Maya's Senior Horse and Rider Portraits Near Athens, GA

Senior Spotlight: Maya and Bronco's horse and rider photoshoot

It was a delightful spring evening capturing Maya’s senior portrait, a special horse and rider session that beautifully blended her equestrian journey with her graduation milestone. We met at Summit Equestrian, a picturesque eventing and vaulting barn in Madison, Georgia, just about thirty minutes south of Athens, GA.

Maya, a graduating senior from Athens Academy, is the epitome of a dedicated student athlete. Between her academic achievements, cross country races, track meets, and years of training and competing in eventing, she has earned her next big step. This fall, she will be heading to Harvard University, where she will continue her athletic career on the track team.

For our horse and rider portraits, Maya brought along her beloved paint horse, Bronco. We nearly started in one of Summit’s peaceful pastures beneath the shade of a broad tree when I noticed an even better backdrop. It featured a mix of small wildflowers, classic board fencing, and a soft green treeline that framed the scene perfectly. Bronco wore his English bridle, while Maya chose a black beaded gown. Originally selected as a prom dress, the gown turned out to be a stunning choice for the shoot. Its rich, textured black fabric complemented Bronco’s brown and white coat, keeping the visual focus on their bond and the timeless horse farm landscape around them.

Maya then changed into her favorite color, orange, which brought a vibrant and warm pop to the next set of images. We followed a gravel path to a tree lined spot with pasture views just as the light shifted into that magical golden hour. The glow added a soft radiance to the photos, perfectly capturing the quiet connection between horse and rider. Even with Bronco’s favorite donkey grazing nearby, he stayed calm and attentive, ears perked and clearly devoted to Maya.

We wrapped up the session with a few traditional senior portraits for graduation announcements and keepsakes. Throughout the evening, Maya and Bronco’s calm and steady connection was unmistakable. Their partnership, built over years of riding and competing together, showed in every moment.

Photographing this horse and rider duo was an absolute joy. The light, the setting, and their natural partnership came together in such a beautiful way. I am honored to have captured this special time for Maya before she embarks on her next adventure. I hope she gets plenty more time with Bronco before heading to college.

Katie Williams – K. Williams Photography – A Georgia senior, equine, livestock and pet photographer. I'm happy to serve you, transforming deeply valued parts of your life into a custom-tailored experience and lasting artwork. Explore my site or contact me to discover the best ways we can work together.