A Dreamy Western Family Session with Celine, Brandon, Jackson, Denise & Chocolah

Get ready for some serious heart eyes 😍 — this family session was a literal dream come true! From tiny cowboy boots to sweet kisses and two-stepping spins 💃🕺, photographing Celine, Brandon, Jackson, Grandma Denise, and their beautiful horse Chocolah 🐴 during a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography had me smiling the entire time. The love, laughter, and western charm were off the charts — sessions like this are why I do what I do! 🤎📸✨

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Maddie & Primo – A Bittersweet Farewell at Blenheim Equisports

✨ There’s nothing quite like the bond between a rider and their horse — and Maddie & Primo's session at Blenheim Equisports captured that connection so beautifully 🥹🐴💛. As Primo nears retirement at the young age of 11, this shoot was the perfect way to honor their journey together, filled with love, trust, and unforgettable memories 📸🌿.

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A Golden Hour Maternity Session with Becca, Spencer, Auggie, and Stella

Golden light, growing love, and the sweetest family moments 🌅💛📸 — this maternity session with Becca, Spencer, their son Auggie, and their gorgeous horse Stella was pure magic. Captured during another mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we spent a golden afternoon celebrating the beauty of new beginnings and the deep bonds of family (both two- and four-legged 🐴👣).

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Portraits, Equestrian Portraits, Graduation Matina Cordell Portraits, Equestrian Portraits, Graduation Matina Cordell

Senior Session Spotlight: Faith & Bronson

For this special senior session, I had the honor of photographing Faith — a 2025 graduate of Chapman University 🎓 — alongside her heart horse, Bronson 🐴. As captain and president of the equestrian team, Faith’s dedication and love for horses shine through in every frame. From the elegant Chapman campus to the peaceful trails of Nellie Gail Ranch, this session was full of heart, sunshine, and unforgettable moments 🌿📸💛

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Golden Hour Glow with Summer | A Sorority Rush Session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography

✨ Golden hour magic, sweet summer vibes, and a radiant smile to match! ☀️📸 I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the gorgeous Summer during a mentoring session with the incredibly talented Ashleigh Magnus Photography. These photos were captured just in time for her sorority rush — and she totally brought the energy, confidence, and sunshine! 🌻💫

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A Day at Surf City Western I – My First Western Horse Show

On May 10th, I ventured into something entirely new — photographing my very first western horse show! 🤠 As a lifelong lover of animals and storytelling through imagery, this experience was both exciting and inspiring. From the shimmer of show tack to the rhythm of hooves in the arena, every moment was a visual adventure. Here’s a peek into my day behind the lens at Surf City Western I! 🐎✨

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Portraits Matina Cordell

Jennie, Her Horses & Her Rescues: A Golden Evening at Giracci Vineyards

Golden hour, horses, and rescue pups? Yes, please! 🐴🐶✨ I had the absolute joy of joining Ashleigh Magnus Photography once again for one of her amazing mentoring sessions—this time featuring the lovely Jennie and her incredible animals at the stunning Giracci Vineyards and Farms in Williams Canyon, CA. Between the golden light, the sweet connection Jennie shares with her horses and dogs, and the peaceful vineyard setting, this session was pure magic 🌞📸💛.

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Portraits, Milestones, Graduation Matina Cordell Portraits, Milestones, Graduation Matina Cordell

Golden Hour Glow & Graduation Joy: Brittney’s Nursing Session at Vanguard University

Brittney’s graduation session at Vanguard University was nothing short of magical ✨—a golden hour celebration of her incredible journey through nursing school. From nervous smiles to carefree laughter, she radiated strength, joy, and gratitude in every frame. With multiple outfit changes that reflected both her fun personality and her professional path, this shoot was a beautiful tribute to a bright future ahead.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Spring Flower Sessions at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center

Spring is in full bloom at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and there’s no better time to capture the magic of horse and rider among the wildflowers. In this dreamy golden hour session, Bryce and her horse Murphy, along with Veronica and her horse Skooter, brought such a peaceful beauty to the trails, surrounded by soft purple and white blossoms. Keep reading to see how the light, the flowers, and the bond between each pair came together in this unforgettable spring session.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Laura & Drake

There’s something effortlessly enchanting about the bond between horse and rider — a quiet, powerful connection that speaks volumes without a single word. During golden hour at the beautiful Artesian Valley Farm, we had the honor of capturing that bond between Laura and her stunning Friesian, Drake. As part of a mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, we explored four unique locations across the property — each one offering a different backdrop, mood, and story. From tranquil paddocks to wide-open fields, every moment with Laura and Drake felt like stepping into a fairytale.

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Portraits Matina Cordell Portraits Matina Cordell

Rooted in Growth | A Whimsical Garden-Inspired Shoot with Jennifer

Inspired by a whimsical concept originally photographed by Michael Betzner Photography, this dreamy garden-themed shoot with Jennifer was all about grounding, growth, and blooming into one’s own. Set against the lush backdrop of The Flower Field in San Juan Capistrano, CA, we reimagined the iconic wheelbarrow moment with Jennifer’s unique spin—blending softness, strength, and storytelling in one magical frame. 🌿📸✨

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A Second Chance at Love | A Wedding at Huntington Beach Senior Center

On a sun-kissed April afternoon in Huntington Beach, CA, two hearts came together — not just to say “I do,” but to celebrate a beautiful second chance at love. Surrounded by 80 of their closest friends and family, this intimate wedding at the Huntington Beach Senior Center was more than a ceremony; it was the blending of two families, the honoring of past journeys, and the joyful beginning of a new chapter. With heartfelt vows, a touching family dance, and a day full of gratitude and connection, this wedding was the kind that reminds us all that love always finds a way. 💕

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A Birthday Celebration for Ashleigh & Banjo

There’s something incredibly special about photographing a bond that’s stood the test of time. For Ashleigh & Banjo’s birthday session, we returned to the same wild mustard-filled field in San Juan Capistrano where I first photographed them back in 2011. With golden hour casting a soft glow and the flowers towering all around us, it was the perfect setting to celebrate this iconic duo—and to witness Banjo, still full of spirit at 31 years old, rearing with joy like no time had passed at all.

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Lara & Wiz

There's something incredibly special about capturing the bond between a horse and rider—especially when that connection is as playful and full of life as Lara and Wiz's. Set against the stunning backdrop of Rancho Sierra Vista Equestrian Center in San Juan Capistrano, this session at golden hour was a dream come true. From Wiz’s cheeky antics to Lara’s easy laughter, every moment of this shoot radiated joy, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Keep reading to see the magic unfold through the lens!

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Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Horse and Rider, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Savannah & Gladstone

Some horses and riders share a bond so special that it radiates in every moment, and Savannah & Gladstone are the perfect example. During my mentoring session with Ashleigh Magnus Photography, I had the privilege of capturing their playful, heartwarming connection at the stunning Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. From joyful interactions in the arena to striking black background portraits, this session was nothing short of magical. Keep reading to see the unforgettable moments we captured!

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Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell Equestrian, Equine Portraits Matina Cordell

Ciminiti

Imagine a breathtaking equine portrait session where elegance meets artistry—this was my experience shadowing Ashleigh Magnus Photography for a stunning black background session. Set against the picturesque Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center, we had the privilege of working with Ciminiti, a striking model who carried himself with grace and confidence. Capturing the beauty and power of horses in such a timeless way is truly mesmerizing. Want to see the magic unfold? Keep reading to experience this unforgettable session!

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