Grab some snacks, beverages and settle in - below are some best practices on how to ensure your equine photo session is a resounding success, allowing you to enjoy the process and provide you with images you'll cherish forever.

Getting your horse ready

Ensuring your horse is well-prepared is crucial for the ultimate success of your photo shoot. Pretend you're schooling for an upcoming show and put in some preparation.

We want your horse feeling at ease in various locations around the farm so I can provide you with a variety of images with different backdrops.  Do you want all your photos standing in front of the barn? Probably not, so it's ideal if your horse is comfortable being away from his/her friends in a new field, behind the barn, in the driveway, walking the back fence line etc.  Horses are herd animals and if your horse will be antsy without a friend, consider asking a buddy to bring their horse to our session. They can hand graze their horse nearby while we work with yours.  

If you plan to ride your horse bareback for a portion of the session it's very important that you practice this well in advance, and for as many times it takes for your horse to become accustomed to it.  Any unease or wariness in your horse will come across in the images, as will your own if you aren't sure how your horse will behave!

Selecting the right tack

In terms of tack it's leather all the way. It's timeless, always flattering and photographs beautifully.  Black or brown leather is a personal choice as they look equally great in photos. Bright colors can distract from the beauty of your horse so while it's fun to have a purple lead rope we probably won't use it. However, if you have traditional tack for your breed of horse or riding discipline that can make your photos even more personalized. Ensure the leather is soft, clean and conditioned as dry, dusty or cracked leather will not lend itself to stunning portraits!  It should be properly fitted and comfortable for your horse.  During your consultation we will discuss if a halter or bridle is the way to go.  Sometimes it's both and we will start out with one and switch to the other.  A bridle gives you better control over an antsy horse but if your horse keeps dragging you down for a mouthful of grass the bit will quickly turn green. I have ways to work around this so we will decide what will be best for you and your horse. If you are using a bridle scrub the bit, especially the ends that are visible. Once the bridle is on take a step back and ensure the noseband and browband are lying straight, then check that the cheek pieces and throatlatch are snug in their keepers.  I recommend not using flash nosebands as we won't be using the flash and you don't want an empty keeper, especially given its front and center location.

Spit spot

It goes without saying that you want your horse looking their very best and that means a dry, soft and glowing coat.  You will need one or two visits to the wash stall for a thorough bath and grooming session using freshly cleaned brushes and grooming tools.  We will showcase your horse in all their glory but my lenses will equally bring out all the detail in a dusty coat! Yes, your shoulders and arms will get quite a work-out but the results will be well worth it as we will create portraits you will be proud of and treasure forever.

Pay special attention to your horse's face, especially around the eyes, as they will receive most of the attention. Don't forget tidy ears and a clean and combed forelock.

Remember the mane and tail and give them lots of love the week leading up to our session.  We want soft, clean and combed manes and tails. Braiding is a personal choice - it will give your images a more formal, elegant look.  If you prefer soft and natural keep the mane brushed out so it flows beautifully.

After washing protect your horse (and all your hard work) with a sheet to keep them clean.  Another tip: once your horse is perfectly dry apply a spritz of Show Sheen - this will make it easier to quickly wipe your horse down just before the session.  Show Sheen also works great for keeping socks/stockings spotlessly white. NOTE: It's very important to avoid spraying the saddle area if you plan to be tacked up or bareback. 

The day of the shoot

You've prepared your horse meticulously and your tack is spotless. There are a few additional action items that can make things even easier for you and your horse. 

If your horse is a hotter type, or they've been stalled longer than they're used to, consider a brief lunge to work off some of the energy. We still want a bright and happy horse and I would rather work with too much energy than not enough!

Having a helper, preferably a horse-loving friend, is beneficial for tasks like holding your horse, passing horse treats and helping me with ears. I have a lot of tricks and your helper and I will rotate through many of them, allowing you to just relax and enjoy spending time with your horse.  If you are unable to find someone I have knowledgeable helpers on stand by - it's something we'll discuss at your consultation.

Pack a small bag with a brush, fly spray, mane/tail comb, your horse's favorite treats and a clean rag. We'll take it with us for on-the-go spot cleaning and it will save a lot of time and energy as we won't have to keep running back to the barn for these items.

Just before I arrive give your horse a final brush and wipe their eyes and nostrils.  Clean/pick their feet and apply an optional coat of hoof polish.  A light spray of fly repellent will keep them comfortable during the warm season, and spraying it on a rag then applying it will prevent it from creating streaks.

Have fun

This is probably the most important tip of all.  You know how quickly your horse picks up on your emotions and often reflects them back to you. If you're relaxed and happy the chances are your horse will be too. I promise your photo session will be easy and fun. Please know your horse can do no wrong, even if they're cheeky - after all we want them to express themselves!  I keep up a steady flow of  things for you to do and ways to move so you're never left standing there, wondering what's happening next.  We work in short breaks as needed for you and your horse. All of which keeps it enjoyable for you which means your horse will love it too.  Having fun is real the secret to an amazing equine photo session that results in beautiful portraits that will be enjoyed for generations.