I’m always looking for ways to incorporate my client’s personal interests into their portrait sessions.  It allows me to expand my creativity and to create meaningful images that my clients can truly appreciate in the years to come.  When Cortalya shared that she wanted to incorporate her country roots I was overjoyed.  She decided on her family’s ranch home in Baywood, Louisiana as the perfect setting. The family uses the land to maintain and breed race horses.  There were so many special assets to getting to shoot in a setting that was naturally so familiar to her, yet completely outside what you normally see from my portrait work. Incorporating live animals in a session was a new fun challenge.  I’ve never backed away from a challenge, so I was excited to have the opportunity to try something new. Cortalya grew up riding horses and Frank just recently purchased a horse.  We worked to thoroughly integrate the horses while still centering our focus on the couple.

I love how the couple made a mix of wardrobe choices that were a combination of rustic and modern which accurately reflects their easy, laid back, yet classy personal styles.  Everything came together to tell the story about who they are and their love for one another.

This horse engagement was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to share in their big day next June.