Welcome
to marci jo photography
So good to meet you!
I’m Marci Johnson, fine art storyteller, lifelong artist at heart, and avid student of the horse.
Raised on a farm in North Dakota, I’ve spent the best parts of my life surrounded by the gentle rhythms of equine grace.
With more than a decade of photography under my belt, those grace-filled horses continue to be the favorite to fill my frame.
From rustic barns and peaceful pastures to the show pen and rodeo arena, my goal is simple: to give you timeless keepsakes that feel like you and the animals you love most.
I’d love to tell your story. Let’s get started.
Tell the Story
of your journey together
North Dakota Equine Photographer
You’ve invested countless hours, miles, and memories in your journey with your horse.
Your bond? Matchless.
If you pull out your phone, you’re likely tipping the scale at hundreds of photos of your horse by now. But how many are on display in your home or barn, where you can enjoy them every day?
More than a quick phone snapshot, you’re ready for images that endure the test of time. It’s time to go beyond just photos and create keepsakes you’ll treasure.
With a love for candid, unposed images, I aim to highlight the same partnership I seek in my own horsemanship journey: the trust and connection true horsemen and horsewomen treasure.
Are you ready to capture your connection?
What to expect
in your equine portrait session
Good horsemen and good equine photographers have one thing in common: We listen to the horse.
When your horse’s personality and energy level guide the session, your horse will be more relaxed. In turn, you’ll be more relaxed — and you’ll both enjoy your session!
That’s when your unique relationship with one another shines. And, that’s why your horse’s demeanor directs the session.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned well in my thirteen years of photographing horses, it’s to patiently wait for the right moment to push the shutter. It always pays off in the end.
How It Works
From our initial planning call to the final gallery reveal, I guide you every step of the way. Your session will be relaxed, personal, and designed to bring out the heart of your relationship with your horse.
Here’s what you can expect when we work together.
Creative
Consult
First, we’ll meet for an in-person consult to plan your session locations, outfits, and tack.
We’ll dive into where you plan to hang the art in your home or barn so your images will fit your vision and your walls.
Photo
Session
This is when it all comes together.
My goal is always for your session to be a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Art Selection & Delivery
We’ll meet for an image viewing where you’ll select your favorite images and art pieces in a gallery-style reveal.
The culmination?
Your keepsakes are delivered and then treasured for years to come.
"I absolutely love this photo shoot and will cherish it forever!
Frost is 25, and I have had her since she was a yearling. She’s definitely my heart horse, and I know that having these gorgeous photos when she’s gone will be priceless!"
~ Katie W.
Showcase
your proudest moments
North Dakota Equine Event Photographer:
Rodeos, Horse Shows, Clinics & Competitions
From action shots coming out the chute to quiet moments between horse and rider, you can find me capturing the heart of cowboys and cowgirls at equine events throughout North Dakota.
Participants and competitors get a fast image turnaround time while you’re still excited about your favorite show moments. Choose from digital downloads as well as prints, metal prints, and canvases to keep your favorite memories alive.
You can find me behind the camera at the following equine events in North Dakota:
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Horse Shows
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Rodeos
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Queen Headshots
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Training Clinics
Personal bests, new experiences, and proud placings — these are the moments born from your hard work and dedication. And, you deserve to celebrate them for years to come.
Note: A two-week window is available for event participants who want to order images .
Are you a show or rodeo manager in need of an event photographer?
Inquire for availability here.
"Marci was accommodating and easy to work with for our event.
She knows how to make a photo session fun and how to get the best side out of her subjects. I look forward to working with her in the future!"
~ Sandy Stevahn, Mandan Rodeo Queen Pageant Coordinator
Décor
for Your Home, Office, Barn
Ranch, Farm & Equine Photography Prints, Décor & Gifts
Growing up on a small grain farm in North Dakota has forever shaped the view from my lens.
The movement of the wind rippling through wheat fields, the sky exploding with vibrant color at sunset, a herd of horses running freely in the pasture.
For Western souls like me, ranching, farming, and horses are the perfect subjects.
Enjoy browsing some of my favorite images taken in North Dakota and throughout the West.
Did you see something from me on social media or a gallery you’d like to license or print? Get in touch here.
FAQs
Is there a limit to how many animals can be in my portait session?
Not at all! If you have multiple horses, I love showing their relationship with each other as well as with you. Your dog (or dogs) are welcome as well, as long as they have good horse manners. Please note, including more animals may limit the variety of poses in your finished images, but we’ll still get great shots that showcase your little herd!
How far do you travel?
Bismarck is home, and my family’s farm is in Kenmare, making central and western North Dakota easily accessible.
Travel to areas within that region are included with your session, but don’t be afraid to ask about travel out of state!
My horse gets a bit fidgety sometimes.
How long do your portait sessions last?
Equine portrait sessions take about an hour. Before your session, we’ll go through a planning guide with ideas to help prepare nervous or fidgety horses for your session. During your session, I’ll help coach you and your horse to get good poses, even if they need to move their feet throughout the shoot. I don’t expect your horse to stand in one place for the entire hour while we shoot.
Is there a minimum order required?
Yes, but you’ll cover that with your deposit.
In other words, your nonrefundable deposit is applied to your order and is the same amount as your order minimum, which means the deposit covers your minimum order amount. You only purchase the photos you love!
What types of photos and wall art are available to purchase?
Can I still get digital files?
Photo purchase options include luxurious canvas prints, stunning metal prints, and beautiful custom albums. All images purchased as these print products include complementary social media-sized digital files.
I understand you might not have space on your walls for prints of every image, however, so full-resolution digital files are also available.
What happens if I want to order more images later?
You’re welcome to place additional orders during the 60 days following your ordering appointment.
Past 60 days, images may be archived with a retrieval fee. I do keep file backups; however, I cannot guarantee images will be available after your final images are delivered.
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