the process of perfect and not-so-perfect practice

Our success as riders is defined by so much more than what we see in the show ring. It's the tireless hours of dedication, schooling new questions, drilling dressage tests, and allowing mistakes to teach us, not define us. One of my favorite things as a photographer is documenting schooling sessions, whether it's a group on XC or in the arena.

Schooling Coverage


Large groups may split the cost of hourly coverage. Approximately 50 images can be expected for every hour covered, which will be delivered in an online gallery.

$250 per hour

FAQ

What should I do to prepare?

All sessions offered by Alaina Hower Photography are laid back, low-stress experiences. The amount of preparation is completely up to you, but there are several suggestions. 
I'd suggest you do whatever show preparation that you might do for a competition, for example: clipped, clean, hooves painted, and clean/oiled tack. Schooling isn't a beauty contest, though, so you are totally welcome to come as you are!

How will I receive my images?

Digitals are included in every session package that I offer! I love being able to give clients the ability to share their images with friends and family online. The digitals you receive are considered ‘digital proofs’ and will be sent for social media use only. These images are not permitted to be printed except through my professional printing labs to achieve the highest quality. You will receive your images, usually through email, with a link to a personalized online gallery from which you can download the files straight to your computer. Completion of images depends on the type of session, but my typical turn around is 3-4 weeks.

Can I post my images on social media?

I highly encourage you share images with your friends! Credit is always very appreciated (most of my clientele comes from word of mouth) but not required. If you want to credit, tag Alaina Hower Photography on Facebook or @alainahowerphotography on Instagram. I love seeing images posted, so tagging also has the awesome side-effect of notifying me when you do!

How do I pay for a session?

There are several options to choose from. If you wish to pay online with credit card, there will be an option to pay online when I send you the online contract! I also take cash, check, Venmo, Paypal, or whatever is easiest for you.
All sessions require a $100 security deposit that will be applied towards your final balance. The deposit must be paid in order to hold your session date and will only be refunded if the session is forced to be cancelled due to inclement weather. If I’m unable to make the session for whatever reason, the deposit will also be returned. 

Do you charge a travel fee?

Travel fees may be included depending on distance, but will always be discussed with you prior to booking. Generally, for trips traveling outside of my general location (the San Francisco Peninsula) that require flying, bridge/freeway tolls, or driving long distances, I charge a flat fee for all clients to cover travel expenses. If you're not sure if this will apply to you, you are more than welcome to ask! 

Can you Photoshop my image?

In a past life I was actually a VFX artist in Hollywood, specifically a matte painter. If you don't know what I'm talking about, those are the guys who replace greenscreens with fabricated backgrounds in film and TV. In a nutshell, I've been using Photoshop for over 20 years and and can accomplish mostly anything with enough time and effort.
A lot of work goes into portraits to make them flawless, which includes touch-ups. Don't be worried about scratches, scars, or other blemishes. If you are or feel that I missed something, feel free to ask and I will remove them free of charge.
That being said, even with extensive training in Photoshop, it is exceptionally difficult to clean a dirty animal or fix your hair with post-processing. The cleaner and tidier the better! There are some things that are simply not in the scope of my photography offerings - if you're determined to have a particular edit, let's discuss the time and resources it'll take to help you achieve your vision and we can go from there!