WELCOME TO THE CLIENT LOUNGE FOR HORSE PORTRAITS
Thank you for trusting me to be your memory catcher, I’m truly honoured.
My Client Lounge was built just for you. It gives you a full overview of what to expect, how to prepare and the ever asked question “What to Wear?”
It’s my wish that the Client Lounge gives you insight into your Photo Shoot and adds to your overall experience and time with me.
Remember: if you have any questions, please reach out – I’m here to help!
IMPORTANT INFO
36 Williams Road, Tokomaru
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri – 10am to 3pm.
Saturday & Sunday by appointment.
Cate Thomas
p: 0210 222 59613
e: cate@catethomas.co.nz
If you have an emergency on the day of your Photo Shoot and cannot make it to your appointment, please text me (Cate) on 0210 222 5913 at your earliest convenience.
If your Photo Shoot is held outdoors I will check the weather first thing in the morning. I’ll contact you via phone or text to cancel if need be and will organise to reschedule for you.
There are no rescheduling fees if cancelling due to bad weather.
If for any reason you need to reschedule please notify me as soon as possible.
Photography Sessions can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
WHAT TO EXPECT
FINE ART PORTRAITS
My Fine Art Portraits are designed to capture the essence of your horse, the one who embodies your dreams, devotion, and has influenced your life in countless ways. I’ll showcase your horse’s build and beauty through classic poses, but will also aim to bring out their natural expressions and unique personality.
LOCATION: My Horse Friendly Studio in Tokomaru, Manawatu (or alternative studio if I’m travelling)
TIME: up to 1 hour
STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Your horse (and you if you choose) will be photographed in a Fine Art style in a studio setting. I use a mixture of natural light and sometimes add artificial lighting if need be. The backgrounds are generally black, white or a textured style to suit your horse.
MY GOAL: To create artwork that will transport you back to the moments that are tied to your heart forever. Every subtle detail that makes your horse unique will be captured, so that you can relive those memories whenever you look at your artwork.
Together, let’s create stunning portraits that perfectly capture the soul of your horse.
HORSE & RIDER PORTRAITS
The bond between Horse & Rider is something truly special and rare, something that deserves to be cherished and preserved for a lifetime. Your bond with your horse is truly unique and that’s where I come in. I’ll capture this chapter of your equestrian story in a truly intimate and meaningful way.
LOCATION: Outdoor Location of your choice – ie. beach, arena, forest, your farm
TIME: up to 45 minutes
STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: You and your horse will be photographed in your chosen location. I will use natural light only and will choose 3 area’s to concentrate on within your location (if there’s availability). I will guide you both through every step and assist you with posing so you won’t feel awkward.
MY GOAL: Years from now, when this moment is just a distant memory, these portraits will serve as a vivid reminder of the special bond you share with your horse. With every glance, you’ll be transported back to the moments you shared together, reliving them as if they were unfolding right before your eyes.
Let’s work together to create portraits that will preserve your equestrian journey for a lifetime
WHAT TO WEAR
MY #1 RULE: "YOU DO YOU. ALWAYS."
While it is nice to be dressed up for photo’s we still want you to feel like yourself. Don’t force yourself to wear a shirt or dress if you feel too formal – you would just end up feeling uncomfortable instead of relaxing and being able to have fun during your photo shoot. Choose clothing that you already have in your wardrobe as that is what you know you like, pick what you feel amazing in when you have it on.
If you are having portraits taken while you are riding you can either wear formal riding gear or something more casual. Loose fitting tops are more complimentary when you are sitting and can create a bit more movement and depth to the images.
Please make sure you are comfortable and that all your clothing is clean, tidy and ironed!
WHAT TO AVOID
- Words and large logos on clothing
- Bright or luminous colours
- Busy patterns
- Mucking out gear
- Dirty Boots/shoes
- Dirty/unironed clothing
- Hoodies
- BE COMFORTABLE
CASUAL STYLE
- Muted tones
- Sweater (make sure it’s not swamping you)
- Jeans
- Slip on shoes
- Pair shoes and sweater
- Try to match the environment
- Switch up with boots/jacket
- Polo neck
- Cino’s
SMART CASUAL
- Jackets
- French braid in hair
- Boots – cowboy
- Designer sweater
- Poncho
- Designer clothing
- Cardigan
- Layers
SUPER SMART
- Professional riding clothing
- Tails
- Jods
- Long boots
COUNTRY STYLE
- Tones and textures
- Country hats
- Button up shirt
- Equestrian long boots
- Tweed jacket
GLAMOUROUS
- Dresses
- Match season with outfit – ie. Red Jacket for Christmas
- Accessories
- Designer jackets
- Hair accessories
GOING TO THE BALL
- Ball gown /tutu’s
- Wedding gown
- Couture gown
- Usually outfits that are full length
READY TO RIDE
- Riding clothes
- Vest
- Smart
- Clean/Tidy
- Short or long boots
ACCESSORIES & EXTRAS
- Scarf
- Hats
- Dog
- Belts
- Jewelry
HAIR & MAKE UP
- Clean hair
- Longer hair – dont tie into tight pony tail first – no kinked hair
- Loosley plaited
- Clean and minimal make up
- Clean nails
COMPLIMENTING THE COLOURS OF YOUR HORSE
PALOMINO
Most colours will work well with your horse as they are quite neutral. We would recommend steering away from light greys, light pinks, tans and browns though.
Cream, olive, green, teal and blue tones work beautifully.
CHESTNUT
Any of the primary colours works nicely next to a chestnut horse. These can be paired with creams, black, purples and teal.
I would avoid mustard, yellow, orange, tan and browns.
BAY
There is a wide range of bays so this can vary but generally stay away from browns or tans.
Most other colours will look stunning such as Cream, olive, green, teal, pink, mustard and blue.
GREY/BLACK
You are in luck! There is nothing that you can wear that will clash with your horse.
Green, black, blue, purple, pink, cream and tan – just pick your favourite wardrobe item and rock it!
PAINT
This will depend on the colouring of your horse. If it is bay or chestnut please see above.
HOW TO PREPARE
PREPARING YOUR HORSE
I want you and your horse to be really at ease during your photo shoot. I encourage you to spend some on-ground time with your horse in the weeks prior. Make sure your horse happily stands still beside you and can easily be positioned. Carrot stretches are great!
If you would like for your horse to be braided then please have this done prior to the session so you don’t feel rushed or pressured at the time.
Make sure your horse is groomed and any tack is clean and tidy. If you will be using a halter, please use a lead rope that is neutral colour, black or leather. Scuff marks and mud will show in the images so the better your preparation, the better the results will be.
GROOMING
- Bath the day before or early in morning
- Please: NO WET COATS
- Well groomed
- Hooves cleaned
- Plaited or Not plaited
- Clipping – no closer than 1 week prior to shoot as this can show clip lines
TACK
- I suggest leather headcollar – properly fitting
- Lead rope – black or brown (match headcollar)
- Bridle – nice and clean – use nice diamonte browband
- Avoid double bridles – a lot of leather for holding in hands
- Clean boots if horse is wearing them
- Clean saddle with new or clean saddle cloth
REMINDERS & ADVICE
- Keep your horse in routine as much as possible.
- Feed your horse as normal
- Lunge or exercise to take the edge off if competition horse or highly strung
- No need to come early to settle your horse, I allow ample time for horses to settle before I start photographing.
VIEWING YOUR PORTRAITS
YOUR REVEAL APPOINTMENT
After your portrait session, I’ll book you in for a Reveal Appointment. You’ll see all your gorgeous portraits for the first time in a cinematic slideshow. I’ll walk you through your online gallery and how it works for downloading digitals. Together we’ll design your custom artwork right away and you’ll have the opportunity to use your credit towards Wall Art.
You can choose either to come into the studio for your Reveal or I can organise a Zoom meeting for you.
IMPORTANT - ZOOM REVEALS
The preferred device for your Zoom Reveal is a computer. You’ll be able to see your images much better than on an iPad or Phone.
DID YOU KNOW?
I can show you what your artwork will look like on your very own wall!
I know, cool right?
You’ll receive an email to upload your room photos prior to your Reveal Appointment, but for now take some time to identify the walls that you’d love to have artwork on. This will ensure you’re ready for the email!
SHOWCASINg YOUR PORTRAITS
PRINT!! Its dang worth it!
In today’s digital age, it’s common to want our photos on our phones and to keep them digitally forever. And I do offer digitals, don’t get me wrong!
BUT here's the reality - digital files don't last forever!
There’s a special quality to a printed image that a small digital file on a screen just can’t match. Printing a photo brings it into your physical world, transforming it into a lasting memory you can cherish daily. Plus, who doesn’t want to see their horse as a masterpiece on the wall?
The portraits that truly stay with us are the ones we print.
The portraits that truly stay with us are the ones we print
I know first hand the sheer joy and excitement to rip open a box and see Alondra’s portrait, beautifully framed and ready to hang on my wall. There’s nothing like it and that’s why…
I specialise in interiorART
From traditional framed prints, to collections, storyboards, canvas and framed canvas. With an extensive range of gallery style and ornate frame moulding – I’ve got you covered for masterpieces.
IT'S MY JOB TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL PORTraits that you will love forever.
and to help you build a package that's perfect for Your HORSE & homE
Wall Art
FRAMED or canvas PRINTS
Choose your favourite Portraits to hang on the wall of your home. Professionally handcrafted in NZ, ready to hang on your wall and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
11 x 14 inch … $490
16 x 20 inch … $690
20 x 20 inch … $790
20 x 30 inch … $990
30 x 30 inch … $1,490
30 x 40 inch … $1,690
THe SToryboard
The Alondra Storyboard showcases 4 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in one Framed Print. Professionally handcrafted in NZ, ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
20×20 inch … $1,290
30×30 inch … $1,690
THE LOTUS COLLECTiON
The Lotus Collection showcases 4 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in FOUR single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 11 x 14 inch
ONE 16 x 20 inch
ONE 20 x 30 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$2,365
THE ALONDRA COLLECTiON
The Alondra Collection showcases 3 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in THREE single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 16 x 20 inch
ONE 20 x 20 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$2,115
THE ASTORIA COLLECTiON
The Astoria Collection showcases 2 of your favourite portraits to tell a story in TWO single Framed Prints. This Collection is professionally handcrafted in NZ, comes ready to hang and delivered to your doorstep!
TWO 20 x 20 inch
*Price exclusive of GST
$1,535
Album
THE STORYBOOK
The Storybook is elegant, stunning and timeless. Your portraits are printed on the most iconic Amalfi paper. Handmade in Amalfi, Italy according to a medieval heritage of family-driven tiny paper mills. The deckled edges, unique to each sheet, have a rich texture and organic look. Handcrafted in Italy and delivered to your doorstep!
*Price exclusive of GST
8 x 12 inch, 16 pages … $1,990
Digitals
3 DIGITALS
3 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$100 Print Credit
$790 +gst
6 DIGITALS
6 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$150 Print Credit
$990 +gst
9 DIGITALS
9 High Resolution Digital Images
Download via Online Gallery
$200 Print Credit
$1,190 +gst
*All Digital Files $3,290 +gst (includes a BONUS 16×20 inch Wall Portrait)
your PAYMENT OPTIONS
PAY IN FULL
Payment in full can be made via Direct Deposit or by Card. This is done at either your Complimentary Artwork Consultation OR through your online gallery. You'll also receive a receipt from me for your banking/financial purposes.
LAYBY
I offer interest free layby for orders under $1,000. Lay-By applications are completed prior to delivery of the artwork. An invoice is created and a 10% deposit payment is required at that time. I do ask that you sign a contract for the layby option. Interest free, no fees.
PRE-PAY
Pre-Payment Plans allow you to pre-pay for your Photo Shoot and Artwork so it’s all paid off by the time your Photo Shoot rolls around! This is the most popular option if you're booking in 3-12 months in advance. Interest free, no fees.
FEE FUNDERS
For orders over $1,000. Fee Funders pay 100% of your invoice on your behalf straight away whilst you can spread payment over a 3, 6, 9 or 12 month period via monthly Direct Debit. For more information, please visit; www.feefunders.co.nz
FAQ's
You can read our full Terms and Conditions below
All Portrait Photo Shoots require the full Sitting Fee of $290 to be paid at the time of booking.
Sitting Fee does NOT include Artwork or Digitals – these are sold separately.
Cancellation
Photo Shoots may be cancelled for any reason with more than 14 days notice and the Booking Fee will be refunded.
In the case of cancellation within 14 days or failure to attend a Photo Shoot, all Booking Fees and Deposits will be forfeited.
In the event Cate Thomas | Photographer cancels and an alternative date/time cannot be agreed upon, the Sitting Fee or Deposit will be refunded in full.
Rescheduling
Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer will endeavour to accommodate all reasonable requests to reschedule the time/date of a Photo Shoot and transfer Sitting Fees and/or Deposits.
Photo Shoots can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
If you have a Gift Card or a credit towards artwork that you received from a prize/giveaway/competition or special offer, this needs to be used at your Complimentary Artwork Consultation OR within your Online Gallery (open for 7 days).
If gift cards or credits towards artwork purchases are not used in the time frames above, they become null and void.
We ask that ALL decision makers are present at the Complimentary Artwork Consultation so decisions can be made on the day.
Yes, you certainly can! However, it is important to remember your prints and products from Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer are professionally produced to achieve optimum colour and archival quality.
Generic labs typically do not use archival quality inks and paper however at Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer, I ensure you have the highest of quality.
Of course! You’re welcome to use your portraits on any social media platforms. Be sure to share the love and mention Cate Thomas | Photographer when sharing!
Yes, absolutely! Your portraits are kept in your Online Gallery for 1 year. During this time you can contact me and I’ll open your gallery for you for a 7 day period.
After 1 year, your portraits are archived in our system. You can request another gallery for 1 year and the fee is $90 +gst
For your convenience, I offer payment in full via Credit Card or Bank Transfer. I also offer Payment Plan with Fee Funders or Interest Free Lay-By.
All my artwork orders are completed and payment taken during the Complimentary Artwork Consultation OR through the client online gallery.
Artwork orders are placed and paid for at your Reveal Appointment.
Payment can be made at the time of ordering via Credit Card, Bank Transfer, Payment Plan with Fee Funders or Interest Free Lay-By.
I ask that you allow 4-6 weeks for your artwork to arrive in to your door step. Due to Covid-19 this may take slightly longer, but I’ll let you know each step of the way!
Yes absolutely! I guarantee my artwork for 100 years.
Our products come with Cate Thomas | Horse Photographer Care Guides so that you can keep your artwork in perfect condition.
If at any stage you are concerned about your artwork, please contact me immediately.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Booking Fee – Portraits
The Booking Fee must be paid in full at the time of booking your photo shoot. Artwork & Digitals are sold separately.
Booking Deposit – Stud & Sales and Brand Story
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due on the day after your photo shoot. Digital Files cannot be released to the client until all payments due are paid in full.
Cancellation
Photo Shoots may be cancelled for any reason with more than 14 days notice and the Booking Fee will be refunded.
In the case of cancellation within 14 days or failure to attend a Photo Shoot, all Booking Fees and Deposits will be forfeited.
In the event Cate Thomas Horse Photographer cancels and an alternative date/time cannot be agreed upon, the Booking Fee or Deposit will be refunded in full.
Rescheduling
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer will endeavour to accommodate all reasonable requests to reschedule the time/date of a Photo Shoot and transfer Booking Fees and/or Deposits.
Photo Shoots can be rescheduled one (1) time at no cost. Additional reschedules are charged at $90 per date change. To reschedule, notification must be given to Cate Thomas Horse Photographer later than 72 hours prior to the Photo Shoot.
Rescheduling due to weather will not incur charges.
“No Show”
Client’s will be considered a “no show” if fifteen (15) minutes late to a Photography Session. The Session will be cancelled and Booking Fees/Deposits will be forfeited.
Gift Cards
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer Gift Cards expire 12 months after the date of purchase. They can be used for all types of Photography Experiences and/or artwork orders.
Special Promotions
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer reserves the right to cancel any prize giveaway, gift cards or business-gifted cards (from third party businesses/fundraisers) at any time, for any reason. If at any time prior to the photo shoot booking the studio feels that we are not a good fit for the client or are unable to meet the client requests or expectations, the studio reserves the right to cancel the session, and is not obliged to honour the gift card for any reason. Any monies paid will be refunded.
The Cate Thomas Horse Photographer Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy (as above) applies.
Pricing
Although steps are taken to ensure fairness, Cate Thomas Horse Photographer reserves the right to update the Pricing and Product offering without notice.
Payment for Artwork
Payment for Artwork is due at the conclusion of the Complimentary Artwork Consultation OR through the client Online Gallery. No photographic products or artwork will be ordered, or digital files released, until all payments due have been paid in full. Unpaid accounts will incur late payment fees and collection costs.
Laybys
All in-house Laybys and payment plans are subject to accepting and signing a contract. A 10% deposit is required to be paid at the time of application.
Privacy and Personal Information
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer abides by the Privacy Act 1993 and acts to take all practical steps to achieve privacy protection. All electronic data (including photography) held by Cate Thomas Horse Photographer is encrypted, password protected and accessed by authorised persons only.
Cate Thomas Horse Photographer may collect personal information from you, including;
- Your name
- Your contact information
- Information about you that will help us provide your photographic service
- Details of your photographic services required
- Communication between you and Cate Thomas Horse Photographer
- Billing and/or purchase information
Personal information is collected in order to;
- Provide photographic services
- Deliver photographic products
- Advertise & promote Cate Thomas Horse Photographer
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please contact us.
I KNOW THAT
THESE IMAGES
are forever
