One of the most common questions I get is, "How should I prepare for my session?" The good news is that you don't need to stress! A little preparation goes a long way, and my goal is to make this experience as fun and relaxed as possible for both you and your horse.

Give Your Horse a Little Extra Pampering


A clean, well-groomed horse always photographs beautifully. Before your session, take some time to brush away dust, loose hair, and any barn debris that tends to sneak into manes and tails. If weather permits, a bath a day or two before your session can help your horse's coat shine.

Mane & Tail: Natural or Braided?


This comes down to personal preference. If you love a natural, flowing look, simply make sure the mane and tail are brushed and free of tangles. If you prefer braids, feel free to have them done before the session.


My biggest recommendation? Choose whichever style feels most like your horse.

Clean Tack Makes a Big Difference


If we'll be photographing with tack, giving it a quick cleaning beforehand is always worth the effort. Clean leather and shiny hardware elevate images and create a timeless look.


For portraits, many clients choose to photograph their horse in a simple halter, rope halter, or even at liberty when it's safe to do so.

 

What Should You Wear?


Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.


Neutral colors, earth tones, and solid colors tend to photograph best because they keep the focus on you and your horse. Think creams, navy, olive green, tan, or soft jewel tones.


Try to avoid:

  • Large logos
  • Neon colors
  • Busy patterns
  • Clothing that you constantly need to adjust


Most importantly, wear shoes that are safe and practical around horses.

 

Prepare Your Location


If your session is taking place at your barn, a little tidying can go a long way. Moving wheelbarrows, hoses, feed tubs, and other equipment out of the background helps create cleaner images.


That said, don't spend hours stressing over every detail. I can work around a lot, and editing helps too!

Let Your Horse Burn Some Energy First


One of the best things you can do before your session is give your horse a quick lunge or light workout. Even the calmest horses can find a photoshoot a little unusual, and asking them to stand still, pose, and stay attentive for an extended period of time can be challenging.


A few minutes of trot and canter in each direction is usually enough to help them release excess energy, settle their mind, and feel more relaxed. The goal isn't to tire them out, but to help them arrive at the session calm, happy, and ready to show off their best side.

Stay Flexible and Trust the Process


Horses will be horses, and that's part of the fun! Some will be total supermodels, while others may decide they're more interested in grass than having their photo taken. Don't worry if your horse has a goofy moment or refuses to put their ears forward. Those moments are completely normal, and sometimes they even become client favorites. My job is to work with your horse's personality and bring out the very best in them, no matter their mood that day.

Be Ready When Your Session Begins


To make the most of our time together, please plan to have both you and your horse ready to go at the start of your scheduled session. Horses should be groomed, caught, and lightly exercised beforehand, and any outfit changes or tack decisions should be made in advance. The more prepared we are when we start, the more time we can spend creating beautiful images and capturing the special connection between you and your horse.