About Me

My name is Tessa Harkema, and I’m the passionate eye behind the lens at In The Stirrups Photography. What began as a childhood fascination—attending local horse competitions and marveling at the bond between horse and rider—has grown into a heartfelt pursuit of capturing equine moments through photography.

My journey started with my Poppa’s old Pentax camera, powered by AA batteries and paired with a fully manual telephoto lens. At just 12 years old, I was determined to freeze the thrill of reining and barrel racing in every frame. That early spark never faded.

Now, a decade later, my passion remains as strong as ever. I specialize in preserving the quiet, powerful connection between horse and rider—those fleeting, perfect moments that speak volumes. My mission is to make professional equine photography accessible and affordable for fellow equestrians who cherish these memories as deeply as I do.