Getting Ready for Your Photos

You may be feeling a little nervous about your photo session; that’s normal! Most of us aren’t models and being in front of the camera feels a little awkward, but don’t worry, I’ll be there to help you and get amazing photos with your horse. Taking time to prepare for your horse and rider portraits will set you up for success, so I’ve put together some tips to get the best results.

Preparing your horse:

If you are worried about nervous energy, lunge your horse before grooming. (A photo shoot may be different for your horse since he is being asked to stand still, pay attention to strangers, and stand or walk around different parts of the property than he is used to.)
Use your normal show grooming plan as a guideline as to how much you should groom your horse.
Go easy on any products that might rub off on you (especially on the horse’s face) since you will be getting very close during the shoot!
Give yourself time to relax and prepare yourself after grooming your horse!
Lots of fly spray! (Use more than usual, your horse doesn’t need any extra distractions!)
Keep fly spray and a towel handy for your horse during the shoot.

Preparing yourself:

Take time to cool down and relax before the shoot is scheduled to begin.
A professional makeup artist/hair stylist is ALWAYS welcome if that is a possibility.
Use matte or glimmer eye makeup (Glitter and sparkles look weird on camera.)
You can go heavier on foundation or powder than normal, it will look fine in photos.
Use plenty of hairspray, we will be outdoors and it will probably be humid!
Keep a brush, towel (For sweat), hairspray on hand for yourself.
Put on a lot of OFF! or other bug spray for yourself. You don’t need to be distracted by bugs any more than your horse does. Play it safe and use bug spray even if it doesn’t seem buggy out.

Styling your horse:

To show your horse off the best, “dress him up” simply in a clean leather halter or show halter, with matching leather lead or neutral colored lead. Or you may use a bridle, keep it something simple like a dressage or hunter bridle, or basic western bridle with an uncomplicated bit (snaffle or similar.) Complicated bits with multiple parts can look distracting in photos.
You may want to style your horse with other “props” like flowers braided into his mane or tail, or a floral garland around his neck.

Styling yourself:

Neutral colored clothing or soft pastels has been most popular with my clients and looks good in a variety of settings and with various horse and rider hair colors, but choose something that reflects your style.
Flowy boho looks and lace usually look great in photos. And you can pair a lovely top with jeans if you are not the dress type.
Accessories are great places to add a pop of color, and think about coordinating with your horse’s tack or show halter.
Leather always looks good in an equestrian setting and it is a great contrast to soft, feminine clothing; add a wide belt over a dress if you want!
Boots! Another great contrast to feminine clothing, you can wear paddock boots, cowboy boots, any other riding boots, and even a pair of wellies. I think it looks best when you wear “real” boots though, something you would or could really ride or show in. It brings in a true hint of your character.
If you don’t want the dressy look, a clean professional style is always a good choice. Nice “clinic style” clothing or your show clothing will give you a polished and professional look.

Should I bring a parent or a friend to the shoot?

Yes! It will be a huge help to have a person who is familiar with you and your horse there to help before and during the shoot. (But moms, if you think your daughter will be more at ease without you there, it’s ok to let a friend step in.)