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For all those who have had the good fortune to own a horse knows there is great value in having equestrian portraits taken throughout their horse’s career. Important moments could include a portrait at the farm, in the pasture, competing in a horse show, a championship ribbon pinning and more. Besides being a horse photographer, I am also a horse owner and understand the connection between the horse and rider very well.

My show jumper Adam had a tremendously successful career from 2001-2007. He stopped show jumping in 2008 and in 2011, at the age of 23, he had an injury and could no longer be ridden. My son and I recently took a trip to visit him in Virginia at a beautiful retirement farm. Also at the farm is my former horse, Unique. Below are some photographs of both of my horses; Adam and Unique.

Equestrian Portraits
Unique

 

Equestrian Portraits
Adam

You and your horse can be photographed anywhere, anytime in any location. The photographs are treasured memories of times spent together with “the love of your life”, your horse. Please check out my other blog pieces on equestrian photography http://blog.deborahkalasphotography.com/horse-photography-a-guide-to-exquisite-equestrian-portraits/.
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Many of my clients want to include their pet in their family portrait. It’s a treat for me because of my love for animals. Sometimes I am fortunate enough to photograph a pet as it matures over the years and that was the case with Boomer.

I met Boomer in 1998. My clients brought him to the beach as a very young pup to be included in their yearly family portraits. That first year, he sat looking at me very inquisitively and then proceeded to lick one of the children’s faces.

In some respect, through the years, he remained the most patient with the whole process of creating a beautiful family portrait for the family’s home and holiday card. The three boys would wiggle and squirm, make the occasional face, and push one another. Boomer was content to remain in their midst, often napping contentedly.

portraits with a family pet

As the boys got older, and spent more time in and on the water at the East Hampton ocean beaches, Boomer enjoyed the surf and happily stuck close by.

portraits with a family pet

With one son in college, another on his way, a third nearing the end of high school years, the photo shoot this year was probably going to be Boomer’s last. His gait had slowed; he needed a lot of help being moved into position. Each of the boys had individual portraits made with their trusty lifelong companion.

portraits with a family pet

September, Boomer passed away peacefully in his sleep September 4, 2012.

I feel privileged to have photographed Boomer over the span of his lifetime.

 

 

 

 
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The Ring Fits and She said YES!!

This is the story of a very special engagement photography session. It took place on August 31, 2012 – the day of the beautiful Blue Moon. Most guys that I speak with about photographing their wedding proposal have an idea in mind of how they want it to be orchestrated. This case was no different:

The Idea
This young man had grown up riding horses in the Hamptons and had a special location in mind – a giant field lined by beautiful trees and near a large pond that he used to ride by. This was easily arranged.

The Ruse
So how did he get his soon to be finance to the spot? He told her: “There is a photographer in the Hamptons who needs a model to photograph at this location. It has to be when light is best (at 7am!). Can you help her out and be the model?” Thankfully, she agreed.

The Moment
I arrived at the location with the attractive young couple and proceeded to set-up “the shot.” After a few exposures, the young man turned to his lady, spoke softly, dropped to one knee, and presented the ring.

Engagement Photography

The “Phew!”
She was surprised and elated. They embraced and laughed. I asked if she was caught off guard and her reply, “I was planning to spend the rest of my life with him anyway.”

Secret Engagement Photography

The Big Difference
This engagement photography session was unique: it was my son proposing to his girlfriend! I knew the backstory, which started months before in search of a ring. It turned out that my brother had the family heirloom rings: a platinum band surrounded by square cut diamonds from my son’s great, great grandmother and a platinum wedding band with diamonds from his grandmother. The big question was: would it fit?  We had discussed several scenarios for finding out what size ring she wears, but all were vetoed acknowledging she was too smart and would figure it out.

Engagement Portraits

In the end, the ring fit perfectly and she said, “Yes”.

Click here to read: The Hidden Camera Wedding Proposal.