Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
General Questions
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I’m located in Chicago, IL. I primarily service Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, and Western Michigan. However, I will travel to any location in these states (and beyond).
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I sure will! Shoot me an email at hello@moonhorsemedia.com or fill out my booking form to get more information on my travel pricing and policies.
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To book a session, fill out my booking form. I’ll get back to you asap with any follow up questions and to begin planning a date.
To reserve your date, a deposit and signed contract is required. Your deposit goes towards the total cost of the package booked. The remaining balance is due by the session date.
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I accept all major credit cards and PayPal.
Payment is made online, via a digital invoice, and is expected in full prior to the start of your session.A deposit is required at the time of booking to hold your date.
Preparing for Your Shoot
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I recommend giving your horse a full bath, including conditioning the mane and tail. Think of it just as you would prepare for a show; pull out all the stops so your horse looks their best.
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Braiding is completely optional. Braids can add a beautiful detail for Equine Fine Art Portraits, but they’re not necessary, especially if you prefer a more natural look.
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Please clean and polish any tack you plan to use, just like you would for a show. Depending on your package, you may have the option to change tack during the session. Horses can be photographed in a halter, bridle, saddle, or even “naked” (using a thin rope halter I’ll later edit out).
If your horse will be wearing a halter during a Horse & Rider session, I suggest coordinating the lead rope with your outfit or choosing a neutral color so it isn’t distracting.
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Exercising your horse the day of your session can go a long way in preventing antsy behavior.
If your horse isn’t used to being outside the arena, consider hand-walking or hacking them around the property in the weeks leading up to your shoot so they’re comfortable in new spaces.
I also recommend feeding before the session if our timing is close to mealtime.
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You don’t need a picture-perfect farm for stunning photos. I’ll find the most flattering light and locations. That said, if there are specific areas you’d love to feature, a little extra tidying can make a big difference. For example, giving white fences a quick wash.
If the property isn’t yours, please make sure to secure permission from the barn owner before the shoot.
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There are lots of great options, depending on the style you want:
Riding Clothes: Your show outfit or a polished riding look.
Casual: Jeans and a top, cowboy boots, a sundress, or a chic jumpsuit.
Dramatic: Go all out with a gown or even a costume. Always dreamed of looking like a fairy on your horse? Let’s make it happen!
No matter the vibe, I’ll send you detailed style recommendations after booking to help you feel fully prepared.
What to Expect at Your Shoot
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Not at all! Most people feel nervous at first. That’s completely normal. I’ll guide you with gentle posing tips and prompts so you feel at ease and can focus on enjoying your time with your horse.
If possible, bring a friend along for extra support. It makes the experience even more fun and relaxing.
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Equine Fine Art Portraits (with black, white, or painterly backgrounds) are created right in your barn aisle or arena, not in a studio. This keeps things comfortable and safe for your horse, without intimidating flashes or bulky equipment. We’ll need a barn aisle or arena with large doors that open to the outside. For best results, we’ll turn off interior lights and close all other doors. Please check with your barn manager to make sure this setup is possible.
If you’ve booked both Fine Art Portraits and a Horse & Rider session, we’ll begin in the barn and then move outside to capture portraits around the property.
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No worries! Your horse won’t actually be loose! I provide a thin rope halter that’s safe for your horse and easy for me to edit out afterward. This way, you get the elegant “naked” look without any safety risks.
Receiving & Using Your Photos
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You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your images. The photos will be free of watermarks, and you are welcome to use them for personal prints, web, and social media.
My turnaround time is usually within 3 weeks, and I’ll keep you updated if anything changes.
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Nope, but I would love and appreciate it if you do! Word of mouth and shares mean the world to my small business, but my top priority is that you simply enjoy your photos.
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My standard packages are for personal use only. If you’d like to use your images for branding, advertising, publications, or other commercial purposes, please reach out so we can arrange a separate agreement.
Planning for the Uncontrollable
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No need to reschedule! I include retouching in all packages, so blemishes like bites, scrapes, or marks will be edited out. If there’s something you’d prefer left in, just let me know.
Please note that cleaning is still your responsibility. Extra editing for dirt, mud, or stains that weren’t groomed out will incur an additional fee.
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Most sessions go smoothly when you follow the preparation tips, but horses are unpredictable. If your horse is stressed or unwilling, we’ll pause and reschedule. Your horse’s well-being always comes first, and I’ll never push beyond their comfort level.
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I monitor the forecast closely and will reach out if rescheduling seems necessary. If we do have to reschedule, I’ll get you back on the calendar as soon as possible.
A little rain earlier in the day doesn’t always result in a cancellation. Often we can still shoot once the skies clear.
