Have you put off having professional portraits created with your horse out of fear that they won’t cooperate or stand still for a nice photo? Much like the dogs I have worked with in the past, not every horse I photograph is as patient as the last, and that’s okay! Part of who I am and what I create as an equine photographer is one-of-a-kind artwork tailored to exactly who you and your horse are. It wouldn’t make much sense to have a piece of wall art or an album full of your normally forward-moving, sassy mare standing in a halter class pose the entire time. 

When we begin planning your upcoming portraits and the artwork you are hoping to remember your horse with, we will chat about their unique personality to help me better plan how I will shoot your portraits. I love getting to know your horses and more importantly making sure they are comfortable and properly documented in their truest form. While we may make adjustments on the day of your portraits, there are also a few tips and tricks I have on preparing an antsy horse for professional photos.

Lunging 

If you have portraits scheduled for that stunning evening golden hour and you have a horse that might be a little too high energy for you, taking time to lightly work them on a lunge line that morning/afternoon will help give them something to do. Lunging too close to your session runs the risk of a sweaty horse and you want to give them enough time to cool down after that working rush. 

Low-Stress Day 

If you have a sensitive horse, keeping their day low stress for their upcoming professional photos is never a bad idea. This means try not to schedule vet or farrier visits the day of and keep their routine close to normal if possible.

Feeding

I get it, when it is time to eat and it hasn’t happened, you get a little hangry. Our horses are creatures of habit, make sure when you are scheduling portraits with your horse that if it lands on or during feeding time that you give your horse enough time to eat their dinner. Make sure you give them enough time to eat and drink followed by your grooming touch ups before we get started. If you have a drooler while eating, give them a little more time and have a rag on hand for your portraits.

Know Your Horse

You know your horse better than anyone and while we may plan your portraits based on what you told me about your horse, we may miss something big to them. For example, if you have a horse who gets antsy or uncomfortable when his barn pal isn’t in sight, having a friend bring his pal out for encouragement will help. We do this to keep you, your horse, and everyone around us safe and happy throughout the entire experience. 

If you know your horse has certain locations, sounds, or sights that set them off please make sure you disclose that to me as soon as possible so that I make sure I don’t put your horse in a situation they don’t like. Read more on the importance of communicating with your photographer HERE!

Practice, Practice, Practice

My final piece of advice when having professional photos created with a sometimes antsy horse is practice! Practicing basic ground manners like standing in place with their head up, respecting your boundaries, and posing with multiple people or animals. For a deeper dive and information on how I suggest you prepare your horse for their upcoming portraits click HERE.

Whether your horse is comfortable standing for portraits all evening or needs a little prep work and patience, I know we will create portraits custom catered to you and your horse. If you have a horse you have been dying to have portraits with, you can schedule your discovery call HERE and begin your unique portrait experience today! 

-Charlotte