The Early Days of a Horse Girl
I’ve been a “horse girl” since I was 5 years old. It all started during a family vacation in New Mexico when my parents took me on a trail ride. From that moment, I was hooked. Every birthday and Christmas after that, I asked for one thing: a horse.
During junior high, I even volunteered at a trail riding stable while on vacation in the Colorado Rockies. Then, in high school, my parents gifted me riding lessons—a dream come true. They even let me lease a mare from the barn where I rode. I’ll never forget that sassy liver chestnut mare named Bambi; she left a hoofprint on my heart.
College and the Road to Photography
I followed my passion for horses to college, studying equestrian science at William Woods University in Missouri. My parents, ever supportive, encouraged me to attend a smaller school where I could receive personal mentoring. Though I didn’t finish at William Woods, the friendships and memories I made there still hold a special place in my heart.In 2007, I bought a new camera to take on vacations, never imagining it would lead to a business. That same year, my riding coach hosted a dressage clinic, and I captured photos of the competitors. After seeing the images, she asked, “Have you thought about doing this as a business? These are great!” That encouragement sparked something in me, and my photography journey began.
Below is a photo of me and My mom at an Alumni weekend at William Woods University. These photos of me on horses were during my time there.
A Decade of Horse Shows
From 2008 to 2018, I traveled across West Texas and New Mexico photographing horse shows. I loved capturing riders’ journeys, meeting incredible people, and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Southwest.
But by the end of 2018, I felt it was time for a change. I transitioned from horse shows to portrait photography, focusing on the deep, emotional bonds between people and their equine partners. While 2020 presented its challenges, the past few years have been profoundly rewarding.
Why I Do What I Do
This work is deeply personal for me. I once had a special horse named Sovereign Sky, a Quarter Horse descended from foundation lines. He was my world. He carried me through the hardest times—grieving the loss of family members, navigating stressful days at my insurance job, and even being a shoulder to cry on. When I was with him, I felt like I could ride the wind.
But here’s the thing: I never had professional photos taken of us. I only have snapshots, and while they’re precious, they’re not the kind of images you frame and treasure forever. When Sky passed in 2015, I was heartbroken. I felt the same about my family pets—snapshots, but nothing timeless to honor their place in my life.
I serve clients in West Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and the Denver Metro region because I believe there’s something magical about the relationships we share with our horses and pets. The sparkle in your eyes when you talk about them, the quiet connection when you’re with them—that’s what I strive to capture in every session.
Why You Should Capture These Moments
This is why I do what I do. I want you to have what I didn’t: beautiful, professional portraits of your equine and pet family members. I want you to have images that make your heart swell every time you see them on your walls.
Life with these amazing companions is fleeting. One day, they won’t be with us anymore. But the love, the memories, and the connection you’ve shared—those can live on through the images we create together.
This holiday season, think about preserving those moments. Have the photos taken. Choose the ones you’ll cherish. Print them, frame them, and treasure them. Because when the day comes that they’re no longer with us, those images will become priceless. Let’s create something meaningful—something that tells your story.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Joylynne Harris is the owner of Joylynne Harris Photography. She is dedicated to bringing JOY to the special moments between people and their horses or pets in their lives. Joylynne is based out of Lubbock, TX, but is able to travel to neighboring cities, and occasionally even travels to the DFW and Denver greater metro areas. Joylynne is focused on bringing out the love we all have with our pets and horses, and her experience puts the showcase on you.
Interested in having her capture your story? Click below to get started!
Portrait of Joylynne was taken by CJ Duncan Photography, Lubbock, TX