Hi there, it’s Emily Dischler, your go-to hair and makeup artist in Chattanooga, TN! I’m thrilled to share some tips on how to get your skin and hair ready for your horse and rider photo session.
This blog post is packed with useful advice to ensure you look and feel your absolute best during your session with Ride the Sky Equine Photography.
Let’s dive in!
Skincare Routine for Your Equestrian Portrait Session
When it comes to a horse and rider photo session, putting your best face forward is crucial.
Luckily, with Betsy booking months in advance, you have time to give your skin some TLC.
A proper skincare routine not only prepares you for your session but also provides long-term benefits like healthier, glowing skin.
1. Find the Right Cleanser
A good cleanser tailored to your skin concerns is a must.
Whether you’re dealing with acne, aging, or dryness, choose a product that targets your needs.
I recommend brands like Tula, The Ordinary, Estee Lauder, Clinique, and Caudalie.
Cleanse twice daily – once in the morning and once in the evening – to remove sweat, makeup, and grime.
Emily’s Favorite Brands:
Tula
The Ordinary
Estee Lauder
Clinique
Caudalie
2. Exfoliate for Glowing Skin
Exfoliation is key for that radiant look. But remember, less is more!
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation. My top picks include Tula Sugar Scrub and Clinique Exfoliating Scrub.
3. Toning is Essential
After cleansing or exfoliating, don’t skip toning.
Toning helps with oil control, minimizes pores, and removes dirt and bacteria. My favorite toners are from Tula and Clinique.
Emily’s Favorite Moisturizer Brands:
Clinique Moisture Surge
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Daily Moisturizer
Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream
4. Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Hydration is vital for healthy skin. Moisturizers with added benefits like Vitamin A, C, or SPF are fantastic.
They protect the skin from UV damage and keep it soft and youthful.
5. Use Spot Treatments & Serums
If you have concerns like blemishes or wrinkles, spot treatments, and serums are your best friends.
Try Clinique Acne Solutions or Tula Brightening Treatment Drops for the best results.
Preparing Your Hair for the Horse and Rider Photo Session
Just like your skin, your hair needs some preparation too.
Come to your session with clean, dry hair for the best results.
If your hair styles better when dirty, wash it the night before or the day before your session.
Dry shampoo can work wonders for oily hair!
Pro Tip:
When working with a makeup artist, it’s important to come to your appointment with photos of inspiration for how you would like your makeup to be. A picture is worth a thousand words!
Favorite Mousse Recommendations:
- Kenra Volume Mousse 12
- Kenra Volume Mousse Extra 17
- Big Sexy Hair Big Altitude Bodifying Blow Dry Mousse
Bring inspiration photos of how you’d like your hair to look.
Communication is key. If something needs tweaking, let me know so we can get it perfect before the session starts.
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography specializes in on-location photography for horses and their equestrians. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN and works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.