Welcome
Hi! I’m Beth Hutchins! I'm an equine photographer based in Lakeside, in beautiful Southern California. Thank you for taking the time to visit my website.
As a lifelong horse enthusiast, I have been blessed to experience for myself the special bond that exists between a horse and a girl. As a photographer, I am passionate about capturing those connections, celebrating your life as an equestrian and giving you memorable photos to treasure forever.
Have a peek around and let me know what questions you have. I look forward to hearing from you!!
About me
I’m pretty sure I was born with some kind of horse gene, woven directly into my dna. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. As a child, I collected dozens of Breyer horses and read every horse related book I could get my hands on. I wrote about horses in my school assignments. I learned to draw horses and covered every piece of paper I could find with horse eyes and ears and hips and tails, horses rearing and galloping, and horses grazing in tall grass or quietly snoozing in a stall. I was completely smitten by these wonderful, beautiful and exotic beasts.
In 7th grade, I changed schools, and met a new friend: a friend who owned real, live horses… and that, as they say, was the beginning of the end. With my parents’ support, I started lessons, and soon I had my first horse; quickly to be followed by horse number two and three. We bought a small ranch and took our herd home. And, of course, that ranch grew by a few more horses… I competed in the local Hunter/Jumper circuits, and a few A-rated shows – I held my own and have a room full of ribbons and trophies (that I’ve kept to this day). But more than anything, I was completely blessed to have experienced my dream come true – a life with horses! I lived and breathed this dream well into adulthood.
By the time my little herd of horses grew old and had all passed on, I had started a family of my own, and my life with horses came to an end for a while. Now came the days of focusing on my son. Baseball tournaments and PTA meetings occupied my days. Having taken some photography in college, I took photographs of the boys on the Little League fields. I taught art classes to the local Elementary school kids. I worked as a freelance graphic designer. I took the odd product photography job, and a few Senior portrait jobs here and there. All in all, I missed having horses, but time passed on and I was too busy to notice.
Until one day, a few years ago, I woke up an “empty-nester”. With extra time on my hands, I realized how much I missed having horses in my life. I decided it was time to find myself again and get my boots dirty! I found a trainer near my home that was willing to take on a second-time beginner rider. The very minute I stepped onto the ranch, the smells and sights made the memories all flood back - I knew I was home! I now lease a beautiful Holsteiner mare, take lessons weekly to refresh my riding skills, and even get the occasional jump course in – so much fun!
Nowadays, you’ll likely find me at the ranch, either on the back of a horse, or on the ground, pointing my camera at one. I can’t help but think that all my experiences leading up to this point have led me to this place in life, where my skills and talents have merged with my love for horses, allowing me to share my love for horses through photography.
And now that you know a little more about me, you’ll see that I understand very intimately the love and connection you have with your horse. It’s a relationship worth documenting and celebrating!
PORTFOLIO PICTURES
FAQS | PLAN YOUR SESSION
CUSTOMER PROOFS
Pricing
Hoof and Heart Session Options and Pricing
All sessions include the specified minimum number of final high resolution digital images, with color and exposure correction, and minor retouches as needed, suitable for printing and enlarging on multiple media types. Images may be used as many times as needed, for personal use only. Images may not be transferred to another person or used commercially.
So that you are not overwhelmed with hundreds of images, I will cull your session images to the best ones, removing duplicates, closed eyes, etc. Often, more images that specified by your session will be made available.
All sessions will also include bonus web-sized images that are resized for display on web and social media platforms. (Web-sized images are lower resolution and not recommended for print)
Mini Session
20 Minutes
Horse & Human, or Horse only
One outfit
Pre-consult and session prep
Online proof review
3-5 high resolution digital images
Bonus web-size images
Final images delivered via email
$125, 50% deposit required at time of booking
Bronze Photo Session
Up to 45 Minutes
Horse & Human or Horse only
Up to two outfits
Pre-consult and session prep
Online proof review
5-10 high resolution digital images
Bonus web-size images
Final images delivered via email
$250, 50% deposit required at time of booking
Silver Photo Session
Up to 60 Minutes
Horse & Human or Horse only
Up to two outfits
Pre-consult and session prep
Online proof review
10+ high resolution digital images
Bonus web-size images
Final images provided on USB thumb drive
$400, 50% deposit required at time of booking
Gold Photo Session
Up to 90 Minutes
Horse & Human or Horse only
Multiple Horses option
Family option
Up to three outfits
Pre-consult and session prep
Online proof review
10+ high resolution digital images
Bonus web-size images
Final images provided on USB thumb drive
$600, 50% deposit required at time of booking
Group Photo Session
Up to 45 Minutes
Multiple Horses, Multiple Humans
Pre-consult and session prep
Online proof review
5-10 high resolution digital images
Bonus web-size images
Final images provided on USB thumb drive
$500, 50% deposit required at time of booking
Add Ons
Extended Session
Any above session selection may be extended, daylight and schedule permitting, in one hour minimum increments at the additional rate of $100/hour.
Black/White Background
Black Background Portraits
Black background portraits can be a beautiful addition to your photo session.
For optimum results, ideally, we will need to set up in the doorway of the barn aisle or indoors. And, of course, before your photo session, check over the aisle way (and anywhere else we’ll be) to be sure all clutter and debris are cleaned up.
But, in the event a barn is not an available option, we also may be able to create this effect using an indoor arena or shed row stall.
Finally, it IS possible to achieve black background without a shaded area at all by using post shoot editing software. (This option may be made available to you on a case-by-case basis.)
White Background Portraits
Like black background portraits, white background portraits can be a beautiful addition to your photo session.
White background is best accomplished with a bright back-lit shot, with post shoot editing to drop out any background elements. (Again, this option may be made available to you on a case-by-case basis.)
Creative Post-shoot composite images, per image
This option may or may not be available for every shoot, but sometimes adding a dramatic or fun digital element to the photos may be an option you want to consider. For example, a realistic butterfly strategically placed, or a patriotic background superimposed for dramatic effect. Let me know your ideas and we’ll see if I can make the magic happen!
$100 per image
Location Fees
Heartland Ranch clients
No location fee for Heartland Ranch clients
Within Lakeside boundaries.
$25 for your location within Lakeside boundaries.
Outside of Lakeside, California
$75 for your location up to 30 miles outside of Lakeside, California.**
**Locations more than 30 miles from Lakeside to be approved and fee negotiated on case-by-case basis.
Frequently asked Questions
You’ve scheduled a professional photo session for your horse and the day is quickly approaching. While I’m preparing for your photo session, I know you’ll want to take care of some important photo session prep work on your end too.
In addition to everything I cover with my clients during the Portrait Planning Session, I like to repeat some tips and tricks as a refresher.
About Your Session
What time are these sessions held?
The most ideal timeframe is about one to two hours before sunset. This is when the sunlight creates flattering even light for beautiful portraits. As the sun is low it can wrap around you, adding sun flare, beautiful rim light, and warm tones to your photographs.
Don't worry though, I can shoot these sessions at other times and will find the best lighting on your property!
What if we go over my session time?
I normally shoot until I feel I have captured everything I need to have a complete gallery for you. I only book one session per day, so there won't be any chance of timing issues due to overlapping sessions.
What happens if it rains?
This is the number one reason for rescheduling photo sessions. I do my best to watch the weather forecast in the week and days preceding your session. As we approach your scheduled date, I will reach out to you. If the forecast is shaping up to be less than optimum, we can adjust your session date to a nicer day.
What if I have a family emergency or a work trip comes up?
My schedule is pretty flexible, and we can reschedule your photo session to accommodate these unforeseen things that come up. If you are unable to give me at least 24 hours notice, a rescheduling fee will apply.
What if I am running late?
Please plan ample time before your session to make sure everything is ready to go before the scheduled start time. Adding extra time compared to your normal grooming time is always helpful! Because most of our sessions are held close to sunset, regardless of your scheduled session length, your session will last only as long as light permits if the start is delayed.
How do I cancel my session?
If you give me at least a 15 day heads up (per your signed contract), the deposit is 100% refundable. Within that window, you forfeit the deposit but aren’t liable to pay the balance.
What if I have a family emergency or a work trip comes up?
Sometimes a schedule change can’t be helped. I understand. My schedule is pretty flexible, and we can reschedule your photo session to accommodate these unforeseen things that come up. If you are unable to give me at least 48 hours notice, a rescheduling fee will apply.
Prepping yourself for the Shoot
Should I have hair and make up done?
It's personal preference, but I recommend using a professional if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.
How many outfits can I have?
For the shorter sessions, only 1 outfit is recommended. For the 1 hour session, 2-3 outfits work without rushing. More than that tends to waste valuable shooting time.
Should I Bring Someone?
Yes! It is highly recommended you bring someone with you to your session. It will make things run smoothly. This person can help with the horse or with any clothing issues. During the session I will often need someone to hold the horse or to get the horse's attention while you pose and I shoot. Plus having a familiar face around will help you feel more relaxed.
Prepping your Horse for the Camera
Grooming
Give yourself enough time before the session to complete your tasks! It’s hard to have a stress-free experience when you’re running behind schedule and your horse can certainly pick up on that energy too.
If you plan on having your horse clipped, braided, or banded these all should be done in advance of your photo session and it’s best not to make this the last thing on your list.
Bathing
Of course, a good bath is essential for your horse to look his best in front of the camera. Depending on the weather and the turnout situation of your horse, you may need to wait until the day of or day before to bathe to ensure your horse is as clean and shiny as possible.
Make sure your horse’s mane and tail are cleaned, detangled, and brushed out fully right before the shoot begins.
Hooves
In most cases, I suggest coating your horse’s hooves with black or clear hoof polish if possible. It’s best to do this right before your photo session and tie your horse while the hooves dry. Your horse will still pick up dirt and dust as we move around during the shoot, but the dried polish will keep a clean look longer than hoof oil or no dressing at all.
Fly Spray
You’ll definitely want a round of fly spray to be part of the finishing touches of your horse’s prep. Swishing tails, stomping hooves, and fidgeting are inevitable without it!
Tack
All tack, including halters, bridles, and saddles, that you intend to use for the session should be free of dirt and cleaned and oiled appropriately to present the best look. Most importantly, all tack must be adjusted properly to fit your horse.
Halter or Bridle or Nothing?
This is a personal preference. If you choose to use a bridle or halter, make sure it is clean and oiled. I do ask you allow me to swap your lead line with my own leather lead shank with chain. This is not used to control your horse, the chain is easier to edit out in post session processing. If you prefer a naked face, I also have a simple rope halter for use that is thin and simple to edit out, while still strong enough to safely control your horse.
Exercise or Rest
Depending on the personality of your horse and the type of images we’re planning for your session, it may be necessary to take two separate approaches. If your horse is a very laid back senior citizen who spends more time napping in the sunshine than anything else each day, some quiet time and rest before his photo session will likely be best.
However, if you have an active or nervous horse on your hands, your horse will likely benefit from some exercise or lunging prior to your photo session. But please don’t wear your horse out completely! We want to capture your horse’s true personality and expressions!!
If lunging or exercise before your session is not an option, giving an oral calming paste 20-30 minute before the session starts typically helps and doesn't make their eyes look droopy. With any calming supplements, it is best to consult with USEF to make sure they are legal if you plan on competing.
Any tools I should have at the session?
Yes!
-Touch up grooming tools: body brush, mane/tail comb, hoof polish, a towel to wipe their muzzle and eyes
- fly spray
- your horse's favorite treats
-things that normally get your horse's attention
- an empty feed bucket to carry it all in/use to get your horse’s attention
Of course, you can feel free to bring anything else you’d like to have or include in your photo session too!
Should I Bring Someone?
A question worth mentioning twice: Yes! It is highly recommended you bring someone with you to your session. It will make things run smoothly. This person can help with the horse or with any clothing issues. During the session I will often need someone to hold the horse or to get the horse's attention while you pose and I shoot. Plus having a familiar face around will help you feel more relaxed.
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