Elyssa’s Equestrian Senior Portrait Session at the Dryhead Ranch in Montana

Elyssa Croft photographed alongside one of her families ranch horses for her equestrian senior portraits. Photographed by Fast Horse Photography

While I usually stay close to Northeast Florida for equestrian senior portrait sessions, I had the chance to do something a little different while visiting the Dryhead Ranch in Montana—and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.

Cowgirl senior portraits held in the tack room with rows of headstalls behind. Photographed by horse photographer Cara Taylor Swift of Fast Horse Photography

I photographed Elyssa Croft for her equestrian senior portraits, and the timing couldn’t have worked out better. Elyssa brought a whole collection of western-inspired looks that reflected her personality and lifestyle. She wore a classic cowgirl outfit, an adorable sundress, a denim jumpsuit, and even her hot pink cap and gown for a few special shots to mark graduation. Instead of a class ring, Elyssa opted for a custom class belt buckle, which we made sure to feature in her portraits—it was bold, personal, and totally her.

Black and white image by Fast Horse Photography featuring equestrian high school senior Elyssa looking over the neck of her horse

Her boyfriend Syrus joined us for part of the session, and the two of them were so much fun to photograph together. We wandered all over the ranch, making the most of the scenery. From the dusty tack room and corral fence lines to the creek and the open fields with her family’s horses, every location gave us something different to work with.

high school senior portraits by Fast Horse Photography with cowgirl wearing a hot pink cap and gown.

What I didn’t know at the time was that just days after our session, Syrus proposed, and now these senior portraits also mark the beginning of a new chapter for Elyssa as she plans a wedding for next year.

senior portrait photographed by Cara Taylor Swift of Fast Horse Photography featuring cowgirl wearing sundress and cowboy hat.

This session was a reminder that while I’m based in St. Augustine, Florida, every once in a while I get the chance to create portraits in unexpected places. And when it works out, it’s magic.

Cowgirl sits in the grass framed by a herd of horses photographed by Fast Horse Photography

If you're looking for equestrian senior portraits, right here in NE Florida, or somewhere in the surrounding area, I’d love to help you create something meaningful with your horse and the people who matter most.

You can view more sessions and get in touch at FastHorsePhotography.com

Newly engaged couple are photographed together at their senior portrait session by Fast Horse Photography of Florida


– Cara Taylor Swift

Fast Horse Photography

Equine and equestrian senior portrait photography in Florida. Recent cities include St Augustine, Elkton, Palatka, Welaka, Ormond Beach, Reddick, Ocala, and even Perry Georgia.