You’ve booked your equine photo session and are eagerly anticipating the commemorative photographs. These photos will reflect you and your four-footed friend’s relationship and serve as a celebration of all the years leading up to this day. With so much personal value placed on these upcoming photographs, it makes sense to plan the perfect pre-photo steps to ensure your horse shows up looking and feeling their best! Below are my lived and learned recommendations to plan for this special event.

1. Acknowledge your horse’s temperament & plan accordingly
Think back to the moments when your horse was happy and co-operative. Did it happen shortly after their favorite run through the pastures? Was it after a turn-out and quick brush down? We want you and your horse to enjoy your photography session. If your horse is the anxious type or high strung or perhaps an overall busybody that likes to be on the move, then I recommend lunging or riding and turn-out where he can burn off some energy prior to the photo session. You know your horse best so you can help make it a fun photo session for her by planning the steps they need leading up to it.

2. Tell your photographer (me!) about your horse
Now that you have an idea of what will be the best pre-photo session steps for your horse, please share with me your plan and the thinking behind it. Knowing in advance about your horse’s little quirks, likes, and dislikes helps me to support you in creating the best setting for you both. It’s way more fun going into a photo session knowing that your photographer already has a sense of your friend’s preferences and personality.

3. Cleaning, drying, and shining
Your horse also needs to be clean. Bathing is best but bear in mind that a wet horse is not photogenic, and horses need time to dry. Plan accordingly to ensure you set aside enough time prior to the start of the photo session. If bathing is not an option, a good brushing followed by a coat spray and thorough wipe-down will also make your horse shine. Their tail should be washed and shampooed; white markings should be sparkling white!

4. Fashion
Time and again, equine photographers will choose leather when asked what looks best in a photo shoot. Leather halters and bridles are also my favourite and my recommended tack for your upcoming photo session. There is something classy and traditional about leather, especially when it’s cleaned, oiled, and in good repair. I recommend that your lead ropes are dark or neutral colours such as black, brown, or grey, as vivid colours tend to distract from your horse. I have found that leather lead ropes look beautiful and complement leather halters.
Now that you know how to prepare your horse for your photo session, it’s time to think about how you can show up as your best.