I worked with Heidi in San Diego, so when I found out she had her own horse, named Annie Oakley no less, I had to find a way to get out there to shoot!
We finally found free time that aligned, and this shoot was SO. MUCH. FUN.
Big horse girl here. I grew up with them and spent over half my life working with them in one way or another. To get back into the barn was such a treat.
Heidi does natural horsemanship, focusing on gentle training, clicker training, and working intentionally with each horse as an individual with a potentially complicated history. Annie is a horse she has taken from some pretty intense trauma, to an absolute love bug. Watching these two work together was pretty awesome.
We took the morning slow, letting the morning light creep over the whole ranch as she tacked up for their work together. We talked about my time working with horses and Heidi shared her heart behind her work. Spoiler: she's really rad.
After they were tacked and ready, they headed to the arena for some work. Hidden Hills Ranch is BEAUTIFUL. While it is private property, getting to have access to the grounds for this morning was truly so special.
My style for in-barn shoots is really simple: let you do your thing, and I will capture you as you are. I don't interfere, manufacture moments, or pretend. It's as authentic as we can possibly be. (though I might ask to repeat an action here or there).
The unpredictable nature of horses and this sport is a driving force in my work with them. The bond between owner/rider and their horse is one of the most special things, and it is always the heart of what I do. It's what creates genuine photos for YOU that don't look like the next persons.
I am so thankful we got to squeeze shooting time in before I moved to Arizona, but the saying is always true for me: Has camera, will travel :)
