We are Horizon Impressions.
(but you can just call us HRZN.)
HRZN sort of started…on accident.
In April 2024, founder Joshua Carl hopped in the car with his sister and brought his camera (if you’re wondering, a Canon EOS Rebel T6), just to help out and grab some decent pictures before prom. He wasn’t looking to start a photography business, but after going through the shots, something clicked. It wasn’t just that the photos turned out great, it was that he actually liked doing it. That’s when he decided to launch HRZN and start taking photography seriously.
That moment might’ve kicked things off, but Joshua had been messing around with a camera for a while before that. Back in 2021, he started learning the basics on his own. Lots and lots of self-portraits. Not many tripods. There wasn’t really a plan, but over time, those little side projects added up and gave him the confidence to build something bigger. By the time that prom night rolled around, he was ready for the next step. He set up an Instagram account, launching with hope, faith, and a dream.
HRZN focuses on the kind of photos people actually want to hang onto. That means senior pictures, family sessions, live theatre and show choir, and branding shoots for small business owners and creatives (bands, that includes you too!). We try to keep things chill and make sure the photos feel like you. No fake backdrops (a green screen wasn’t in the budget), no stiff poses, just clean, solid photos that show who you are.
joshua carl
Joshua Carl is the main photographer and handles most of the sessions himself. He keeps things relaxed, works with natural light whenever possible (though is always experimenting and open to working with other styles), and makes sure no one feels awkward in front of the camera. He’s not about overly staged or perfect photos, he’s more into catching real moments that people can connect with. That’s been the idea behind HRZN since day one.
He also has his own hobbies! (Founder’s note: I’m a workaholic.) In his free time, you can usually find Joshua in the theatre: whether acting, singing, dancing, or working behind the curtain (deep cut), he loves to do anything he can when it comes to the fine arts. You can check out his work on his website or on Instagram.
zaraya giles
ZaRaya Giles is the creative director at HRZN and helps shape the look and feel of everything we do. She helps plan sessions, gives input on editing, and keeps things moving creatively. In 2021, she was one of the winners of U.S. Senator Ben Sasse’s statewide photography contest, which featured student photos of Nebraska scenery. Her photo was picked to be displayed in one of the senator’s offices, which was a cool moment and a reminder that she’s got a strong eye for this kind of work. That same energy carries over into everything she brings to the table at HRZN.
HRZN is based in Lincoln, Nebraska, and we serve the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a team that’s down-to-earth, easy to work with, and actually listens to what you want, you’re in the right place. Let’s make something great together.
