A Warm Welcome to Your Session
There is a special kind of magic in the bond between a horse and rider, a quiet understanding that doesn’t need words. My aim is to capture that connection against the landscapes we are so lucky to have right on our doorstep, from the wild heights of the hills to the hidden corners of the coast.
Whether we are heading out to catch the tide on the Gower or staying close to home for some elegant portraits in the yard, this shoot is all about celebrating your story. I know horses have a mind of their own and being in front of a camera can feel a bit much at first, but I have put this pack together to make everything feel easy and relaxed.
Inside you will find plenty of advice on what to wear, how to get your horse looking their best, and my favorite spots across South Wales for a stunning backdrop. Have a look through, get inspired, and let’s look forward to creating some beautiful memories together.
A Little Bit About Me
I have spent my life around horses, growing up with mud on my boots and hay in my hair, so I know exactly what it means to live this life. My own horse, Soli, is my absolute world and my heart horse, he has been by my side through important milestones and was even there to celebrate with us on my wedding day.
I truly understand that for us, riding isn't just a hobby we pick up and put down, it is a lifestyle that shapes everything we do. Our horses aren't just pets, they are a part of our souls and a piece of who we are. When I pick up my camera, that is exactly what I am looking to capture. I want to show that deep, unspoken connection and the way they occupy such a huge space in your heart, because I know firsthand just how much they mean.
Packages & Prices
Equestrian Photoshoot
£150
-Pre meeting consultation (by phone or face to face)
-1 hour photo session with 1 pet/horse
-50 digital full edits & retouches back in 2 weeks. I will provide an online gallery to choose photos from.
-Location of your choice (Beach, woods, stables, garden etc)
-Black background portraits available (Stables/barn needed)
Premium Photoshoot
£220
-Pre meeting consultation (by phone or face to face)
-2 hour session with up to 3 pets/horses
-2/3 Outfit changes
-3- 10x8 Print
-100 digital full edits & retouches back in 2 weeks. I will provide an online gallery to choose photos from. These will be fully downloadable with no logos.
-10" x 10" Album of photos of your choice
-Location of your choice (Beach, woods, stables, garden etc)
-Black background portraits available (Stables/barn needed)
How to Use This Guide
- The Vision: Check out the Locations and Style sections to decide on the "vibe" of your shoot.
- The Prep: Use the Horse & Rider Prep checklists starting 24 hours before we meet.
- The Big Day: Check the FAQ for peace of mind regarding weather and horse behavior.
What to Wear: Timeless & Elegant
The goal is to complement your horse’s coat and the natural landscape without being a distraction.
- Color Palette: Stick to earth tones (olive, rust, mustard) or classic neutrals (cream, navy, soft grey).
- Tip: If your horse is a Chestnut, greens and blues pop beautifully. For Greys, try jewel tones like burgundy or emerald.
- Textures over Prints: Choose knits, tweed, or lace over heavy logos or busy patterns.
- Footwear: Clean tall boots or country boots are perfect. Avoid chunky trainers or heels that might make you unsteady on uneven ground.
- The "Dress" Option: Many clients love a flowing maxi dress for a "fine art" look. Ensure you can move comfortably and that the fabric isn't so long it spooks the horse.
Finding the Perfect Backdrop
While we are lucky to have the Gower on our doorstep, you don’t always have to travel far to find a beautiful setting. Sometimes the most meaningful photos happen right where you spend your time together every day.
- Right at Your Yard: You would be surprised at what we can achieve at home. A rustic brick building, a weathered barn door, or even just a tidy stable entrance can create a stunning, classic look.
- Your Favourite Fields: If you have a lovely paddock with long grass or a view of the rolling hills, we can make the most of the space where your horse feels most relaxed.
- Local Hacking Spots: We can go for a wander together to those places you know best. Whether it’s a quiet stretch of woodland nearby, a leafy bridleway, or the local cliffs you visit on the weekends, these familiar spots often make for the most authentic photos.
If you want to travel to have an epic backdrop, check out this blog on ideas of photoshoot locations across South Wales
The Fine Art Black Background
Black background portraits create a timeless, studio-like feel. To achieve this, we don't need a studio; we need shadows.
- The Setup: We place your horse in the entrance of a dark barn, indoor arena, or stable.
- The Light: The horse stands just inside the doorway facing the natural light, while the interior behind them remains dark.
- Requirements:
- A clean, wide stable doorway or barn aisle.
- The ability to turn off interior lights and close back doors/windows to eliminate "light leaks."
- Shelter or stable entrance is a must to create the depth of shadow needed for that "void" effect.
What to Expect From the Day
I like to keep things completely chilled and fun, so there is no need to worry about being "perfect" or knowing exactly what to do. My main goal is to create a relaxed environment where you can just be yourself with your horse.
- A Relaxed Pace: We work entirely at your horse’s speed, if they need a moment to settle or a break for a bit of grass, that is exactly what we will do.
- Natural Moments: I love to capture the genuine bits, like the way you look at them when they nuzzle your shoulder or a quiet laugh while you are walking together.
- Guided Posing: If you fancy trying something a bit more editorial, we can play around with different poses and setups, I will guide you the whole way so you never feel awkward.
- No Pressure: There is no rush and no stress, I want this to be a lovely memory for you both, not a chore.
- Fun and Games: Expect a bit of a laugh, plenty of treats for the horse, and a wander through the fields rather than a stiff, formal shoot.
Poses to Research and Practice
There are lots of different poses we can use whilst still looking natural. I will help guide you on where to place your hands and what to do with your horse, whether that is giving them a cuddle, playing around with them, or blowing raspberries on their nose lol!
If you want some inspiration before we meet, have a look at these classics:
- The Shoulder Lean: Stand by your horse’s shoulder and lean in slightly, it shows such a lovely sense of trust.
- The Forehead: Get super close to your horse and place you forehead on theirs.
- The Leading Walk: Just a casual walk together on a long rein, looking at each other or out at the view.
- The "Cwtch": Wrap your arms around their neck, this is cute bareback!
- Backwards Cwtch: Have your horse facing the opposite way to you and encourage them to wrap their neck around you. ( Help is needed for this one!)
- Nose Kisses: Face your horse and blow raspberries on their nose.
Take a look at my insta for any poses you want to try! If you see something you love, save it and we can give it a go.
The Magic of Golden Hour
If you are looking for that soft, dreamy glow, we will want to aim for "Golden Hour." This is the time just before sunset when the light turns warm and golden, making everything look a bit like a fairytale. I will always recommend this!
- The Timing: It usually happens about an hour before the sun goes down, so the timing changes depending on the time of year.
- The Look: It creates a beautiful rim of light around you and your horse, softening any harsh shadows and making the South Wales landscape look truly epic.
- A Bit of Patience: Since we are at the mercy of the clouds, we might need to be a bit flexible with our start time to catch that perfect window of light, but I promise it is always worth the wait!
Getting Your Horse Ready
Think of this as getting them ready for a show, but without the stress of the judges! The more we do beforehand, the more they will shine, but remember I am always here to help.
- A Good Brush: Make sure your horse has had a good groom beforehand. If you’ve got a grey with a stubborn patch or a bit of a poo stain you just can’t shift, please don't stress, I can easily edit things like that later!
- The Finishing Touches: A bit of hoof oil goes a long way in photos, and making sure the mane is tidied up will really sharpen their silhouette.
- Black Background Prep: If we are doing those classic black background shots, just make sure the stable or barn floor is clear of any stray hay or tools so we have a nice clean slate.
- Tack: Bring along any tack you’d like to use. Whether it’s your best leather bridle, a nice headcollar, or even a bitless setup, just make sure it’s clean and ready to go.
Things to Think About Before the Day
A little bit of planning goes a long way to making sure you feel relaxed when I arrive.
- Location: Have a think about where you’d like to go. If we are heading off the yard, have they been there before? It always helps if they are familiar with the spot, but if not, we will just take our time to let them explore.
- Outfits: Take a look at your clothes alongside your horse’s coat color. Do the colors match nicely? You want to complement each other so you both stand out against the scenery. Feel free to send me over outfit ideas, I love to help!
- Your Own Ideas: This is your session, so if you have any personal ideas, specific accessories, or a certain pose you’ve seen and loved, let me know! I love getting creative and making the photos feel truly like you.
- Ask For Helpers: The more help we have on the day, the smoother the photoshoot and the better results!
Ready To Book? Let’s Chat!
I hope this guide helps you feel excited and ready for our session together. I know there is a lot to think about, so if you are sitting there wondering about anything at all, please just give me a shout. Whether it is a question about what top goes best with your horse’s coat, or you are worried about how your horse might behave at a certain location, I am here to put your mind at ease.
There are no silly questions when it comes to our horses, so feel free to get in touch whenever you need.
Get in Touch Here or Below
- Instagram:@jenniferannphotographyx- Feel free to DM me your outfit ideas or any pose inspiration you’ve saved!
- Email: jen@jenniferannphotography.co.uk
- Phone/WhatsApp: 07545160496
I usually find that a quick chat or a few photos sent over WhatsApp is the easiest way to settle on the details before the big day. I am so looking forward to meeting you and your horse, and capturing that bond that means the world to you.
FAQ
Q: What if my horse won't stand still?
A: Don’t panic! I work with "horses being horses." We’ll use movement to our advantage. Often, the best shots are the candid ones where you're laughing at their antics.
Q: What if the weather is typical "Welsh weather"?
A: If it’s a light drizzle, we can often push through. If it’s a washout, we will reschedule to the next available clear day at no extra cost.
Q: Can I have photos with more than one horse?
A: Absolutely. We just need to manage the logistics of swapping them over or having a helper to hold one while we focus on the other.