The Grier School

One of my favorite sessions each year is traveling up to The Grier School in Tyrone, PA. I have been traveling there for the past 3 years. This year looks a little different though. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 virus and schools closures from March 2020-end of year, I won't get to experience the magic this school offers. The bond between each girl & their horse is something so special. I will really miss the opportunity to catch up with my first trainer and the schools students.


In past years, I offered sessions over the span of 1-2 days which allowed plenty of time to capture these special horse and rider bonding moments. The location and backdrop of the school is simply gorgeous. Not to mention, it provides some beautiful golden hour sunsets (a photographers dream!). Although we couldn't be together this year, I am loving the opportunity to highlight some of the sessions from the previous years, and look forward to returning next year (once school opens again)!

Although I couldn't go to the school this year, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to travel across the country to meet these ladies again later this year to photograph their high school senior sessions.

Samantha + Spike

What I love most about going to the Grier School each year is that I get to see familiar faces. The Equine community has led me to some wonderful friendships, one being my first trainer, Crystal. She now works at the school, and I was honored to photograph her daughter and horse. Capturing these two was the sweetest thing.

School Experience

The Grier School offers a unique experience for young girls’ to include individualized education in academics, dance, riding, music, the visual arts, theatre, and a great variety of recreational and team sports. The Grier Signature Programs continue to grow and evolve to match their students’ passions. Chrystal, the director of riding, has won multiple IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) Regional and Zone titles and 6 IHSA National Top 10's , including 4th place in Stock Seat Equitation and 5th place in Hunt Seat Equitation. Chrystal is also my very first horse trainer, and helped me grow immensely. I love getting the chance to catch back up with her, each year at the school during these portrait sessions.

Monica + Whiskey

It was amazing to photograph this duo. I have a lot of history with riding Whiskey during my ISHA time and he was one of my most favorite horses to take lessons with. Monica and I also go back to college days and I am so excited to capture several milestones for her including her upcoming weddings!

Black Background Equine

While at the Grier School, I also get the chance to photograph some Black Background portrait sessions of the horses individually. I love the creativity that goes into making these images, as most of the beauty is done in post-process editing techniques. My goal with this session is capture the personality of your horse in a classic, elegant way. Black background is a great way to showcase your horse without any distractions from the background. I just love these classic and timeless equine portraits.

I am really looking forward to next years session and truly missed getting the opportunity to visit the school this year!!!