Where should we do your horse photo session? A few thoughts on location

If you're thinking about booking a session with your horse, one of the first things that’ll come up is: where should it happen?

Short answer? Wherever makes sense for you and your horse. But I know that’s vague, so let’s break it down a bit.

Home turf is underrated

Most horses feel safest at home. Familiar surroundings mean less stress, less distraction, and fewer complications. If you have a stable yard, a beautiful field, and maybe even nice trails, that’s already great.

Don’t worry if the background isn’t 'perfect'. I’ve photographed horses with wheelbarrows in the distance, barns with peeling paint, fencing that’s seen better days.

If the light is good and your horse is relaxed, that matters more than any backdrop.

Field, forest, or somewhere special

If you’ve got a favourite hacking trail, a flower field you’ve always had your eye on, or just a spot you and your horse like being in—tell me. I’m open to pretty much everything.

I’ve done sessions in woods, next to an old stone wall, on hillsides, and so much more. And yes, I’ve also photographed in some pretty spectacular places—like a medieval castle, a really old bridge, on the beach, ....

And you know what, the photos were great in any of those locations.

That said, if we’re going off-site, make sure your horse is used to travelling or being in new places. I won’t rush them into posing the second they come off the trailer.

Season and weather make a difference

Some fields are beautiful until they turn into ankle-deep mud.

Or it’s a really windy spot and your horse decides bolting is the thing to do right there and then.

If your location is heavily exposed or gets tricky in spring or autumn, it’s worth thinking about how the weather might affect the session—not just the look of the place, but how your horse will feel in it.

In some cases, it might actually make more sense to go off-site, especially if your own yard turns into a bog or gets too dusty or harsh in certain seasons. I can help you figure that out—we just need to chat about what your options are.

So sometimes it’s as simple as picking a different corner of your property. Other times, we pack the trailer and head somewhere that works better for both of you.

Let’s talk light

I only schedule sessions during golden hour—late afternoon or early evening. That’s when the light is soft, warm, and actually works with your horse’s features instead of flattening them out or casting strange shadows.

I don’t do early mornings.

I also don’t do midday, no matter how convenient it might seem. It just doesn’t give you the kind of results I stand behind.

Indoors doesn’t really work either, unless you’re happy to let me experiment with artificial light (which, honestly, is still on my bucket list).

But if your barn has a doorway or a window with good natural light? That I can absolutely work with.

Light makes all the difference. And I want you to have images that you’ll really love—ones where your horse doesn’t look washed out or hidden in shadows. That only happens when the light is right. So no, I won’t compromise on it.

Still not sure? Ask me

You don’t need to have it all figured out. If you’re unsure what would work best, we can talk it through. You send me a few photos or a video of the space you have in mind, and I’ll tell you what I see.

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