Unicorn sessions....what it is like to be the Ohio Unicorn Photographer

Quite possibly one of the most asked questions I get is requesting more information about unicorn sessions. I thought I would take a moment to give you details right here and answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about them if you are unfamiliar with our unicorn minis.

Lets start by talking a little bit about the star of the show…..the unicorn. Secret is an eleven year old miniature horse. She came to me and my Mom as a Christmas present and was a show horse before becoming the unicorn we all know and love today. About 8 years ago, I had the idea to “dress” her up and make her a unicorn and had to beg someone to let me photograph their kid with her. I’m not joking, I begged several people, and got laughed at. Now remember, this was well before unicorn sessions were a thing. I don’t want to claim I was the first, I may or may not have been, but I certainly started this well before they were popularized. We’ve certainly come a long way from where we started with just a white horse and pink and teal highlights in her hair, plus homemade horn (I’ll post a photo of the very first session at the end of this post, just for fun). Secret grew into a sassy girl who absolutely loves spending time with the kids and takes her job somewhat seriously (I’m sure you’ve seen some of her goofy smiles and crazy antics captured over the years). We can all laugh about it now, but Secret actually got “fired” at one point because I had so many people asking for me to swap her head with another photo due to her “smiles”. I’m so glad all of you have come to embrace her silliness, even expect it, because she’s happy to have her job back! She LOVES Froot Loops and will do just about anything for them (don’t worry, we always have some on hand). She also loves getting scratches on her cheeks and hugs around the neck, but I’ll warn you now, she isn’t a huge fan of belly hugs! The more your kids interact with her, the happier she is to be her usual, goofy self.

How do I book a unicorn session? As you might have gathered, these sessions are very popular. We photograph sessions from July-September in the evening on special dates set aside just for these sessions. Each year I have a contact list and send out an email in April with a prep guide to fill you in on absolutely everything you need to know about before booking your session, including when booking goes live. Sessions typically sell out in under 24 hours and go to those on the list only - if any spots remain or participants have to cancel, I will post to my social media that an opening is available. If you aren’t on the list but would like to be, simply send me an email to get added for the next upcoming season list. When booking goes live, this includes regular unicorn sessions as well as our themed holiday unicorn sessions.

Why can I not book a private session? A lot of time and effort goes into making these happen. Secret gets a “haircut”, bathed, dressed, and I have to have a handler available (no, she doesn’t stand there by herself). Because of the amount of prep work involved, these are only available on the specified dates. We can also offer them during the warmer months because she can only be safely bathed when the weather is warmer.

How old does my child need to be? At the minimum, 18 months. While Secret is very tame, she is still an animal and animals can be unpredictable at times. Your child needs to be able to walk well on their own to participate (unless we give consent if another sibling is present). We recommend anyone from 2-12, although occasionally have some older and younger children participate. If you have a very shy child under the age of 3, we recommend holding off until they are older.

Where do all the dresses come from? I have a large couture dress wardrobe you are welcome to borrow dresses from. I have multiple options from size 12 months - Girls 14. There is also a table set up with hair accessories (floral crowns, tiaras, tiebacks).

Are sessions just for little girls? Nope! I have boys who participate all the time. Unicorns are for everyone, but I do only provide wardrobe options for girls.

Do people do sessions with friends instead of just siblings? I have had some groups of friends come and get photographed together, as well as entire nights be reserved by a friend group so they can all come together for sessions and get a group shot in the end. I have also done Mother/Daughter shoots.

How much do sessions cost? In the past few years, session packages started at $250. This includes your session, choice of 4 edited images with print release, and use of my dresses/wardrobe. Other package options with more images are available. Prices are subject to change each season.

Where do sessions take place? Photo sessions are at my family’s farm outside of Orrville, Ohio.

Can we book Secret for a birthday party? At this time, Secret is only available for photoshoots.

There’s no better way to tell you what unicorn sessions are like than by sharing a video of what a day is like preparing for and shooting sessions with Secret….

A little behind the scenes look at what goes into the making of a Unicorn Session

After nearly a decade of shooting these, it never gets old to see how the kids react to meeting Secret for the first time. I love hearing feedback about how they are still talking about meeting the unicorn years after their session, and the fact that I have several clients who come back every year warms my heart. When I started these, it was just for fun, but now it has become about giving these kids an experience they won’t ever forget. These sessions are about so much more than just capturing some cute images. I love that I get to make kid’s dreams come true and bring fantasy to real life. I also love that Secret has become somewhat “famous” in her own way. She isn’t just your average horse, she’s always been so much more. Her larger than life personality deserves every bit of attention and fame that comes her way. Most people know me as the “Unicorn Photographer” And while I shoot so much more than just that, I don’t mind at all having that for a nickname.