There are many factors in motion when scheduling your horse and rider portraits from preparing your horse, planning out artwork, and of course, creating your wardrobe. But don’t stress! we will be planning your portrait wardrobe together, I always suggest creating two different looks such as an all-out formal look to maybe a dressed-down casual style. Keep reading for my 8 favorite tips to keep in mind when planning your portrait wardrobe!

1. Say Yes to the Dress!

Scheduling equine portraits with a professional photographer means you have an excuse to dress up in a way you don’t normally dress. Whether you have wanted to throw on a sequined gown or a tulle skirt, all forms of fashion are encouraged here! Long, flowy dresses and skirts look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well but can be restrictive and impractical when it comes to horse and rider portraits. Rent the Runway is a great place to find amazing designer dresses! I also love Anthropologie, Free People, and Joyfolie. We also offer a fun and exciting client closet to look through as well if shopping is not your favorite activity! 

2. Colors

There are a few factors that come into play when planning out the colors you will wear for your portraits with your horse. Consider what season you are in, the color of your horse, where you plan to display your portraits, and what flatters you best! When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones and more muted shades. Avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors and patterns will help bring all the attention to your face and let the eye focus on you! The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, and tan. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments. This will also be a topic we dive into personally once you schedule your portraits with me!

3. Textures & Layers

While you may be avoiding patterns in your portrait outfits, that certainly does not mean we are avoiding fun! Using textures like ruffles, lace, or sequins will add visual interest to your outfit without distracting the eye too much. Layering is also a great way to add variety and interest to your images without a full outfit change; jackets, vests, and blazers work very well for this!

4. Arms & Sleeves

When creating your outfit for your horse and rider portraits it is important to factor in any insecurities you may have. A frequent concern I hear when it comes to portraits of women with their horses is how their arms will look. If your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms, I recommend avoiding skinny straps or strapless dresses whenever possible (unless you have toned arms!) and opting for something with longer sleeves or adding a second layer such as a jacket, blazer, or duster. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve.

5. Accessories

Once we have the basics of color, style, and texture, we can then move onto the fun part, accessories! Pairing an accessory or two with your outfit can really help bring some extra dimension to your images, and be a nice tie-in when you’re coordinating with others. Big statement necklaces bring a lot of pop to the photos, while the smaller, delicate ones are not as noticeable on camera. Hats, belts, bracelets, and earrings bring great visual interest, so choose one or two that don’t compete for attention. 

6. Shape & Silhouette 

Choosing the perfect outfit for your horse and rider portraits means selecting a shape and silhouette that will flatter you best! Flattering silhouettes that complement your natural features are the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos. If your goal is to keep a slim look, avoid baggy or loose outfits as these can add bulk. Instead, try a variety of fits until you find something that accentuates your figure in the “right” places and makes you check that mirror twice! 

7. Shoes

While some locations may work, it is always wise to approach your shoe selection with safety in mind. Remember, we are working with your horse as well so you need to have the ability to walk and function oftentimes on unpredictable footing. We will likely be in fields with uneven ground with your horse. Boots or wedges pair well with both dresses and jeans and provide more stability than sandals or heels. Make sure you practice walking around in your shoes if you purchase a new pair for your portraits!

8. Desensitizing 

Once we have created your signature look it is time for one of the most important steps, desensitizing your horse! Whether you have a sensitive or bombproof horse, I highly suggest trying your look out on your horse just to be safe. If you are planning to wear a dress, spend some time getting your horse accustomed to it- especially if you will be doing any mounted shots! Some horses may require a few tries, and can spook at surprising things such as noisy fabric, sparkly sequins, or even a different type of hat, this is why it is very important to desensitize your horse plenty of time before your session.

While I handle creating your wardrobe for your horse and rider portraits, I hope these 8 tips and tricks will help you better prepare for your upcoming portraits! Have you been on the edge of scheduling portraits with your horse? Make sure you take a moment to book an appointment for a quick info call with me and begin your portrait journey today!