You’ve probably seen those stunning Liberty portraits where the horse is completely free. No halter, no lead, just pure energy captured in a moment. The freedom. The movement. The beauty. And now, you’re wondering: Is a Liberty session right for my horse? I mean, it looks amazing, but is it the right fit? Don’t worry, I’m here to help you figure that out.
In a Liberty session, your horse is free to move naturally, showcasing their true spirit and athleticism. But let’s be real. This style of portrait isn’t for every horse. And that’s okay! Some horses might thrive in a Liberty session, while others might not be quite ready for that level of freedom. So, how can you tell if this type of session is right for your horse? Let’s break it down.
Is Your Horse Comfortable in Open Spaces?
For Liberty sessions to work, your horse needs to be comfortable in open spaces where they can move freely. But don’t worry, we’re not chasing your horse across a giant pasture. While we want them to have room to move, we actually use a smaller space to keep things under control. This makes it easier to capture those powerful moments without the chaos of a huge, open area.
If your horse loves to stretch their legs and shows off their natural movements, then they’re likely a great candidate for a Liberty session. If they’re more of a “keep me in the barn” type, we may need to chat about whether this is the right fit.
Does Your Horse Have a Strong Personality?
Liberty portraits aren’t just about looking pretty. They’re about showcasing the personality, power, and strength of your horse. If your horse has a strong presence, a bit of spunk, or a bold character, they’ll shine in a Liberty session.
On the flip side, if your horse is more reserved or doesn’t quite love being the center of attention, Liberty might not be the best fit. We’re looking for horses who are ready to be stars and show off their unique energy.
Is Your Horse Safe and Well-Behaved in Uncontrolled Environments?
Here’s the thing. While we want your horse to be free and natural, they do need to be safe and well-behaved in open spaces. If your horse tends to get anxious in uncontrolled environments or isn’t used to working off-lead, a Liberty session might require a bit of extra planning.
But if you love the idea of a Liberty session but your horse isn’t quite ready for that level of freedom, don’t panic. We can make it work! It just takes a little coordination. Whether it’s photographing in a more controlled area or planning for a time of day when your horse is more relaxed.
Is Your Horse Shy or Easily Overwhelmed?
If your horse is buddy sour or always wants to head straight to the barn (because that’s where dinner is, right?), this might not be the best fit for them. Liberty sessions work best for horses that are comfortable in open spaces and ready to focus on their own movements.
However, if your horse is a bit distracted, it doesn’t mean a Liberty session is off the table. Sometimes it’s as simple as timing the session at the right moment or bringing in their buddy to make them feel more at ease. It’s worth having a conversation, because in some cases, we can still make it work!
If You Want Posed Portraits with Your Horse, This Is Not the Right Fit for You
Let’s be clear: Liberty sessions are all about freedom and movement. And, yes, that can even mean the freedom of standing still. But…if you’re looking for a more traditional black background portrait of your horse or a portrait of you with your horse, a Liberty session might not be for you. These portraits are about capturing your horse’s true essence—power, grace, beauty, personality, and energy.
If you’re looking for posed portraits, we have plenty of other options that might be a better fit.
What to Expect During a Liberty Session:
So, you’ve decided a Liberty session is right for you and your horse. What happens next? Here’s the breakdown:
Creative Consultation: First, we’ll chat about your horse’s personality, your vision for the session, and how to bring out their best qualities.
The Liberty Session: On the day of the session, I’ll guide you and your horse through the entire experience. We’ll work in a controlled, open space where your horse can move freely and express themselves. And don’t worry, I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure the session is fun and stress-free for everyone involved.
Design Consultation: After the session, we’ll meet to review the images and choose the ones that capture your horse’s true spirit. Together, we’ll create the perfect portrait that celebrates your horse’s uniqueness.
Liberty Sessions Are Perfect For…
To sum it up: Liberty sessions are perfect for horses who love to move freely, have strong personalities, and are comfortable in open spaces. But if your horse prefers to stay still or isn’t quite ready for the freedom of a Liberty session, that’s okay too. Traditional portraits are still an option that will capture their beauty and spirit in a way that’s more controlled.
Not sure if a Liberty session is right for your horse?
Let’s talk it through! Book a consultation to discuss your horse’s personality and how we can create stunning portraits that capture their true spirit.
Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make horses look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not acting like a total goofball, she’s mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or hanging with Derby, hanging out with Derby, the new puppy who is currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as professional development).
Betsy is an award-winning equine and pet photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and is the current President-Elect of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Her work has been published nationally and is found in barns and homes across the U.S. Ride the Sky is creates heirloom artwork for horses and their humans.