How to Make Your Horse Portrait Session a Success
Are you looking for tips to make your horse portraits unforgettable? You’re in the right place.
Here’s the deal:
If you want your horse portrait session to be a smashing success, it takes some prep work—a LOT of prep work. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment selfie kind of event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the bond between you and your horse.
So, let’s make sure it’s done right.
What Not to Do for a Horse Portrait Session
There’s really one major “don’t.”
Don’t grab your horse straight out of a muddy field, throw on a dirty halter, and call it a day.
Trust me, the camera will see everything. Once, a client brought a horse to me straight from the field. On one side, the horse was completely covered in mud—head to tail.
The client said, “You can just Photoshop that out, right?”
Sure, I could.
But extensive editing like that isn’t ideal and can cost extra. Plus, not every photographer is skilled in heavy retouching.
Avoid disappointment by doing the prep work upfront. If you want images that look like they belong on the walls of an equestrian art gallery, preparation is non-negotiable.
The Camera Sees All
When it comes to equine photography tips, remember this: the camera doesn’t miss a thing.
- Dirt spots? Check.
- Grass stains? Check.
- Nose boogies? Check.
- Muddy halters? You bet.
While photographers can edit some imperfections, it takes time and costs money. A viral internet story about a Photoshop fail highlights how poor editing can ruin priceless memories. Let’s not let your session end up as a cautionary tale.
Be proactive. Prep your horse to look its best and save yourself from potential editing mishaps. Remember, these images are an investment and deserve your best effort.
Horse Portrait Prep Checklist
Your investment deserves the best results. That means planning ahead.
Here are some quick tips for success:
- Clean Thoroughly: Make sure your horse is spotless—no mud, stains, or dirt. Take your time to groom every detail.
- Groom the Details: Pay attention to hooves, manes, and tails. A freshly braided mane looks stunning in portraits and adds a touch of elegance.
- Polish Tack: Clean and shine your tack to perfection. Dusty or grimy tack can distract from an otherwise beautiful image.
- Dress the Part: Choose attire that complements your horse and the session theme. Plan your wardrobe as carefully as you prep your horse.
- Mind the Weather: If your session is outdoors, check the forecast and plan accordingly. Weather impacts everything from lighting to your horse’s mood.
Need help with prepping your horse? Consider hiring a horse-savvy helper. They can groom, braid, and get your horse show-ring ready, leaving you free to pamper yourself and look your best.
One Last Thing to Think About
Short on time? Juggling horse and personal prep can feel overwhelming. Why not bring in a pro for grooming, braiding, or even your hair and makeup? It’s worth it to ensure you and your horse are camera-ready.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography has created a session prep checklist just for you. This free guide is packed with tips and tricks to ensure your session goes off without a hitch. Download it today and take the guesswork out of your portraits!
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.