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 p
Ready to make your horse portrait session a success?
Download the Session Prep Checklist now and ensure stunning, stress-free images you’ll treasure forever!
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 celebrating the stories of the amazing horses in her clients’ lives, she invests time and energy into perfecting her equine photography skills and growing her business, hanging with her favorite rescue dog, Nitro, and planning her next big adventure. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining her fans and potential clients by blogging and posting on social media about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.
Betsy is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with the organization Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism. Ride the Sky specializes in on-location photography for equines. Ride the Sky also has the option of bringing the studio to the stable. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.