Horse & Rider Portraits at Meadow Dream Farm
Nitro, West Virginia • December 8th
The weekend before Thanksgiving, I had the joy of photographing a full day of horse & rider portraits at Meadow Dream Farm, and the variety of stories I captured still makes me smile.
From academy riders experiencing their very first portrait session, to world championship riders who have spent years building their craft, to a mother–daughter duo who simply love their horse and each other, each session carried its own kind of magic. What tied them all together was the same thing that always does:
the bond between a rider and their horse.
That gentle hand on the neck, the quiet confidence in the horse’s eyes, the giggles between takes—it’s the kind of connection you just can’t pose.
We also added a touch of holiday flair for riders who wanted something festive. A little snow overlay, a wreath, or warm Christmas colors can completely transform an image—and it’s always an optional add-on for any portrait session.
Behind the Scenes: What Makes These Sessions Special
When I first started to unload, I was surprised when I turned around and found a barn cat peeking out between the bags in my car! Doing a barn photoshoot does require some backup creativity - a sound machine, toys that make noises, snacks (for the horses), etc. The best advice is to be over prepared!
Each rider brought something different to their portraits and I loved weaving together a mix of personality, connection, and the natural beauty of the barn. Meadow Dream Farm is such a warm and welcoming place, and that energy shines through in every image. These riders are all like a family and stayed to support each others' sessions.
These sessions were photographed during my late-fall schedule, a time when the light is naturally soft, the barn feels cozy, and everyone is preparing for the holidays. It will definitely go down in the books as one of my favorite times of the year to take pictures!
Interested in a Horse & Rider Session?
If you’d like more details about my horse & rider portraits—what’s included, how the process works, and how to customize your barn or individual rider session—click here for more information.
I am currently scheduling barn shoots for 2026, and because of my editing workflow and commitment to giving every rider polished, high-quality final images, I book one barn per month. This allows me to keep turnaround times reasonable while still delivering the detailed editing that makes each portrait feel like a luxury, fine-art experience.
I do travel to barns outside of West Virginia, and barn travel fees are divided among the participating riders. Weekend dates work best, and you’ll have both myself and my assistant—my daughter, apprentice photographer, and fellow rider—as your second shooter.
If your barn is interested in being added to the 2026 calendar, I’d love to chat.
What do you have pictured for your next, or first, horse and rider portrait?
Leave a comment
0 Comments