If you’re worried your horse might throw a fit during your horse photography session, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and believe me, your horse is not some exception to the rule. I’ve worked with many horses over the years, and none of them just magically stay calm the whole time—that’s not how horses are wired, and I wouldn’t want that anyway. They’re living, breathing, thinking animals, not statues, and that’s what makes photographing them so powerful.
For example, I once worked with a colt who was absolutely convinced he was the next big thing—a total show-off, trying to run the session. But guess what? We still got stunning shots, and we’ll do the same with your horse, quirks and all.
But let’s talk about how we can make this experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible—for both you and your horse.
Step one: Manage your stress to help your horse
When your horse starts acting up during the photo shoot, I immediately look to you.
Why? Because horses feed off your energy. If you’re stressed, your horse is going to mirror that. So, if things start going sideways, I’ll take a step back and help you breathe.
Trust me, I’ve seen it all—fly swatting, grazing mid-shot, doing everything but standing where we want. But we will get the images, no matter how many “moments” your horse decides to have.
Don't be shy about correcting your horse
I know that some people feel hesitant about correcting their horse with others around, but there’s no need to worry. If your horse needs a gentle reminder or a bit of guidance to stay focused, go ahead. It’s always better to address small issues before they escalate.
Don't get me wrong, your horse’s wellbeing comes first, and any guidance should always come from a place of care. You know your horse best, and I’ll trust you to handle them in the way that feels right for both of you.
Is it safe to keep the photo shoot going?
Safety is everything—for you, for me, and especially for your horse.
If your horse is just being playful or testing the waters, that’s something we can manage. But if they start becoming unpredictable or unsafe, it’s time to hit pause.
There’s no rush, and I’d rather we take a break and give your horse a moment to settle than push through and risk someone getting hurt. Sometimes a short pause is all it takes to reset the mood and bring your horse back to a more relaxed state.
No photo is worth anyone’s safety, and we’ll always put that first.
Reading your horse's behavior
A lot of the time, horses act up because something in their environment is off. They’re not being “naughty,” they’re just being horses. So, I watch closely to figure out what might be bothering them.
• Too much energy? We’ll stop and let you lunge them for a bit.
• Flies driving them mad? More fly spray. Seriously, keep it coming.
• Missing their herd? We can shoot closer to the barn or bring out a buddy for moral support.
• Fidgeting around? I’ll position them against a fence or wall to cut down the movement.
• Overstimulated? Sometimes, all they need is a quick break in their stall to reset.
What if it's a training thing?
Sometimes your horse’s behavior comes down to inexperience—it might just be that your horse is young, or maybe they haven’t been exposed to certain environments or situations yet. And that’s totally fine.
I’m always checking in with you to make sure you’re comfortable with where we’re shooting and what your horse is being asked to do. There’s absolutely no rush. We’ll go at your horse’s pace, take breaks when needed, and adjust as we go. You know your horse better than anyone, and I trust your judgment when it comes to their limits.
Bottom line
Horses aren’t supposed to be perfectly behaved or stand still like statues (and who would even want that?). They have personalities, and those little quirks make them who they are.
So yes, your horse might get a little wild or distracted during the shoot. But in the end, that’s part of the experience, and it doesn’t stop us from capturing the connection between the two of you—just as you are, in the moment.
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