photography
Krissy McCabe
Emmerlee
Do you photograph horse shows?
Not usually. My photographic style does not lend itself to the horse show setting.
To Book Your Session
If you feel a connection to my photography and would like to learn more or book a session,
please fill out this form or email me at shelley@shelleypaulson.com
