I know I’ve said it before and will again, but I love to photograph  girls and their horses.  I’ve had the privilege to capture High School Senior portraits for several riders at Augusta Pines Equestrian Center and every session has been a very unique experience. The girls train for hunter/jumper competition and when they aren’t traveling for events, this center is their home away from home. I’m always so impressed with the ease with which the girls handle their horses during these sessions. It is no small task to keep yourself focused for portraits let alone make sure the other (extremely large) model is relaxed and not trampling you.  The horses are very well trained but they are used to their stalls, their routines and the competition rings. 

My sessions give the pair a chance to relax for a moment and savor this time. Years of training and countless hours on the road are winding down as the girls come to the end of high school. They will head off to college but their horses may stay behind. It’s definitely a special time to capture. We can wander into the woods and enjoy the quiet. No lights, no arena noises, no hustle and bustle that comes at events–just a girl and her horse. 

I have to say “Thank You” to all the girls’ moms. They have been a HUGE help during these sessions.  They’ve been there with extra hands for horsey bribes, making gestures or noises to get our equine models’ attentions, adjusting hair / mane / tail / clothes,  and just keeping the girls smiling and laughing.  I’ve so enjoyed seeing the closeness of each of these families. After all, it is truly a family affair to train and travel for competitions, and their special relationships are evident.

NOW…on to this gorgeous duo of Gabriela and her horse Candy. We had a  lovely day of sunshine and light breeze and the pictures just kept getting better and better as we went. Despite another horse that was determined to photo bomb our portraits, Gabi was able to keep Candy relaxed. We did have a bit of a hard time with Candy and her ears. Normally I’m watching eyes, posture, and hands so it’s definitely a different aspect of the portraits for me to focus on. It was great fun listening to Gabi and her mom coaxing Candy to stop giving us the “mule ears”. I loved the casual outfits that Gabi chose to wear and her natural styling really let her beauty shine through. She also had an idea for a location where she spends a lot of time with her friends on the lake so I hope the portraits there will help bring back great memories for her in years to come. Gabi is off to A& M next year and I wish her the best of luck!