Your Ultimate Horse Photography Essentials Packing List

What You Should Never Leave Home Without as a Horse Photographer

Ever wonder how professional horse photographers manage to create jaw-dropping images while juggling the chaos of a 1,200-pound diva on hooves?

Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the camera.

Sure, your gear is important, but the real magic? That’s in the extras—the unexpected, borderline-ridiculous tools that turn a good session into an unforgettable one. Let’s dive into the horse photography essentials you should never leave home without.

Hydration: Don’t Be the Dehydrated Disaster

Let’s start with something obvious: water.

Here’s the thing — you will never see me without my giant tumbler of water. I live in the south. It’s hot and humid 80% of the year. Water is a MUST.

You’re out in the elements, hustling to capture that perfect image, and suddenly, your mouth feels like the Sahara Desert. I always have my giant ice water tumbler and at least two or three other bottles of water in the car because running around without one? Big nope vibes. Huge.

Pro tip: Invest in a sturdy, insulated water bottle that keeps your drink icy cold. If you’re feeling fancy, add some electrolytes. I’m a big fan of Liquid I.V. personally. Staying hydrated means staying sharp—and no one wants a cranky, sunburned photographer.

Props and Tools: Your Ultimate Secret Weapons

Your camera might do the heavy lifting, but let’s not forget the extras that make capturing equine magic a whole lot easier. Here’s what’s in my go-to toolkit:

• Stick Ponies, and Squeakers: Yes, they’re ridiculous, but they work. Horses perk up when they hear something unfamiliar, and those pricked ears? Chef’s kiss.
• Remote-Control Car: A game-changer for those deadhead horses that nothing else works on. 
• Peppermints and Treats: Bribery, you say? Absolutely. I love to reward horses who do well with a little treat at the end.
• Pom-Poms and Mirrors: Because sometimes, a little sparkle or shine is all it takes to grab their attention.

Sun Protection: Because Lobster Isn’t a Good Look

When you’re spending hours outdoors, the sun is not your friend. Looking like a lobster by the end of the day? Zero stars. Would not recommend.

Sunscreen and hats are non-negotiables. Long-sleeved shirts are a plus – thank goodness we live in the time of moisture-wicking materials!

And let’s talk sunglasses—because while they keep you from squinting, they also help you look like the pro you are. Just don’t drop them in the hay or forget them at the barn. Been there. Regretted that.

Backup Gear: Be Ready for Chaos

Things go wrong. It’s just part of life when you’re working with technology and the occassional unpredictable animal. Bring backups—extra batteries, memory cards, camera bodies, and lenses are essential. Don’t let a dead battery or full memory card ruin your day.

Also, pack cleaning supplies. Dust and horse slobber are not your gear’s best friends. A lens wipe and a small cleaning brush can save the day more often than you’d think.

Comfort Items: Save Yourself First

Newsflash: horse photography is not glamorous. You’ll spend half the session kneeling (or laying…) in dirt or sweating under the sun. Here are a few horse photography essentials that will make your life infinitely better:

• Bug Spray: Because mosquitoes think you’re the snack.
• Comfortable Shoes: Your feet deserve better than blisters.
• Snacks: All day session? Hunger makes everything worse. Pack something easy to munch between horses.

Not quite ready to dive in? Join the Ride the Sky Herd for exclusive tips, updates, and insider advice delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s make some magic happen!

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. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.

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.