Typically, my job is incredibly fun and enjoyable, and my sessions are light-hearted and full of laughter and joy. But remember sessions and goodbye sessions are a bit different. This was my final session before the mandated stay-at-home order in New Jersey began on March 22nd – it was during this session on the evening of March 21st that my husband Gus (who kindly came with me to assist) turned to me and said, “Well, as of tonight we’re told to stay home – we’re only allowed to leave our home if it’s absolutely necessary.” Which, while not shocking at that point, was definitely a huge, dramatic blow to the normalcy of everyday life.
Laura contacted me in late March asking about a last-minute portrait session for her gorgeous Friesian mare, Bianka. Bianka’s health issues had worsened over the last few weeks, and it was unclear how much time Laura would have left with her beloved mare. She wanted some portraits that captured Bianka’s beauty and spirit, including some of her at liberty. It was one of those evenings that was simultaneously beautiful and sad, and while Gus and I watched Laura work with Bianka and the two of them interact with each other, we couldn’t help but get a bit teary-eyed. Their connection was so intense, so beautiful, it was like watching them have a conversation without any words.
I am so honored I was able to work with Laura and Bianka, and I hope that Laura will be able to look back on these portraits and feel some sense of comfort. While they’re only physically with us for a short while, our horses are with us forever in our memories and our hearts, and to be able to help my clients remember their horses and document their time together is one of the most important aspects of my job.
