There are a few things to plan during the time leading up to your shoot. One of the first things I need idea of the types of images you have in mind.

I can't stress enough... clean your bridle and leather head collar!

A few days before your photo session, bath your horse to remove the dust buildup in their coat.

A helper is a must, another pair of hands to help hold the horse and get the horse's attention.
A good groom on the day of the photo session.

A few things to have to hand are -
A damp cloth to wipe your horses eye & mouth.

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Pre-Planning for Your Horse

It's just as important to choose your horse's tack ahead of time as it is to choose your own outfits. For western horses, I recommend outfitting your horse in their show bridle and pad/saddle or a show halter for black background and outdoor portraits. English horses most often look best in the bridle unless you have a nice leather halter you want to incorporate in some shots. If your horse's behavior allows for it and you've opted for a session that includes black background images, we can also loop a lead around his/her neck to create several "naked" shots. Please note that for black background images reins should be removed and a simple lead clipped to the bit for English horses. Western horses tend to look more natural in the bridle with reins attached. No matter what tack you choose, please make sure that all items are clean and in good repair.

I find that black background portraits in particular look best with braided or banded manes (or neatly washed and brushed manes if kept long). Although it's a little extra work, if you're investing in professional equine photography you want your horse to look his/her absolute best. Plan on grooming like you would for a show day. If this includes any tasks that need to be scheduled a couple days ahead of time, set a reminder in your phone or calendar of choice. I can't "Photoshop" a filthy horse into a clean horse, so please help me to help YOU memorialize your horse in his absolute best light!

Photoshoot Day Planning

I always recommend getting to the barn early to lunge or work your horse before you finish grooming him. This will help him to be quieter and more cooperative throughout the photoshoot, which will make it easier (and more fun!) for us all.

After you've finished grooming your horse, it's time to touch up your makeup and get into your first outfit. It's always helpful to have a friend present to help, but if you need help tacking up or making last minute adjustments without getting dirty I'm always glad to assist.

If you've chosen a package with black background images, we'll start with those first. For this type of image I set the horse up right inside the entrance of a barn, stall, or shed with the back door closed to create a naturally dark background. Please try to make sure that the floor and sides of the aisle are fairly neat and clutter free.

After we've shot your black background images, we'll move outdoors for the remainder of your session. I really like to shoot in the early morning or in the hours before sunset. It'd be great if you could get an idea of which way the light falls during your scheduled session time before the day of the shoot!

Please don't be nervous while we shoot. I'll help pose you and your horse in the most flattering way, and to be honest many of my favorite images aren't "posed" at all-they're just you enjoying spending time with your friend.

What Happens After Your Photoshoot?

I don't know which part is harder-the actual photoshoot or the anticipation of seeing your final images! You'll receive your gallery within 2-3 weeks of your shoot date. Inside your private gallery you'll find the full-resolution digital files of all the beautiful images we created of you and your horse. These files can be used as you wish for advertising, self-printing, and sharing on the web. If you'd like to take the hassle out of printing your photos yourself, you can order prints and wall art directly from your gallery. I'd also be happy to help you design a wall art product that would look best in your home!

Please keep in mind that should you choose to print your images on your own, you should download them from your gallery on a computer of some sort to retain the quality of the file.

I know this has been SO much information, but I never want to leave my clients in the dark about the equine photoshoot process. I can't wait to work with you. Please feel free to contact me via phone, email, or the contact form on the linked page if you have ANY questions.