I’m not going to lie, when I saw how big Baloo was against Evie’s small stature and the long grass in the gorgeous sun-drenched pasture, I was expecting to have a bit of a battle on our hands with Baloo trying to graze the whole time. I briefed Evie on how to handle this, as I do with every client. Baloo just stood there like the perfect gentleman, only breaking his pose to snuggle with Evie. What a sweetheart! Before the session, I had told Evie no matter what he does, just smile and laugh at him like he’s the best horse on the planet (which of course, he is)…Evie took this tip and RAN with it, right from the get-go, she shone for the camera- effortlessly switching between cute snuggly giggles and flashing a smile at the camera, all while handling her giant horse like a pro. 

During the planning process, we had discussed Evie’s bond with animals. Evie’s Mom, Kendra placed particular emphasis on how important it was for me to capture Evie as the resilient and brave young woman she is becoming, or as she put it “her little badass”, particularly in her equestrian endeavors…. and just within the first 5 mins we had captured Evie’s badassery in its truest form. 

We went on to include some portraits with Mack, their big hairy golden retriever. Oh, what a bundle of joy she is! Trying to make Mack sit still was like trying to capture sunlight in a jar. But in her classic retriever manner, Mack was so irresistibly fluffy and adorable that she stole the show. When we attempted the coveted “run to me” shot, she bounded towards the camera and promptly sat on me for cuddles – I was in love!  We even snapped a few portraits of Evie’s sister, bright and spirited she snuggled into Mack’s soft fun and shone for the camera, just like Evie – She will no doubt get her own portrait session someday soon!

I couldn’t help but notice a certain magic in Evie’s presence with the animals. She seemed to be an animal whisperer, connecting effortlessly with them. Whether it was Baloo, who behaved like a saint during our bareback shots, or Mack, with her lively antics, or with the tiny little kitten that showed up for attention just as we were wrapping up, Evie was a natural with them all.

We moved on to do an outfit change and more portraits at other locations…And speaking of the locations – what a GORGEOUS sprawling property! Being at Summit Equestrian, on the outskirts of Madison, Georgia, was like being immersed in a 360-degree experience, like a video game, with so many big old trees and meandering gravel roads. The place was dripping in beauty at every turn, and the gorgeous evening light made it even more beautiful! I could have shot there all day and not run out of enchanting spots to frame Evie’s unique connection with her animal friends. 

Evie’s session was not just about capturing stunning portraits; it was about capturing love, connections, joy, and the raw essence of being at peace and in her element, with the animals she loves. I can’t wait to see where Evie’s vibrant energy takes her next. Until next time, keep shining, little badass!

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