Your Equine Photoshoot
This article offers practical tips on how to prepare for your horse photoshoot, from grooming and location choice to clothing, horse comfort, and session planning for natural, beautiful, equine portraits.
With my horse photoshoot session about to start for this year, I thought it would be helpful to share some practical tips for anyone getting ready for their first equine photoshoot.
A horse photoshoot is a great way to celebrate the special connection you share with your horse and for some clients, it can mark a milestone in their partnership. While for others, it’s a way to honour a much-loved heart horse, or to pause and capture a chapter of life that feels meaningful right now.
30 years on and reflecting back to my first pony – you just realise just how amazing he was!
The Personal Impact of a First Pony
It’s not until I reflected back to my first pony, that I realised just how amazing Piper O’Dundee (pictured here – with me! was.) He was the best Highland pony.
He was so patient with me and really looked after me. He gave me the confidence to try new things, whether that was competing or developing my riding. He helped create the building blocks to progress with my horsemanship, and I fundamentally believe, the key skills I learnt then, have created the building blocks to how I am around horses today.
Emma x
Whatever your reason for booking a horse photoshoot, a little preparation can help the experience feel relaxed, enjoyable, and truly rewarding.
Preparing Your Horse for a Photoshoot
Your horse doesn’t need to look ‘perfect’ – they just need to look like themselves, at their best.
Before your horse photoshoot, aim to have your horse clean and well-groomed. In winter, bathing isn’t necessary, but a good brush to remove mud and dust will make a big difference. Depending on the breed, a light tidy of the mane and tail can also help create a polished look without losing their character.
Some clients choose to have their horse professionally clipped before a photoshoot, particularly in winter, but this is entirely optional. Woolly winter coats photograph beautifully too – and add charm, cuteness and personality to the final images.
Time to book your Horse Photoshoot?
Celebrate their unique
connection and bond.
PRICELESS
Gather Your Equipment in Advance
Ahead of your horse photoshoot session, it’s helpful to gather everything you think you may need in one place. This might include tack, headcollar, lead ropes or any meaningful items you’d like included in your photographs.
Having everything ready means the session will flow calmly, without unnecessary rushing, and keeps your horse relaxed throughout.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Horse Photoshoot
I always encourage clients to choose a location that feels familiar and special to them and their horse. This might be your livery yard, a favourite field, a regular hacking route, or nearby countryside you know well.
Familiar surroundings help horses feel settled, and they allow me to capture more natural, authentic images. Before your session, it’s worth having a quick look around for possible backdrops – open fields, hedgerows, long grass, woodland edges, or distant hills can all work beautifully.
It’s also important to consider whether permission is needed, whether the area is safe and clear, and if it can be kept relatively quiet during the shoot.
Bespoke Wall Art
Providing a daily reminder in their home just how amazing they are!
Bring a Helping Hand
I always recommend bringing a friend or family member along to your horse photoshoot. They can help hold equipment, carry items, and lend a reassuring presence — leaving you free to focus on enjoying the experience.
They often become an invaluable extra pair of hands, and they help keep the session light-hearted and relaxed.
Treats, Toys, and Keeping Things Fun
Having a few treats or familiar toys on hand can be really useful during a horse photoshoot. These small tools can help keep your horse engaged, relaxed, and focused – especially during quieter portrait moments.
Nothing is ever forced or rushed. Breaks are encouraged, and we always work at your horse’s pace.
What to Wear for Your Horse Photoshoot
Leading up to your photoshoot, I provide you with a style guide, to help you choose outfits that photograph beautifully and feel comfortable.
In winter, coats, scarves, hats, and textured layers work wonderfully. In summer, clients often choose anything from smart casual clothing to flowing dresses. The key is to avoid very bright colours, bold stripes, or shiny fabrics that may distract from the connection between you and your horse.
Neutral, earthy tones – such as navy, cream, brown, and soft greys – tend to work especially well for a timeless horse photoshoot.
Time to celebrate just you two
Timing and Weather Planning
A horse photoshoot session typically lasts around one hour, though I always allow flexibility. I book the day rather than a fixed time, and confirm details closer to the session once the weather forecast is clearer.
Two days beforehand, I’ll be in touch over the phone to discuss conditions. If the weather isn’t suitable – for example, heavy consistant rain or strong winds, we’ll make a decision together about rescheduling. Your horse’s comfort and safety always come first.
Relax and Enjoy the Experience
Most importantly, relax and enjoy your horse photoshoot. This experience isn’t about posing perfectly or worrying about small details, it’s about capturing real moments, genuine connection, and the story you share with your horse.
I’ll guide you gently throughout the session, working with your horse, the light, and the environment to create natural, meaningful images. Together, we’ll create photographs that celebrate your partnership and can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Portfolio
A SMALL selection of photographs taken from a young person’s Horse Portrait Session
Additional Information
Lake District Horse Portrait Session
A Lake District Horse Portrait Session You can’t get more scenic than Cumbria! Add a dash of the brilliant pair,…
Planning Your Best Photography Year Yet!
The Power of Goal Setting When I first started my photography journey, a wise owl shared some advice with me:…
A Young Person’s First Pony Photoshoot Session
First Pony Photoshoot Session The benefits a pony can bring to a young person’s life can be immeasurable. A first…
About the author
Emma Campbell is a professional horse portrait photographer and Master Craftsman (MCrGPP) with over 30 years’ experience capturing horses and their owners.
An award-winning photographer, Emma won Overall Winner, Image of the Year (Judges’ Choice) and Equine Image of the Year with The Guild of Photographers in 2020.
She holds a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science and Business and is recognised as one of the first photographers to achieve Master Craftsman status in equine photography with The Guild.
In 2024, Emma became a Panel Member, Judge and Mentor with The Guild of Photographers and has judged at ClickMasters Live and The British Photography Awards. Her work has featured in equestrian and photography publications and has been exhibited at the Design Museum, London.
Become a VIP
Receive regular news and Exclusive Horse Photoshoot Session offers! Sign up today x
Emma Campbell
HORSE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
Coverage
Based in Cumbria, England.
Emma’s work covers the whole of the North England, (Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cumbria, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside) Southern/Borders Scotland, North Wales and the Midlands.
UK wide on request.
© 2026 | Emma Campbell Photography | Horse Portrait Photographer