Portraits By Carol

Portraits By Carol Specializing in portrait photography of individuals, families, groups, equines and house pets.

When you think you’re running late to a shoot…but you’re actually a week early. 🙄
03/02/2025

When you think you’re running late to a shoot…but you’re actually a week early. 🙄

I’ll be there on Sunday to capture your rides!
02/12/2025

I’ll be there on Sunday to capture your rides!

Hans...check out those dapples.
01/21/2025

Hans...check out those dapples.

It's not a black background because I'm honestly a little tired of them! I know y'all love them but I wanted some varie...
01/21/2025

It's not a black background because I'm honestly a little tired of them! I know y'all love them but I wanted some variety. Look at this gorgeous chestnut baby!

01/19/2025

Spending HOURS editing a video in CapCut. Click on export and the entire thing is lost with the app. Really?!? 🥵. First world problems…LITERALLY.

The lovely Hans, offered for sale by Toms Equestrian in Virginia. I am in love with this creature.
01/13/2025

The lovely Hans, offered for sale by Toms Equestrian in Virginia. I am in love with this creature.

Yup…I took that photo behind me.
01/13/2025

Yup…I took that photo behind me.

When you understand the assignment...sorta...
12/23/2024

When you understand the assignment...sorta...

Had to try this trend. This is Tiko. He’s not mine but I think he’s pretty awesome!
12/23/2024

Had to try this trend. This is Tiko. He’s not mine but I think he’s pretty awesome!

More from my shoot with the incredibly knowledgeable and capable equine bodyworker, Meghan Brady, owner of Equine Soluti...
12/04/2024

More from my shoot with the incredibly knowledgeable and capable equine bodyworker, Meghan Brady, owner of Equine Solutions, and her menagerie of adorable critters (Brendan included).

Today's tip that I learned from the pros: black backgrounds. Everyone wants them - not everyone should do them. Most ...
12/03/2024

Today's tip that I learned from the pros: black backgrounds. Everyone wants them - not everyone should do them. Most of what I learned about photoshop is from Beth Chadbourne. She’s part IT genius, I swear.

If you are using an app, your black background will not be done correctly. The horse looks like a paper doll cut out (see pic one). Clients who don’t know any better might be happy, but this is not best practice. Also, if you black out the entire background, the horse (or person) appears to be floating. Don’t be afraid to eat into your profits by paying for a professional retoucher (see pic 2)! It’s cost effective in the long run. And the results of a great collaboration keep everyone happy.

Again, I'm not going to post any examples that aren't my own. Here are two examples. One gone wrong and one done correctly. The second photo was retouched by Beth

There are so many amazing photogs in NOVA! Please use them. Pay them. And enjoy your frozen memory FOREVER!

Things the pros have taught me #1: The first photo is from 3 years ago. Notice how big the head is? This is called d...
12/02/2024

Things the pros have taught me #1:

The first photo is from 3 years ago. Notice how big the head is? This is called distortion. I shot this with a 50mm lens. If you stand back and look at the proportions, you’ll see that they are off. No horse’s head is 30 times the size of its body. In the 2nd picture, you can tell that I’ve done it properly with a 135mm lens.

It’s a common mistake made by newish
photogs wanting a close up. Or those not open to constructive feedback. Do not go under 135mm for equine portraits. Or ask for these to be re-shot properly if you’re the client. Thanks to Sharon Packer, Horse Sports Photo LLC for this important tip!

Thanks for inviting me to document a fun night with family Christie Wise!
11/23/2024

Thanks for inviting me to document a fun night with family Christie Wise!

Updated photo of Mr. Jack! Sara Lujano
11/11/2024

Updated photo of Mr. Jack! Sara Lujano

Team Mary...to know this mare is to love her!
10/27/2024

Team Mary...to know this mare is to love her!

This young man was a very good sport! He followed instructions and put up with tons of gnats. :)
10/20/2024

This young man was a very good sport! He followed instructions and put up with tons of gnats. :)

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Marshall, VA

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