We had the pleasure of partnering up with Rebecca this winter to feature HAPI Trails in Teton Valley Idaho. Although Rebecca normally photographs weddings, families, portraits and commercial work, she opened her lens and heart to photographing the horses in need at Hapi Trails Horse Shelter.
Rebecca has a natural ability to capture these majestic animals. Through her lens you will meet and fall in love with each of these characters.
We at Lens and Leash want to thank Rebecca for donating her time and talent to helping these horses find sponsors, fosters and the ultimate new forever loving home.
Lens And Leash: When did you first start taking up photography and why?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: I initially picked up photography as a hobby in 2015. I have always enjoyed the art of images and began to fall in love with the mechanics of photographing.
Rebecca With Her Family
Lens And Leash: When did you start your photography business and what was your goal when you started the company?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: My business came about after having community members show interest in having me take their photos. As my work slowly developed into a profitable task, I trustfully leaned into the opportunity more and more, and it’s beginning to flourish… I am very grateful!
Lens And Leash: What services do you provide?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: My primary clients have booked Senior Portraits, Family Sessions and Wedding Events. I have also photographed Maternity, Newborns, Birthdays, Engagements/Proposals, and various Commercial work. I love it all, and am welcome to any photo needs a client has.
Lens And Leash: What makes you stand out compared to other photographers?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: I find my clients appreciate my ability to communicate well with them throughout their entire experience working with me. I try my best to understand their time is valuable. This includes my communications with them regarding booking, to the revealing of their photos. I also strive to produce the most natural photos in every collection, with just a bit of my personal editing “spark”.
Lens And Leash: What is your style and what do you like to photograph most?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: My style… clean, fresh, and vibrant is what I go for. While I love meeting and photographing people, I have to admit I have a strong passion for photographing objects/commercial work.
Lens And Leash: Do you have a favorite project you have shot and why?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: One of my favorite sessions was a “Wedding on the Water” … I got to take my camera onto Palisades Lake and shoot a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom surfed, there was lots of music, the wedding party was beautiful. It made for a memorable session, for sure!
Lens And Leash: What has been your favorite location to work at so far?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: Teton Cayon is one of my most favorite places to shoot. What I love about this location is the variety of backdrops you get all in one place. The sage grass fields are beautiful, and they sit right in front of the Teton mountain range. I also love the aspens in the fall, and snow-covered spruce trees in the winter. In any season, the Canyon offers a great scene.
Lens And Leash: What changes have you seen in the industry since you started?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: The style! In the post-processing and editing. I love that individuals have the freedom to produce their own work of art. We now have the darker tones in wedding photography, and a very modernized, crisp style in a lot of commercial and nature work. I think all of it is beautiful.
Lens And Leash: What gets you most excited about your business and the future?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: I enjoy thinking about the many individuals I will get to meet with my services, as well as the different of places I will get to explore as my business continues to grow.
Lens And Leash: What inspires you?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: My husband inspires me daily. He is a huge support and soundboard for me and my business. I also find inspiration when looking at the work of experienced photographers whom I look up to. As well, journaling during quiet moments and listening to music also get me motivated.
Lens And Leash: What is your favorite camera?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: Canon 5d Mark IV with an 85mm lens is my current top pick.
Lens And Leash: What is the one thing you have to have on all of your shoots?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: Besides my camera, chapstick! Gotta keep the lips well-moisturized.
Lens And Leash: Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: Keep taking photos! I never imagined that my hobby would turn into something profitable, and my main gig. I found the more experiences I had working with my camera, posing people, finding the most unique angles, etc., the more confident I felt to lean into the growth of my business. And of course, I am still leaning and learning!
Lens And Leash: Do you have any pets? Have you ever adopted?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: We currently do not have any pets. My husband has adopted in the past; it’s something we find to be a great opportunity.
Lens And Leash: If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” … a JT original. It’s one of the family favorites, including my two-year old daughter and one-year old son! It’s a dance party every time.
Lens And Leash: If you were a dog or cat, what type of dog/cat would you be and why?
Rebecca Vanderhorst: A dog. A Lab. Although they shed (I’m OCD!!!), I like that they are knowingly the best family dogs around.
To book a session with Rebecca or to view more of her portfolio, please check out here website and Instagram.
