Equine Portrait Session Preparation Guide

Horse & Rider Sessions

Unless you're a model by profession, the idea of being in front of a big camera is probably all kinds of scary. The good news? If you're anything like me, preparation and lots of insight into what you can expect goes a long way to turn nerves into positive energy. 

This is meant to be a joyous time of love for your horse, feeling beautiful and understood. You are gorgeous and I promise to capture that for you. I'm here – and this guide is here – to ensure you are able to focus on the things that matter.

Feel good, Look Good

The better prepared you feel, the more likely you are to relax and simply be present. Tension and stress have a sneaky way of showing up in photos so looking and feeling your best really does matter! Preparing for your session ideally starts a few weeks before your shoot.

FOR YOU...

In general, I recommend doing the following things from the time you book your session to the time we actually shoot (though all are great practices to do in your daily life regardless).

• START STRETCHING | Try to stretch for 20 minutes each day leading up to your shoot (focusing on neck, back, and hips). This helps limbs look long and elegant in portraits.
• AVOID TOO MUCH SUN | Yes, we are horse people so this is a tall order, but sunburns and tan lines are portrait ruiners. Use sunscreen and try to ride early/late to avoid the sun when it is at its strongest.
• DRINK WATER | Water is important in looking and feeling our best. Despite knowing this, we all fail to drink enough... I recommend starting now.
• TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN | Wash your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser, exfoliate (face and body) every other day, moisturize, and wear lip balm (with SPF if you'll be in the sun). Avoid picking or biting your skin (under stress these habits sometimes come out - just be mindful so you don't have raw cuticles for your shoot).

FOR YOUR HORSE...

For the best images, your horse should be show-ring ready; there is nothing more photogenic than a clean, fit, healthy horse. The images will be taken primarily in a bridle, but if you have a nice leather halter and chain we can switch into for some shots it is also recommended. Simple metal snaffle bits are recommended for the best overall look. Below is a list of recommendations for getting the best image possible: 

• CLOSENESS TRAINING | This might seem silly (or you might already do it) but getting your horse to feel very comfortable with you touching their face, ears, etc. and standing in front of them (encouraging closeness with positive association using voice and treats) will make the photoshoot feel a LOT more natural, especially if you're after those kinds of shots. You can incorporate carrot stretches into these exercises as well!
• CLEAN, FUNCTIONAL TACK | Make sure your tack is in good, working condition. Worn, cracked leather may show up in photos and ruin the overall polished effect.
• SHOW-READINESS | Entire body should be brushed and dirt-free, completely dry, green spots removed, mane and forelock brushed straight, face wiped clean (nose, eyes, mouth), hooves painted, tack wiped down and clean, and braided (looks gorgeous if possible but certainly not required). If you plan on braiding, make sure you either practice beforehand or hire a braiding veteran.

Outfit Suggestions

Depending on the package, if multiple outfits are offered I would highly encourage working your options! I’ve had clients wear everything from sun dresses, gowns, sweaters and jeans, or even show clothes. I always recommend wearing whatever you are most comfortable in and what will be easy to handle a horse with, but this is your party and you should wear what you want to! You can't go wrong with having different options and types of outfits; the more the better.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• NEUTRAL TONES and colors match with every horse! You can never go wrong with white, gray, black, or earth-toned tops or bottoms. Soft pastel colors are also very pretty. Think about the environment we'll be shooting in and try to complement the landscape! If you're riding with tack, be mindful of color within your horse's wardrobe as well. The same suggestions apply.
• TEXTURES AND LUXURIOUS FABRICS are a great way to add a tactile richness and depth to your photos. Think lace, beadwork, chiffon, embroidery, crochet, leather, velvet, draped satin, and chunky knits.
• AVOID BUSY PATTERNS that might not photograph well and distract from you and your horse. Textures are a great way to bring variety in without being too distracting.
• DRESS SMART if you want to look relaxed in your photos. For example, if you have a wintertime shoot it might be best to leave the sundress at home. Dress for the season. I promise you'll thank me later. Also, closed-toe shoes are preferred to protect your toes - if you really want barefoot or open-toed options, we can work with you to achieve your vision.
• LAYER if you'd like a versatile look without needing to change. A cute jacket can be worn and taken off to create two different personas.
• ACCESSORIZE! A simple necklace, scarf, or rings can add to the overall look in a huge way. While doing this, however, try to choose timeless looks over trendy ones!
• FIT YOUR FORM by wearing clothes that show your shape. This applies to all body types! Outfits should hug your curves, especially along your top half. Choose tailored over loose or boxy.
• AVOID CAPPED SLEEVES as these tend to create an optical illusion that broadens our shoulders. If you love them, you can ignore this advice!

These are all simply suggestions and might not apply to you. Ultimately, if you are honoring yourself, your body, and feel like yourself then you will be radiant!

Can you photoshop that?

I am an Adobe power-user and can accomplish mostly anything in Photoshop. For all horses, I will remove any scratches, scars, or nicks on the horse’s face or body. I can also edit any face blemishes or dirt/slobber that may show up during the shoot. I will also edit out any unsightly background elements such as piles of poop or distant cars. I want to present everyone's best possible appearance with few distractions! However, if the horse, you, or your tack is dirty, unkempt, or presented poorly I will not do any extensive edits without an additional editing service - it just takes a lot of time, effort, and expertise that is not accounted for in the typical session price. If you have any edit requests, please let me know prior to or during the session so I can understand exactly what you want and go over how we might accomplish it. 

For best results without extensive post-processing, follow the recommendations above. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

I know what beautiful looks like and I know what being a horse person feels like. I can see your beauty and your bond. I know how to bring them forward and how to capture them with my camera. I also know what it's like to be a woman who struggles to see her own beauty and, at times, struggles in her relationship with her horse. That's why I've made it my mission to hold up a mirror and show you a different perspective. I want to show you how beautiful you and your horse are and how soulful your bond is; to help you reconnect with the pair you see in your portraits and be awed by them.

If you have any questions, concerns, or want to shoot wardrobe ideas my way, please don't hesitate to reach out. If you have particular poses or other dreams for your shoot in mind, absolutely make me aware so I can bring them to fruition (I've had clients start a Pinterest board with inspiration and share it with me as one method).

My email address is alaina@alainahower.com and my number is (650)520-7659. I can't wait to work with you. ♥