10 Myths About Equine Photography That Stop You from Booking a Photo Shoot

Thinking about booking a photo shoot with your horse but feeling a bit hesitant? You're not alone! There are plenty of myths and misconceptions that can make you second-guess your decision. Let’s debunk these myths and show you why a photo session with your best friend is an experience worth having.

Myth 1: "My horse needs to be perfectly trained."

This is probably the biggest myth out there. Many people believe that their horse must stand perfectly still or perform tricks to get good photos. The reality? Your horse doesn’t need to be a show-ring star. Whether your horse is calm or a bit spirited, I’m here to work with its unique personality. My job is to capture the essence of your bond, regardless of how still or active your horse is. Every horse has its own charm, and that’s what makes each photo shoot special.

Personal Experience: I once had a session with a young, very energetic colt who could barely stand still. Instead of forcing him into position, we turned the session into a playful experience, capturing him running and playing. The final photos were vibrant and full of life, showing off his playful nature perfectly.

Myth 2: "The weather needs to be perfect."

Weather can be unpredictable, and that’s just a part of the process. Often, we plan for the best, but things rarely go as expected. Whether it's sunny, cloudy, or a bit breezy, I can adapt to the conditions. My experience with horse photography means I know how to make the most out of any weather situation. So, don’t let a little uncertainty about the forecast hold you back from capturing beautiful moments with your horse.

Pro Tip: If the forecast looks unpredictable, plan for multiple locations or have backup plans ready. Overcast days can provide beautifully soft lighting, while a sunny day might require strategic positioning to avoid harsh shadows.

Myth 3: "All three of my horses need to pose perfectly together."

You might worry that getting multiple horses to pose together perfectly is impossible. Here’s where a little post-processing magic comes into play. I had a client with three horses who wanted a photo of them together, but they just wouldn’t cooperate in the same frame. No problem! I took individual shots and combined them seamlessly in post-production. The result was a stunning image of the three horses together. So, if you have multiple horses or a challenging scenario, don’t worry—I’ve got it covered.

Additional Advice: For a group photo, consider taking individual shots and then arranging them into one cohesive image. This approach often yields better results than trying to manage all horses at once.

Myth 4: "My horse isn’t photogenic."

Every horse has its own unique beauty. If you think your horse’s coat isn’t shiny enough or its ears are too large, think again. Horse photography is about capturing the true character of your best friend. With the right angles, lighting, and timing, I can highlight your horse’s best features and show its true personality. Remember, every horse is photogenic in its own way.

Client Tip: Grooms and brushes can help, but don’t stress about achieving a showroom shine. A relaxed, happy horse often photographs better than one that's been over-groomed.

Myth 5: "The photos won’t look like reality if editing is involved."

Editing doesn’t mean altering reality; it’s about enhancing what’s already there. My approach to post-processing in horse photography is all about keeping the images true to life. While I can adjust lighting and remove minor distractions, the goal is to make sure the photos reflect your horse’s natural beauty and character. Your horse will look its best, but still very much like itself.

Insight: Minor edits can include brightening shadows, adjusting contrast, or smoothing out minor blemishes. The key is to enhance rather than transform.

Myth 6: "My horse needs to be spotless for the photos."

While a clean horse can make a difference in photos, don’t stress over every speck of dust. A quick groom before the shoot is great, but I can handle minor imperfections in post-processing. The most important thing is for you and your horse to enjoy the session. A few little details won’t detract from the joy of capturing your bond.

Additional Tip: Focus on areas that are most visible in the photos, like the coat and mane. It’s often better to have a natural, slightly less polished look for outdoor shoots.

Myth 7: "Only professional models can take good photos with their horses."

You don’t need to be a professional model or rider to get great photos with your horse. The best images come from genuine interactions and natural moments. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just enjoying time with your horse, the connection you share will shine through in the photos. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and capture those authentic moments.

Pro Tip: Try to relax and be yourself during the shoot. Natural expressions and interactions often make the most memorable photos.

Myth 8: "The photos need to look like they belong in a magazine."

Forget the pressure of magazine perfection. The goal of a photo shoot is to create images that reflect your relationship with your horse. Whether you prefer a casual pasture shot or a more formal portrait, the focus should be on capturing what’s meaningful to you. This experience is about celebrating your bond, not fitting a specific ideal.

Client Insight: Let your personality and your horse’s character guide the shoot. A photo that feels personal and authentic will always be more valuable than one that fits a trend.

Myth 9: "I need to know exactly what I want before the shoot."

It’s great to have some ideas, but you don’t need to have every detail planned out. I’m here to guide you through the process and help you choose locations, poses, and themes that work best for you and your horse. If you’re unsure, we can brainstorm together, and I’ll make sure the session is enjoyable and tailored to your preferences.

Additional Advice: Think about what makes you and your horse unique and share those ideas. The more we discuss, the better I can tailor the shoot to your vision.

Myth 10: "The session will be stressful for my horse."

A successful photo shoot should be a positive experience for both you and your horse. I work to ensure that the session is calm and enjoyable, with plenty of breaks and a pace that suits your horse. My goal is to make the experience as stress-free as possible so that we can capture beautiful, natural moments between you and your best friend.

Final Tip: Keep the session light-hearted and fun. The more relaxed and happy your horse is, the better the photos will be.