Let’s tackle one of the most popular questions I hear during pre-session chats: “How long does a horse portrait session take?”
The short answer? It depends. The long answer? Well, it’s all about your horse, your vision, and a sprinkling of patience. Spoiler Alert: your horse’s mood will be the boss of us all.
It’s All About Your Horse
Let’s be honest: horses are majestic creatures—until they’re not.
They have good days, bad days, and days where they’re convinced the tree stump in their pasture is a horse-eating monster or the 6 inch puddle is filled with sharks.
Some horses warm up to the camera in 30 minutes, while others take their sweet time deciding if we’re worthy of their attention. (We are, by the way.)
Their personalities drive the timeline. Is your horse a diva who loves the spotlight? Fabulous—we’ll have stunning images in no time. Is your gelding a little skeptical about the whole “posing” thing? No problem. We’ll sweet-talk, bribe with treats, and work on their schedule. It’s their day to shine, after all.
What Are We Capturing?
Now let’s talk about you. Are you dreaming of a single, show-stopping portrait to grace your living room wall? Or are we creating a collection of images for an album that tells the full story of your horse’s personality?
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Statement Pieces: If we’re going for one or two key shots, the session can wrap up faster.
- Collages or Albums: Multiple poses, locations, and maybe even outfit changes (yours, not the horse’s—though I’m open to suggestions).
The more variety you want, the more time we’ll need. And trust me, it’s worth every minute.
How Many Horses Are We Talking?
Got one horse? Easy enough. Two horses? Twice the fun. Three or more? Better bring snacks (for you and the horses). Each horse deserves their time in the spotlight, which means more time spent coaxing, posing, and capturing their unique personalities.
I should also point out that it is a frequent request here at Ride the Sky to include other animals with the horses. I’ve photographed cows, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, donkeys, and a few others. So, whenever you add other animals, it can affect the length of time needed.
What Kind of Images Are We Taking?
A relaxed, natural moment of your horse grazing in the field is quicker to capture than a formal black-background portrait. Horse at Liberty images —where your horse is galloping majestically across a field—may take extra time to set up and execute.
Each setup has its own timeline, and I’m here for all of it. Your vision is what matters most.
The No-Rush Philosophy
Here’s the thing: I don’t rush.
Horses pick up on stress faster than you can say, “smile for the camera,” and that’s not the energy we’re bringing to this session. I schedule sessions with plenty of buffer time so your horse (and you) can relax and enjoy the process. Expect lots of sweet-talking, treats, and the occasional horsey kiss. After all, this is their big day, and they deserve to feel like the star they are.
FAQs: Your Horse Portrait Session Questions Answered
Q1: What if my horse doesn’t cooperate? No worries! We take our time, build trust, and let your horse set the pace. Patience and treats work wonders.
Q2: Can I include more than one horse? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that each additional horse adds time to the session.
Q3: Do you offer black-background portraits? Yes, and they’re stunning! These require extra setup but deliver a dramatic and timeless look.
Q4: What should I wear for my horse portrait session? Wear something you love and feel comfortable in. Need inspiration? Check out some of our other blogs related to style and outfits!
Ready to Book Your Horse Portrait Session?
Let’s tell the story of your horse in images you’ll treasure forever.
Still have questions? Join the Ride the Sky Herd to get more blog posts, tips, and ideas to make your equine photography experience unforgettable!
Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography specializes in on-location photography for horses and their equestrians. Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN and works in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.