Your Horse Photoshoot – Family Group Portraits
When your horses and dogs are part of the family, it makes perfect sense to include them in your family portrait. After all, they’re not just pets – they’re daily companions, confidants, and a huge part of your life together.
Creating a photograph that brings everyone into the frame – horses, dogs, and humans alike – is always a special moment, and something truly worth celebrating.
As a horse photographer, I’m often asked how we can set up a group portrait that includes several horses. The answer is: with a little planning, a few practical tricks, and usually an extra pair of hands or two!
Planning Ahead
Before the horse photoshoot session, I always ask a few key questions. Which horses are being included? Are there any that don’t get along? Who stands nicely next to whom? This kind of insight is invaluable when setting up the shot – it saves time and ensures everyone is safe and comfortable.
It also helps to consider things like height and colour balance – for example, placing a tall Clydesdale next to a Shetland might not quite look right. A bit of thought ahead of time makes for a much more visually balanced final image.
On the Day
When working with multiple horses (and often a couple of dogs too), extra help is essential. Whether it’s someone to hold a lead rope, help to get the ears forward, or simply move clients into position, I always recommend having a few helpers on hand.
If there are more horses than people in the photo, we’ll often use lead ropes or have handlers hidden behind the horses to keep everything calm and under control. These can be edited out in post-production, leaving a beautifully composed group, looking natural, and relaxed.
Creating Something to Treasure
Photographing a group that includes horses, dogs, and people is always fun and so rewarding. The results are timeless images that reflect a family’s personal story and their life together. They’re not just portraits – they’re treasured memories, complete with the four-legged friends who help make your world whole.
If you’re thinking about a family portrait that includes your horses (and dogs!), I’d love to help you plan your perfect horse photoshoot session. Feel free to get in touch – and let’s create something truly special.
