Equine Portrait Experience
There is nothing quite like the bond between a horse and their person. They are more than just an animal — they are your partner, your teammate, and part of your story. The early mornings, long show days, quiet barn aisle moments, and once-in-a-lifetime memories deserve to be preserved beautifully and authentically. My equine portrait sessions are designed to capture the connection, personality, and heart behind every partnership, creating timeless images you’ll treasure long after this season has passed.
Pricing Packages
The Classic Equestrian
$300.00
Perfect for timeless portraits of you and your horse.
• Up to 45 minutes of camera time
• One horse
• 45 Professionally edited digital images
• Online gallery with download & print release
• Option to add black background portraits
The Signature Equestrian
$450.00
Our most popular experience.
• Up to 1.5 hours of camera time
• Multiple horses welcome
• 75 Professionally edited digital images
• Online gallery with download & print release
• 3 complimentary black background images included
The Elite Equestrian Experience
$650.00
The full storytelling experience.
• Up to 2 hours
• Multiple horses
• 125 Professionally edited digital images
• Online gallery with download & print release
• 6 complimentary black background images included
• $50 print/product credit
Black Background Session
$275.00
Timeless. Dramatic. Fine-art portraits of your horse.
• 5 black background images
• Lead rope & handler removal
• Detailed retouching edits
Additional images: $35 each
Additional horse same date/location: $195
Optional Add-On: Wreath styling — $25/horse.
Equine Sale Package
$195.00
• Handler + lead rope removal
• Sale-ready formatting
• Priority editing
• 1 horse
Additional horses same day: $125 each
FAQ
Do you travel for sessions?
Yes!
Sessions include travel within 20 miles of 44820. Locations beyond that radius will incur a travel fee of $0.65 per mile (based on the current IRS standard mileage rate). If you have a location in mind outside of this range, just reach out for a custom travel quote.
What happens after I book?
Once your session is secured, you’ll receive my detailed Equine Preparation Guide via email.
This guide walks you through:
• Preparing your horse
• Preparing yourself
• Barn setup tips
• What to expect the day of your session
You’ll feel fully prepared and confident long before session day arrives.
How should I prepare for my Horse & Equestrian Session?
These sessions focus on connection and storytelling, and preparation can be as relaxed or polished as you prefer.
For you:
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Choose outfits that feel natural and confident
• Casual barn attire, show clothing, or elevated equestrian looks all photograph beautifully
• Professional hair and makeup is encouraged but never required
For your horse:
• Bathed and clean
• Clipped if possible
• Hooves polished
• Clean tack
If your horse tends to be fresh, a light lunge beforehand can help ensure a relaxed and enjoyable session for both of you.
Having a second person available to assist with horses or tack adjustments is always helpful when possible.
How long until I get my images?
After your session, you can relax while I work behind the scenes editing your images.
Your fully edited gallery is typically delivered within 3–4 weeks (Sale Ads get priority since these are time sensitive). though turnaround time may be slightly longer during peak season. You’ll receive an email when your gallery is ready to view, download, and share.
What times and locations work best?
Background and lighting play a huge role in the final result.
For outdoor sessions, greenery and classic barn architecture photograph beautifully. Horses are most relaxed in familiar environments, so your home barn is often the best location.
If you have another location in mind and are confident trailering, I’m happy to discuss options.
Lighting
The most flattering light occurs:
• Early morning at sunrise
• Late afternoon through sunset
Midday light is harsh and not recommended. Because I schedule around the best light, I only book one equine session per sunrise or sunset.
How do I book and pay for my session?
A signed contract and 50% retainer are required to reserve your session date. The remaining balance is due on or before your session day.
I accept cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle for your convenience.
Dates are not secured until the retainer has been received.
If payments are needed, please reach out to us. We can customize a payment plan that works best for you.
What should I do to prepare for my Black Background Session?
All of my sessions are designed to be laid back and worry-free. That said, black background portraits are extremely detailed and preparation makes a noticeable difference.
I recommend preparing your horse as you would for a show:
• Freshly bathed and fully clean
• Clipped (including bridle path, ears, and muzzle if possible)
• Clean, conditioned coat
• Hooves polished
• Clean, well-fitted bridle
Clipped ears and muzzles are not required, but they are highly recommended. These small details are very visible against a black background.
Braiding is optional, but absolutely beautiful if you have the means.
Setup Requirements
Black background sessions are typically done in a barn aisle or covered arena.
• A clean, swept area is recommended (the floor may be visible)
• Turning aisle lights off and closing doors helps, but is not required
• An assistant is extremely helpful if available
Please bring your horse’s usual show bridle and a few favorite treats to keep their attention.
Can you edit out blemishes or imperfections?
Yes — absolutely.
These portraits include detailed retouching. Minor scratches, scars, fungus spots, or temporary blemishes can be removed at no additional charge.
However, editing cannot replace proper preparation.
• Dirt, dust, or heavy staining cannot be fully removed
• Shedding coats cannot be smoothed digitally
• Dirty tack will remain visible
The cleaner and more polished your horse is at the session, the more refined your final images will be.
Please also keep in mind that extensive retouching may extend delivery time slightly — but my goal is for you to be completely in love with every image you receive.
Can I order prints of my images?
Absolutely. While all packages include digital images, professional prints and products are available directly through your online gallery.
I partner with professional print labs to offer high-quality prints, canvases, and photo books so your images can be enjoyed for years to come.
Have more questions about our Equine Portrait Sessions?
We have put together an Equine Session Guide for inquiring clients and current clients who have already booked for a session. This guide provides helpful tips + trick, as well as how these sessions work before, during, and after. To request an Equine Session Guide, please email us at RachaelRayellePhotography@yahoo.com.