Session Guide - Horses | Idaho Dog Photographer

Session Guide

Capturing the soul of your heart horse

With horses in my life since childhood and years of experience as a breeder, I understand these animals on a deep, intuitive level. I see not just their conformation and movement, but the soul behind their eyes—the bond they share with you, and the quiet power they carry.

My goal is to capture your horse as you see them—whether it’s in motion, at rest, or interacting with you in those unspoken moments of connection. From playful colts to wise seniors, each horse has a story worth telling.

Portrait sessions with me are calm, respectful, and tailored to your horse’s energy and comfort. The result? Stunning, soulful images you can showcase in fine art wall pieces, artisan albums, or digital collections for personal or professional use.

Every horse is unique. Let’s tell their story—together.

Preparing for your horse's portrait session

Session preparation guide

The most meaningful portraits happen when your horse feels calm, comfortable, and completely themselves. This guide is here to help you feel prepared for a relaxed, enjoyable session—so we can create timeless images that capture the spirit of your horse and the incredible bond you share.

Plan ahead

During our pre-session consultation, we’ll talk through your vision, any special requests, and your horse’s personality and comfort level. Whether your horse is playful, sensitive, stoic, or affectionate—I’ll tailor the session to suit their pace, temperament, and energy. If there are behavioral quirks or considerations (like stallions, health issues, or reactivity), just let me know—we’ll plan accordingly.

What to wear

If you’d like to be in some portraits with your horse (and I hope you do!), choose clothing that complements your horse’s coloring and feels comfortable to move in. Neutral or earthy tones photograph beautifully, and avoiding bold patterns keeps the focus where it belongs—on the connection between you and your horse.

Outfits

Show up feeling like your best, most confident self.

I recommend bringing 2–3 outfit options to give your portraits variety and allow for different looks—whether you’re riding, walking beside your horse, or simply enjoying quiet moments together.

Here are a few ideas to help you feel prepared and photo-ready:

A flowy dress – Adds movement and elegance to your images, especially if there’s a light breeze. Perfect for dreamy, artistic portraits.
Your show outfit – Polished boots, breeches, or formal riding attire help create timeless, classic equestrian images.
A favorite casual look – Think jeans and a top that feels true to your everyday self. Cowboy boots are a great touch if that suits your style.

Hair and makeup

Professional hair and makeup isn’t required, but it can elevate your confidence and give your portraits a clean, polished look. Aim for something soft and natural—just enough to enhance your features while keeping the focus on your connection with your horse.

Most importantly, wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like you.

Preparing your horse for the session

The better your horse looks, the better the portraits will feel.

A little preparation goes a long way toward creating stunning, timeless images of your horse. Here are my recommendations to ensure your horse is looking their absolute best on the day of your session:

Bathe (and dry!)

Please bathe and thoroughly dry your horse prior to your session. A clean, dust-free coat is essential—dirt, mud, and dampness will show in your portraits and cannot be corrected in post-processing.

Smooth any crinkled tails that have been bagged by spraying them down and brushing through.
Pick hooves and apply hoof polish after removing any bell boots.
Wipe eyes and noses gently with a clean rag, and keep another rag handy for slobber cleanup during the session.

Clipping

Clipping isn’t required—many of my favorite portraits feature horses in their beautiful, natural state. However, if you’d like a tidier look:

If your horse has a clipped bridle path, please be sure to freshen it up before the session. A freshly clipped bridle path helps create a clean, polished presentation.
Planning to body or face clip? Be sure to do so at least 7 days prior to your session. This allows time for the coat to rehydrate and soften for a smoother, more natural look. Clipping the day before (or the day of) will result in visible clip lines, which will remain in your final images unless custom retouching is requested for an additional fee.
Ears and whiskers can be trimmed the day of the session, if desired—but there’s no pressure to do so. Natural is always welcome.

Whether you go fully polished or leave your horse just as they are, I’ll work with what feels right for you—and make sure they look absolutely stunning in every image.

Tack prep

All tack should be cleaned and oiled the night before your session, including saddle pads, bits, polo wraps, and boots. Leather bridles or halters are required for portraits. If we are doing liberty photos, no tack is required.

Fly spray

Apply fly spray before the session and bring extra in case we need to reapply. Keeping flies at bay helps your horse stay calm and comfortable throughout our time together.

Treats and feeding tips

Before your session, take note of what treats your horse loves best and be sure to have some on hand—plus extras to get us through the full session.

Treats help with:

Motivation and movement (for those ears-forward moments!)
Rewards for cooperation and patience
Making the session feel fun for your horse

If you’re bringing apples or carrots, please pre-cut them into small pieces to avoid excessive slobber, foam, or mess during the session.

If our session is scheduled around your barn’s feeding time, please be sure to feed your horse their grain before we begin. Horses are more relaxed, focused, and happy when they aren’t waiting on a meal—and a content horse always photographs better!

Bring a second set of hands

An extra helper makes all the difference.

It is highly recommended to have a second person available during your session—someone horse-savvy like a friend, family member, or trainer who can assist as needed.

Having an extra hand allows for:

Help with holding or calming your horse
Assistance with tack or wardrobe changes
Coaching you through under-saddle or liberty movement
Retrieving forgotten or last-minute items (like fly spray or treats)
Keeping the session running smoothly so I can stay focused behind the lens

A helping hand behind the scenes allows me to stay fully engaged in capturing the magic in front of the camera.

Exercise and patience

Set your horse up for success based on their unique energy and personality.

Every horse is different, and the way you prepare them before a session can have a big impact on how relaxed and expressive they are during our time together. Here’s how to adjust based on your horse’s temperament:

If your horse tends to run HOT…

Lunge or ride them about an hour before your session to help release excess energy. Just be sure to allow enough time for a full cooldown, and remove any sweat marks from tack before we begin photographing.

If your horse is typically ANTSY on the ground…

Spend the weeks leading up to the session practicing ground manners—especially standing calmly in doorways, open spaces, or while tied. A little prep here goes a long way toward creating a relaxed experience.

If your horse is bombproof and RELAXED…

Avoid exercising them right before the session—they’ll likely be just right without it. Instead, focus on what motivates them to show personality and expression. Treats, toys, voice cues, or a favorite person nearby can work wonders.

With just a little thoughtful preparation tailored to your horse’s needs, we’ll be able to create portraits that feel authentic, natural, and totally them.

The big day

It's finally here–your horse's time to shine!

What to expect at your horse's portrait session

When we meet for your session, we’ll begin slowly and intentionally, easing into the experience at your horse’s pace. I’ll take a few moments to observe your horse, let them become familiar with me, and allow them to settle into the rhythm of our time together.

I would love to spend a few quiet minutes stroking your horse, then letting them check out the camera and surroundings from a comfortable distance. Whether your horse is curious, cautious, or completely unbothered, I’ll adjust my approach to match their energy and comfort level.

The goal isn’t to rush—it’s to build trust and create a relaxed, respectful environment so we can capture your horse looking their best: calm, expressive, and completely themselves.

Capturing moments with you and your horse

Creating meaningful portraits while making memories together

Your session is more than a photoshoot—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the connection between you and your horse, and preserve it in a way that feels both personal and powerful.

Throughout the session, we’ll move at a comfortable pace, allowing time to settle, breathe, and enjoy the process. As we explore the chosen location, I’ll be on the lookout for the most beautiful light and natural backdrops—whether it’s golden fields, weathered fences, shaded trails, or simple barn doorways.

We’ll capture a mix of images, including:

You interacting naturally with your horse
Beautiful standalone portraits of your horse
Movement shots (liberty, under saddle, or in-hand) to showcase energy and elegance
Quiet, emotional moments that reflect your unique bond

If your horse is spirited and full of energy, we’ll start with active images early on, allowing them to settle for more relaxed portraits later. If they’re naturally calm, we’ll gently guide them through the session to bring out their personality and presence.

There’s no pressure for perfection. We’ll work with your horse as they are—respectfully and intuitively—so you both feel comfortable and at ease.

Expect me to bring a few tricks (and sounds!) to help capture ears-forward expressions and soft moments. And don’t be surprised if I ask you to toss your hair, laugh out loud, or simply close your eyes and breathe. Some of the most beautiful moments happen when you’re just being you with your horse.

Once our session wraps up, the real magic begins behind the scenes.

I’ll carefully review all the images and select the very best—the ones that truly capture your horse’s personality, expressions, and the special moments we shared. Then, I’ll begin the custom editing process to transform those moments into polished, heartfelt artwork.

Your role during the session

Be part of the story—because your bond is the heart of it all.

During your horse’s session, you’ll play an active and important role. Horses are incredibly intuitive, and your presence helps them feel more grounded and confident throughout our time together.

Depending on your comfort level and your horse’s needs, I may ask you to:

Hold your horse in a specific way to position them for the best light and angles
Walk with your horse or guide them into a certain pose or spot
Offer cues or encouragement to bring out expressions or movement

And yes—I’ll likely encourage you to be in some of the portraits! You don’t need to be perfectly posed or overly formal. The most powerful images often come from simply being present with your horse—sharing a moment of stillness, laughter, or connection.

Whether you’re grooming, hugging their neck, riding bareback, or just standing close with a hand on their shoulder, your relationship with your horse is the story we’re here to tell. And I promise—you’ll never regret having beautiful images that include both of you.

Wrapping up the portrait session

A calm close to a beautiful experience.

By the end of the session, we’ll have created a stunning variety of portraits that reflect your horse’s personality and the bond you share. Whether we’ve captured movement, quiet moments, or both, your horse will likely be relaxed and ready for a well-earned break—it’s hard work being so photogenic!

Before we part ways, I’ll walk you through what happens next:

When you can expect to see your edited images
What to look forward to during your portrait reveal and ordering session
A quick peek at some of the handcrafted artwork available to showcase your favorite images

From there, you can relax while I carefully curate and edit your gallery. My goal is to create images that not only look beautiful, but feel like your horse—images that bring you right back to the love, trust, and connection you felt in those moments.

After the portrait session

Thoughtful editing that brings your images to life.

After our session, I’ll begin the behind-the-scenes magic—reviewing every frame and selecting the most expressive, meaningful images to include in your gallery. These are the portraits that best reflect your horse’s spirit, personality, and the moments we created together.

From there, I’ll apply my signature editing style to enhance each image with care and intention. My editing is natural, timeless, and focused on bringing out your horse’s beauty while keeping the final images true to life.

Custom editing

Here's what custom editing includes:

Removing lead ropes (when appropriate), and background distractions (as needed)
Cleaning up dust, eye discharge, flies and debris from the face and coat
Correcting uneven tones, color casts, or patchy lighting
Enhancing details like coat shine, contrast, and expression
Making your horse’s eyes sparkle—bringing out that unmistakable presence

Every image is edited by hand to ensure it looks polished, clean, and truly gallery-worthy. I want you to see your horse just as you know them—calm, powerful, and full of heart.

Once your gallery is ready, we’ll meet for your reveal and ordering appointment, where I’ll guide you through selecting your favorite images and designing custom artwork that fits your home and your heart.

The exciting reveal!

Your portraits are ready–let's relive the magic.

About 2–3 weeks after your session, your fully edited gallery will be ready for viewing. (And if it’s finished sooner, you’ll be the first to know—because I know how eager you’ll be to see your images!)

When everything is ready, we’ll schedule a Zoom reveal and ordering session, where I’ll:

Walk you through a curated gallery of your best portraits
Help you narrow down your favorites
Guide you through your options for heirloom wall art, artisan albums, and keepsakes
Answer any questions and help you create a custom artwork plan that fits your vision and space

After our call, you’ll receive a link to your Portrait Reveal Gallery, which will remain live for 24 hours. This gives you the chance to revisit your images, finalize your selections, and place your artwork order.

Once your selections are complete, I’ll send you a link to your Final Portrait Gallery, where you can download your high-resolution and web-sized digital files. At the same time, I’ll begin preparing any artwork you’ve selected.

Please allow 3–6 weeks for delivery of printed products, as each piece is handcrafted with archival-quality materials, built to last for generations.

This is one of my favorite parts of the process—watching your horse’s story come to life through beautifully finished images you can hold, display, and treasure forever.

Why heirloom artwork matters

Because your horse deserves to be seen and remembered.

Digital images are wonderful for sharing online and keeping memories close at hand—but they often stay tucked away on phones and hard drives, unseen and forgotten. Printed artwork, on the other hand, brings your horse’s presence into your daily life in a powerful, lasting way.

Imagine walking past your horse’s portrait each day—on the wall, in an album, or framed on your desk—and feeling that same connection all over again. These are more than images. They’re reminders of love, trust, strength, and partnership.

Heirloom Product Options

Wall Art Collections: Create a show-stopping gallery of your horse in your home, office, or tack room—designed to fit your space and style.
Signature Albums: A handcrafted, heirloom-quality album filled with your favorite portraits. Perfect for telling a visual story of your horse’s personality and presence.
Statement Pieces: Bold, single images that make an impact and serve as a daily tribute to the horse that changed your life.
Desk Displays & Gifts: Small but meaningful—ideal for personal use or as heartfelt gifts for your trainer, barn family, or loved ones.

Each piece is professionally printed using archival-quality materials, ensuring your artwork stands the test of time—just like the bond you share with your horse.

Let’s take these memories off your screen and bring them to life as tangible, lasting artwork you’ll treasure for years to come.

Let's create something beautiful together

Thank you for trusting me to tell your horse’s story. I know how much they mean to you—how they’ve shaped your life, challenged you, comforted you, and become part of who you are.

This guide was created to help you feel confident and prepared as we head into your session. Whether we’re capturing a moment of movement, stillness, or the quiet bond you share, I promise to approach your horse with patience, respect, and an artist’s eye.

My goal is simple: to create breathtaking, soulful portraits that reflect the heart of your horse—and the heart of your story with them.

If you have questions along the way, I’m just a message away. I can’t wait to meet you both.

Shannon, you have such an ability for capturing not only the beauty and structure of a horse, but what sets you apart as a photographer is that you have this special talent for capturing the essence of a horse. Thank you!

Telesha

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 was wonderful to work with, very personable and sweet. Additionally, the quality of her photos is truly remarkable. I will definitely look to Shannon in the future! Thanks again!