I'm thrilled to work with you! Your portrait session is a custom experience, and I want to ensure that the results are beautiful, lasting portraits that you will cherish for generations to come. I look forward to creating stunning art pieces during your family’s session.
Preparing your horse for their session:
Please notify us in advance if your horse has any anxieties, special needs, or allergies. (I like to reward them after the session with a treat or two) We want the session to go as smoothly as possible. It’s essential that your horse feels comfortable during the session.
Think positive, calm thoughts. If we remain calm, our horses will also be calm.
Take some time to clean and groom your horse so they look nice and presentable for the portraits. I do not photograph wet horses. If you bathe your horse, please ensure there is plenty of time for them to dry.
If you want to bring props, bring what is meaningful for you - a favorite saddle, bridle, your first helmet (I still have my first adorable velvet helmet I wore as a kid!), belt buckles, or your cowboy hat. Whatever is meaningful to you will add to your portrait.
During the session I’ll have your horse pose a few different ways. If these poses are challenging for your horse, we can modify them to suit your horse's needs. I like to change things up and keep the horses engaged so they don't get bored. It's essential for them to stay happy and relaxed.
What to Wear
I always encourage formal attire, which photographs best. Select timeless clothing that embodies character, personality, and style. Dress as if you were going to a fine restaurant or a wedding. I never hear people say they wish they had dressed down, but I do hear clients say they wish they had dressed up. Of course, wear what represents you and your horse. Timeless clothing is always recommended. Trendy clothing will look silly in a year or two.
Choose 2-3 colors to wear. Neutral colors, such as beige, white, tan, black, and grey, often photograph well. They complement your skin tones and don’t conflict with common background elements. Stick with either darker colors or lighter colors. We recommend grey, black, and a rich jewel tone (such as burgundy, emerald, or cobalt). Avoid black and white combinations. Black and white looks best on animals, but can be too contrasty for people.
Always dress with the full length in mind. Consider including shoes and socks in your wardrobe. Shoe styles should be simple and not distracting.
For Women:
I recommend dark or jewel-toned dresses or outfits. Dark colors add shadows in the areas where we appreciate having a shadow. We always recommend that women avoid patterns. Loose clothing looks blocky and big in portraits. So, fitted (not skin tight) and tailored clothing is always best.
Dresses photograph exceptionally well and flatter most women.
To slenderize, wear dark clothing. Longer sleeves are generally more flattering than shorter sleeves.
For hair and makeup, opt for a natural look. Matte looks better than bronzers, glittery, and sparkly makeup. You may be more comfortable having your hair and makeup professionally done, or you may prefer to do it yourself. Regardless of which option you choose, it is essential that you feel beautiful and confident.
Manicures and pedicures matter.
Jewelry enhances your look.
For Men:
Coats, jackets, or sweaters are recommended. For a more casual look, wear a nice sweater over a dress shirt.
A dark dress shirt or T-shirt pairs well with a jacket, especially when paired with dark jeans.
Layering adds depth and dimension.
Boys also look good in jeans, cable knit sweaters, and canvas or denim shirts.
For Children:
I recommend the same dressing concept as parents. Girls look beautiful in party dresses. Boys look perfect in textured sweaters, suits, bow ties, and vests.
Preparing for your session:
Please make sure everyone has eaten before the session. Horses and Humans!
Please refrain from bribing children, even teenagers. This can change attitudes and make it difficult for the little ones to get through the session because they are so focused on the bribe.
Ensure everyone gets a haircut and trim a few weeks before your session.
Please arrive with hair and makeup complete. I do find that many of our clients choose to have their makeup finished professionally to add to the portrait experience. If you are having professional hair and makeup, please allow plenty of time so you are not running late and feeling stressed.
Summary of the Process
Please arrive on time and be ready for the session at the agreed-upon time. There's no need to worry about wrinkles in clothing or fur/hair on clothes; I can retouch most wrinkles and remove hair/fur in post-production.
The first 5-10 minutes are for your horse to get to know us and relax. I will also test our lights to see how your horse reacts to strobes. Most horses don't care about the flashing lights. If you think your horse will be scared. Please let us know. I have some tricks to get them used to the flash.
Once your horse is comfortable, we will begin the session. I do a variety of poses for the horse depending on their abilities. Then we will bring owners into the portrait for a beautiful family and pet portrait session.
Once your session is complete, we will either schedule a time for you to visit the studio to view your portraits or meet virtually. I do not send galleries. During your viewing appointment, we will review a slideshow of the best photographs from your session and guide you through selecting your artwork. We've set aside time to help you choose your artwork. Please ensure that all decision-makers are present for the ordering appointment.
COPYRIGHT: All images, original and processed, remain the sole property of Kolu Westcott. It is ILLEGAL to copy or reproduce any photographs, either physically or digitally, without Kolu Westcott's permission. Violators of this federal law will be subject to its civil and criminal penalties. The client may not download or take screenshots of any digital image produced by Kolu Westcott without express permission. The client will not receive any RAW files and may not edit the work or remove watermarks. The client may NOT submit any photos taken by Kolu Westcott for use in contests. All images, whether physical or digital, purchased or provided to the client, are for personal use only. No commercial use by the client is permitted under this contract, including but not limited to resale, promotion of personal business, or use in contests or exhibitions.
MODEL RELEASE: Clients grant permission to publish and use photographs on the studio's website and for social media sharing, which may be used for advertising, promotion, trade, exhibition, and distribution purposes. Clients may apply restrictions on use. I take child online privacy seriously and will not use images of minors without their parents' permission.
