Horse Portraits
Galleries
Capture your horse's authentic expression, dynamic energy, and finest qualities with my portraits. With over 30 years in the horse industry, I bring the expertise to showcase your beloved equine at its best. Let my passion and skill immortalize your horse in timeless portraits you'll cherish forever.
Your signature horse portrait experience
Horse portrait sessions are available year-round, with many owners choosing spring through fall when coats are sleek, glossy, and the Idaho landscape adds natural beauty to every frame. Each session is thoughtfully customized to your horse’s personality, comfort level, and energy, allowing time for both classic portraits and quiet, candid moments to unfold naturally.
Every experience is designed to feel calm, unhurried, and deeply respectful of your horse — guided with care, patience, and an experienced eye for light and composition.
Your experience includes:
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A personalized pre-session consultation to plan location, timing, and simple styling details
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Up to 90 minutes of relaxed photography for one horse, with or without you included
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Gentle posing and expert guidance to ensure flattering light, angles, and composition
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Signature fine art editing applied thoughtfully to each final image
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A private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing your portraits
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Personal usage rights for printing and displaying your artwork
Session investment
The Classic Experience – $1,500
A fully inclusive equine portrait experience designed to honor your horse’s presence, beauty, and the bond you share.
Your experience includes:
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Up to 90 minutes of relaxed photography for one horse, allowing time for your horse to settle naturally and for meaningful moments to unfold
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A personalized pre-session consultation to plan location, timing, and simple preparation details
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A comprehensive preparation guide to ensure each detail is considered and the experience unfolds with ease
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A curated gallery of 40+ fine art portraits, thoughtfully selected and artistically edited in my signature style
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High-resolution digital images, along with web-optimized files for easy sharing and lasting enjoyment
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A private online gallery, designed for viewing, downloading, and preserving your artwork with ease
Optional enhancements
For clients who wish to expand their portrait experience or include additional horses.
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Additional horses (same owner) — $350 each
Thoughtfully photographed during the same session, allowing time to honor each horse individually -
Extended session time — $100 per 30 minutes
Ideal for unhurried pacing, outfit changes, or allowing extra time for your horse to settle naturally
Looking ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, I want to sincerely thank you for the trust and support you showed throughout 2025. Being fully booked for horse portrait sessions was an incredible honor, and I’m deeply grateful to every client who invited me into their barns, fields, and stories.
Horse portrait sessions are offered in very limited numbers each year and scheduled thoughtfully to ensure every session receives the time, care, and creative attention it deserves.
If you’d love to work together, the best way to stay connected is by joining my waitlist.
By joining, you’ll be the first to know about:
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2026 horse session booking announcements
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Priority access to limited equine portrait availability
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Any last-minute openings or waitlist opportunities
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Special projects and seasonal offerings
Whether you’re dreaming of a soulful portrait of your horse, a meaningful horse-and-rider session, or a custom experience designed around your story, I would be honored to create something truly special with you.
Availability is intentionally limited — the waitlist is where it begins.
My equine portrait experiences are designed to be comprehensive and unhurried, with all fully edited images included.
Horses offer so much subtlety — in expression, movement, and presence — that limiting the final images would mean leaving part of the story behind.
Including the full gallery allows the session to unfold naturally and ensures that every meaningful moment is thoughtfully refined and preserved. The investment reflects the time, intention, and artistry devoted to honoring both your horse and your connection.
Why I don't sell images per photo
I don’t believe meaningful stories can be told in pieces.
Rather than asking clients to choose between moments or purchase images individually, my portrait experiences include all fully edited photographs from the session. This allows the story to unfold naturally — without pressure, without posing for a checklist, and without leaving moments behind.
When sessions are limited by image count, the energy often shifts: moments feel rushed, choices become transactional, and subtle expressions can be lost. By including the full gallery, I’m able to photograph slowly, respond to what’s unfolding, and honor every meaningful interaction as it happens.
This isn’t about quantity — it’s about integrity. Every image you receive is carefully refined, thoughtfully edited, and part of a larger story designed to be remembered as a whole.
25+ years photographing horses with intention
Capturing moments honoring strength, spirit, and quiet connection.
International award-winning equine photographer
Trusted for equine portraiture rooted in artistry and emotion.
A lifetime among horses
Photographed not just as subjects — but as partners and soul companions.
Why choose me as your equine photographer?
Because this isn’t just about beautiful images (though you’ll absolutely get those!) — it’s about capturing the essence of your horse: the softness in their eye, the strength in their stance, and the quiet magic that makes them truly unforgettable.
Deep understanding of equine behavior
Your horse’s comfort and safety always come first. I know how to read their body language, when to wait for a calm moment, and how to work with all types — from high-energy athletes to gentle seniors. This allows me to create natural, soulful images that truly reflect who your horse is.
A creative eye for something uniquely yours
Every horse is different, and every session should be too. I take the time to understand your vision, your horse’s personality, and how to bring it all together through beautiful light, thoughtful locations, and meaningful moments. The result? Portraits that feel personal, timeless, and true.
Professional tools + thoughtful approach
Whether your horse needs a little space, or the light changes quickly, I come prepared. My professional gear allows me to work from a safe distance while still capturing gorgeous detail and split-second moments — even in challenging outdoor environments.
Patience, empathy, and deep respect
Horses are sensitive, intuitive beings, and I treat every session with the calm, respectful energy they deserve. There’s never a rush. We’ll move at your horse’s pace, keeping the experience low-stress and enjoyable for everyone involved. My goal is always to create something meaningful — and to make the process feel just as special as the finished artwork.
The first hello
You reach out and share a bit about your horse.
From there, we’ll schedule a time to connect so I can learn more about your horse, your story, and what you’re envisioning for the session. I’ll answer any questions you have and walk you through the next steps. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to help you feel confident, supported, and excited about what’s to come.
Planning with purpose
You’ll receive a complete session guide to help you prepare, along with a planning call or email consult where we’ll go over the details:
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Your horse’s temperament and comfort zones
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What kind of images move you most
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Barn, field, or favorite setting for your portraits
Every session is designed to be relaxed and horse-centered.
The portrait session
With calm energy, a patient approach, and deep respect for your horse, I create space for authentic images—whether they’re standing proudly in the light, galloping through the field, or quietly nuzzling you.
This isn’t a rushed shoot—it’s time to connect, reflect, and capture the story you’ve built together.
Editing
After your session, I’ll carefully select the strongest images that best reflect your horse’s beauty, personality, and presence. Each chosen portrait is then artistically edited with great attention to detail—enhancing light and color while removing any distractions like lead ropes, flies, handlers, or background elements when needed.
The result? Clean, timeless images that honor your horse exactly as you see them—majestic, soulful, and unforgettable.
Image reveal & ordering session
Two to three weeks later, we’ll meet for your image reveal and ordering appointment. You’ll see your gallery come to life and choose the portraits that reflect your horse’s spirit and your connection.
Together, we’ll design heirloom-quality artwork you’ll be proud to display—from fine art prints to handcrafted albums.
Product delivery
Your finished artwork will be carefully packaged and delivered to your door—ready to be admired, shared, and loved for years to come.
This experience is about honoring your horse, your story, and the legacy you’ve created together—through soulful imagery and timeless art.
The artwork
Your portraits deserve to be seen, held, and loved.
From handcrafted albums to custom-framed wall art, every piece I offer is made with museum-grade materials and designed to last a lifetime. Together, we’ll transform your favorite images into tangible works of art that celebrate your dog every single day.
Choose from:
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Wall art collections
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Heirloom fine art albums
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Custom keepsakes
Artwork designed to honor legacy – timeless pieces created to reflect presence, power, and connection.
→ Explore artwork options for equine portraits
All artwork is available à la carte during your portrait reveal & ordering session. A full list of my curated collection products and pricing are available during our pre-session consultation call.
Frequently asked questions
What type of location is best?
An area that is visually appealing, safe, and suited to capturing your horse in the best lighting. Ideally, lush grasslands, open meadows without fences or buildings visible; classic barn doors, barn aisles (black background portraits), trees, bushes, flowers in foreground / background; water locations (lakes, ponds, etc.).
Does my horse need to be clipped?
No, clipping isn’t necessary, though if your horse has a bridle path it should be freshly clipped. Many of my portraits feature horses in their natural state. If you choose to body or face clip, do so 2-3 weeks prior to allow the coat to rehydrate for a smoother look. Ears and whiskers can be trimmed on the day of the shoot.
Can I be in the images too?
Of course! I cherish capturing the wonderful connection between you and your horse. Your clothing choice should complement your horse's coat color - solids and neutral colors tend to look best. Avoid white if possible.
What time will our photo session be?
I schedule most sessions during the magical "golden hour," early in the morning or the last two hours of daylight for optimal lighting. We'll discuss the best location and time during the session-planning call. Sessions last about 60-90 minutes, giving your horse time to acclimate to the camera and ensuring a variety of images for you to choose from.
Is my horse's safety a concern?
Safety for you and your horse is paramount during the session - I take care to work quietly and safely around every horse to ensure a positive experience for all. As a horse person myself, I understand the importance of trust and communication when working with horses. I encourage the portrait session to be a time of play and enjoyment for the horse, allowing them to show off their natural beauty and talents!
How & when do I pay for my session?
A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your session date and is applied toward your total session investment. The remaining session balance is due on or before the day of your portrait experience. Artwork purchases may be paid in full or through flexible payment plans, available upon request with bi-weekly or monthly options. Finished artwork is produced and delivered once payment is complete. Accepted payment methods include cash, Zelle, Apple Pay, Venmo, and PayPal.
I want treasured portraits of my horse!
To book a session, simply click here! If you have any questions, feel free to send them via this inquiry form or give me a call at 406-544-2881. I can't wait to work with you!
Ready to book your session?
I can’t wait to create something beautiful for you and your horse.
Whether you’re dreaming of soulful connection portraits, stunning fine art images of your horse in motion, or timeless artwork that captures their beauty and spirit, every session is designed to celebrate your bond in an authentic, meaningful way.
Let’s tell your story through portraits that honor your partnership, your horse’s personality, and the unforgettable moments you share.
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feature insightful and valuable tips for preparing for your portrait session.
Shannon did a fantastic job at our recent photo session! It’s not easy making a 70 yr old horse lover look good! But Shannon really understands the animals and our love for them! Truly an amazing experience! I’m thrilled with the professional quality of the photographs!
Kit
Shannon has captured our horses in such a special & unique way. She understands the importance of lighting & expression, catches the joy of movement, the beauty of emotion, & the tenderness of feeling not often captured through a lens. I have worked with some of the best in the professional world of equine photography & Shannon shares a rare talent of seeing the subject with an insight that goes beyond what can be taught, a gift only God can give.
Suzy
Shannon goes above and beyond with her incredible talent. Shannon not only captures the beauty of her subjects but also their heart and soul. Her ability to find just exactly the right lighting and background is phenomenal. All of my animals (horses, dogs, and cats) respond to Shannon in a way that goes beyond words. If you are looking to capture your beloved pet, there is no one better than Shannon Edney Photography.