EQUINE SESSION PREPARATION GUIDE
I'm so excited for your upcoming session!
Here's some helpful info to get you started.
WHAT TO WEAR?
As you are planning your outfits for the session, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you look and feel your best in front of the camera.
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Dress in clothing you feel good in and are comfortable wearing.
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Clothes should be simple, avoiding very bold patterns with contrasting colors or tones.
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Choose ivory over pure white, as white draws the attention away from your face. And
keep in mind, lighter colors are more difficult to keep clean around horses! -
Loose fitting clothing will allow more movement and will be more flattering when seated.
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Wear a neutral or skin-toned bra. If you wear a cami under your outfit, choose a coordinating or neutral color.
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Make sure your clothing is free of wrinkles.
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PREPARING YOUR HORSE
I want your horse to look great and be in a great state of mind for the session. Here is how you can make that happen.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you with your horse at the session.
• Bathe your horse and use some shine spray. Avoid excessive oil around the eyes and muzzle.
• Clean all tack you will use in the photos. If you plan to use a halter, please use a lead rope that is leather, black or a muted color. A bridle can also be used in place of a halter.
• In the weeks leading up to the session, brush up on your ground work and make sure your horse is willing to stand still next to you for a few minutes and can be easily positioned.
• Exercise your horse the day of the session. If they are bathed and placed in a stall for hours before we start, they will be less likely to stand calmly next to you.
• If your session is in the fall and your horse has started to grow a light winter coat, blanket the night before to lay the hair down.
• Make sure everyone involved in the photo session are well fed and hydrated.
• Apply lots of fly spray and keep it handy! Dress in clothing you feel good in and are comfortable wearing.
AT THE SESSION
From my years of experience photographing people and horses, I have learned I have a few simple tips to make the session go smoothly.
• Stay calm and positive no matter how your horse behaves during the session. If you get nervous or upset, it may cause them to do the same.
• In order to keep the horse’s attention on us, it’s best not to let them eat grass or treats during the session.
• Horses tend to circle in front of their handler in order to get out of standing in place. This can turn into a lunging session before you know it! If this happens, quietly back your horse into place.
• If I have you in a certain pose, and your horse turns in to interact with you, feel free to break the pose and respond to them.
• Most of all, remember to have fun! The more relaxed and positive you can be during the session, the better the results!
SESSION CHECK LIST
Use this checklist leading up to the session to make sure you make the most of our time together!
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Choose my outfits and accessories.
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Brush up on ground work with my horse.
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Decide which tack I will use and make it shine!
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Exercise my horse so they are a little tired and more cooperative.
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Give my horse a spa treatment - bath (if you haven’t already), clip, shine, smooch!
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Treat my horse and myself to a meal, snacks and water.
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Gather together fly spray, towel, makeup, hairspray, water bottle, and anything else you might need during the session and put it in one, easy-to-carry tote!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Please don’t hesitate to ask, dahhling! I’m here to help!