8th Annual Unicorn Portrait Experience
A whimsical portrait experience for children
One Day Only
May 2, 2025
15-minute sessions
$49 Session Fee
NCTRC
Efland, NC
Prints & Digital Sold Seperately
The Unicorn Portrait Experience is back for its eighth year! One of our most popular events, this playful, storybook-style portrait session is designed for kids who love dress-up, imagination, and animals. It’s relaxed, lighthearted, and meant to feel fun instead of formal. Think twirling dresses, curious kids, and a real miniature horse who happens to look pretty great with a unicorn horn.
Offered for one day only, these limited sessions are available to just 12 families. It’s $49 to reserve your spot, and after the session you’ll simply choose and purchase the images you love.
The Portrait Experience
Sessions move at an easy pace with gentle direction and plenty of room for kids to be themselves. Some children jump right in. Others warm up slowly. Both approaches work beautifully.
We use simple props and playful prompts to encourage movement, curiosity, and connection. The result is a mix of expressive moments, natural interactions, and images that feel like your child, not a performance.
Kids talk about their experience for weeks afterward. The unicorn story gets retold in the car, at bedtime, and to anyone who will listen.
Each child also leaves with a unicorn-themed goodie bag, because that part matters too.
The Star of The ShOw
Meet Trotsky
Trotsky is a brown-and-white miniature horse with a calm, steady personality and a lot of patience for kids.
He’s handled by an experienced professional throughout the session and meets each child where they are. Some kids want to be close. Others prefer a little space. Both are completely fine.
Some of my favorite images happen when there’s a bit of distance. The magic doesn’t depend on snuggling.
Dress-Up Is Part of the Fun
Half the excitement happens before we ever pick up the camera.
Children can choose from our selection of gowns provided for the session, or you’re welcome to bring your own outfit. We’ve photographed everything from simple lace dresses to full, dramatic, twirl-worthy gowns.
The goal isn’t a costume. It’s a look that feels magical and helps your child step into the experience.
Preserving The Magic
Images are viewed during a guided ordering appointment, either in person or via Zoom. This is a relaxed, supportive time to see your child’s portraits for the first time and decide how you’d like to enjoy them at home.
Collections begin at $159 and include digital images, with options to add artwork such as albums or finished wall pieces. Most families spend between $200–$450 on digital images and printed artwork after their session.
Full pricing is shared in advance so there are no surprises.
Giving Back
Through the Unicorn Portrait Experience, $1,000 will be raised to support equine-assisted therapy for local children with disabilities at the NC Therapeutic Riding Center.
It’s one small way creativity, community, and a little imagination can do some good.
Get the details!
Use the form below to see how booking works, what to expect, and whether this experience feels like a good fit for your family. Form may take a moment to load. Please be patient.
A booking link is sent after requesting the guide. Sessions are available on a first-come basis.