Horse & Rider Session // Jessie & Mr.Sandman

One of my goals this past summer was to stop letting imposter syndrome hold me back and step into the fact that I am an experienced photographer, with knowledge to share. The first step in achieving this was to host my first styled shoot. If you don’t know what a styled shoot is, it involved setting up a model and a creative idea or theme, in my case the glitter & gold theme and then inviting other photographers to come together and capture this session with you. It is an opportunity for photographers to connect and learn together and allows a session to be much more creative than usual! There was a lot that went into planning this session, from changing location 3 times in the planning stages, organizing our model and equine, finding the dress and props and advertising to other photographers. It was some of the most work I have done for a single session, and yet so worth it for the magic we were able to capture.

My vision for the session came to life 10 times over and was above and beyond what I had imagined in my head! It gave me the confidence I needed to launch my education program, including guides, mentorships and more, and excited me to host more of these styled shoots in the future! I cannot thank everyone who participated enough, Yans Flowers for the props, Fitzroy rentals for the gown, Jessie and Sandman for modelling, Alexa and her family for allowing us to use their property,
Achelois Spa for hair and makeup and all the amazing photographers who came together to collaborate and create something beautiful!

Now it wouldn’t be a blog post if I didn’t tell you a little bit about the amazing Jessie and Sandman! I have known Jessie for many years, from when I first bought my horse almost a decade ago. She is one of the kindest, most helpful and thoughtful people I know and truly is willing to go the extra mile, even if you aren’t her close friend. I will always remember that years ago she drove me and my dad home from a 4-H meeting when our car got stuck in the snow. She takes this same kind and giving attitude into her life as an equestrian and truly cares very deeply for her horses. Her and Sandman have built a sweet and quirky friendship and bond, each very forgiving of the other and always willing to learn from their mistakes. It was obvious in her willingness to get on bareback, even though Sandman was anxious and hot that day that she has immense trust in him and knows that he will keep her safe. Her ability to laugh off his antics that day just go to show her positive attitude and the ability to not take life too seriously but just enjoy the moment, especially when that moment is a you being a princess for the day!

“He is very humbling, and I appreciate that he isn't an easy ride, and has taught me so much. He's a gentle giant, and aims to please!”