Your horse is the star of the show, so making sure they look their best is a must. A clean and well-groomed horse will not only photograph beautifully but will also highlight all their unique features.

• Start with a Thorough Bath: Give your horse a full bath the day before the shoot to remove dirt, sweat, and stains. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to make their coat shine.
• Brush, Brush, Brush: On the day of the shoot, spend extra time brushing your horse’s coat for a polished look. Pay attention to the legs, mane, and tail.
• Focus on Details: Clean and oil hooves for close-up shots, and consider braiding the mane and tail for a polished look. If a more natural style suits your vision, ensure they’re neatly brushed.
• Tack and Accessories: If you’ll be using tack, make sure it’s spotless and free of wear. Clean leather tack can add elegance to your photos.

Positive reinforcement is your best friend during a horse photoshoot. Bring a variety of your horse’s favourite treats to keep them engaged and cooperative throughout the session.

• Use treats as rewards for standing still or posing.
• Treats can help keep your horse calm and happy, especially during long shoots.
• Be mindful not to overfeed—small, frequent rewards work best.

Pro Tip: Walking your horse in circles and allowing them to graze between poses and locations (or whenever they seem antsy) is an excellent way to help them relax without relying heavily on treats. This approach keeps your horse calm, focused, and ready to capture the perfect shots.

You can see horses searching for treats in a lot of my photos if you look closely! Discreet treats such as cookies and mints are perfect to bring to your photoshoots

Getting your horse’s ears forward and their attention on the camera can be tricky, but a few toys or distractions can make all the difference.

• Toys: Bring squeaky toys, rattles, or even a plastic bag to catch their attention. Experiment to see what works best for your horse.
• Sounds: Use gentle whistles, clicks, or calls to keep them engaged.
• Helpers: Having someone off-camera to wave a flag or shake a treat bucket can be invaluable for capturing alert, forward-facing poses.

Your outfit can set the tone for the shoot, especially if you’re planning to be in the photos with your horse. Choose clothing that complements the setting and your horse’s colouring.

• Stay Comfortable: You’ll likely be moving around a lot, so choose something that’s stylish but functional.
• Neutral or Earthy Tones: These colors work well with natural backdrops and won’t clash with your horse’s coat.
• Consider Layers: If you’re unsure about the weather, bring layers you can quickly change.
• Second Outfit: Bringing a second outfit can add variety to your photos and give you different looks to choose from.

A casual neutral outfit like a tee-shirt and jeans creates a relaxed, country-girl aesthetic. Alternatively, a cute dress paired with boots or bare feet (be careful! bare feet can be dangerous on farm grounds, bring shoes to walk in between taking photos) offers a fairy-tale-like vibe that beautifully complements the bond between you and your horse.

The location of your photoshoot can really influence the aesthetic of your photos. Here are some ideas for stunning backdrops:

• Open Fields: Rolling hills or grassy meadows provide a timeless and natural look.
• Barns and Stables: Rustic and cozy, barn settings can add character and charm.
• Trails or Forests: The dappled light through trees and winding paths create dynamic and atmospheric shots.
• Golden Hour Magic: Schedule your session during golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, warm lighting that flatters both you and your horse.
  • Note: Horses may not behave exactly as you hope! If you book a golden hour session make sure to plan LOTs of extra time to get the shots you want.
• Weather Considerations: Be prepared with alternative locations in case of rain or wind. Indoor arenas or covered barns can work as backups.

If your photographer is not familiar with your barn, consider giving them a quick tour. Highlight key areas like the trails, paddocks, arenas, and fields that are accessible. This will help them scout the best spots for capturing stunning photos and ensure the session runs smoothly.