Designing the Perfect Gallery Wall: Tips for Equestrian Photography Art

As a dedicated equestrian, your love for your horse is a very central part of your life. You see the laughable mischief in their eyes when they are up to no good. You see their character when they strut across the pasture on the first cool morning of the season. You know that even in the simple moments there is so much beauty in this life we get to live with horses. You also know your horse would make stunning art in your home. When it comes to designing a gallery wall that showcases your horse as art, there are several key design elements to consider. Here's how to create a gorgeous display that reflects your passion for your horse and transforms your space into a personal gallery of memories.

Mix of Orientations and Sizes

A visually interesting gallery wall incorporates a variety of vertical and horizontal photographs. You will hear me often times refer to this as portrait or landscape orientation. I believe that it also should include an assortment of different frame sizes. The important part is you should think about including a range of orientations and dimensions to keep the eye moving across your wall art collection.

Frame Styles

Don’t feel confined to just one frame style. Some of the prettiest gallery walls I’ve created have included different types of frames all put together next to each other. This can add depth and character to your gallery wall. Start with two or three frame styles—perhaps white, black, and a natural wood option or even something more ornate like below—and see how they complement each other within your space. This variety will enhance the overall look without overwhelming the space.

Layout and Spacing

Consider different layout options like grids, symmetrical arrangements, or more eclectic designs. I like to aim for about 3 inches of space between frames to maintain a cohesive look. This spacing allows each piece to stand out while contributing to the overall balance of the wall.

Focal Point

When I first sit with my clients to create a gallery wall, I find it helpful to start with a central piece or grouping to serve as the anchor for your gallery wall. This focal point could be a larger photograph or a particularly striking image that draws attention and sets the tone for the rest of the display. Then we build everything else around it to appropriately fit the space.

Color Scheme

Using a cohesive color palette for your photographs or frames can tie the gallery wall together visually. Whether you prefer the classic look of black and white or a more vibrant collection, consistency in color helps create a unified and polished appearance. Looking to horse coat color, your wardrobe selection, wall color, decor elements in your home… all contribute to the framing or finishing that can be selected for your unique grouping. This is one of the reasons I focus so much on wardrobe prep and discussion prior to your shoot.

Personal Elements

Incorporate personal items or mementos alongside your photographs to add depth and tell your story. Combining your favorite horse portraits with personal artifacts or family heirlooms adds a unique touch and creates a narrative that resonates with your equestrian lifestyle. Many of my clients choose to add elements like old bits and headstalls, grandpa’s retired cowboy hat, a set of spurs, favorite words or letters that have meaning to the family, or any other elements that are unique to their life and bring them joy when they see them. This is also a great way to add different textures through frame materials or by including three-dimensional elements alongside flat canvas or metal prints.

Theme

Consider creating a themed gallery wall, such as all black and white photos or images centered around a specific subject. My mother-in-law has created the most beautiful black and white gallery wall in her home featuring all of her grandchildren. It always makes me stop and look when I visit because she is continuously changing out images as the kids grow and change. A themed approach can bring a sense of purpose and direction to your display, making it more impactful and meaningful.

Balance

Aim for a balanced composition by distributing visual weight evenly across the wall. Mix larger and smaller frames strategically to achieve this balance. Start small with a grouping of three images as shown below. This is a favorite easy grouping that many of my clients have chosen to place over a couch, bed, or even on a large wall in the family dining room. Don’t forget to consider the direction subjects in your photos are facing and arrange images accordingly. This consideration helps create a natural flow and guides the viewer’s eye seamlessly across your collection, much like the flow of a well-executed riding pattern. I can very easily flip an image as needed to make it work in a collection.

A Few Final Thoughts

Designing a gallery wall is a creative process that reflects your personal style and love for your horse. Take your time to experiment with different arrangements and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as you go. I use technology that allows me to take an image of your space and layout sample gallery wall arrangements to scale. This really helps my clients understand what sizes are needed for display, what images look best together, and how easy it is to mix print mediums to create something that is truly unique to them. Remember, this is your space to celebrate your life with horses.

When you're ready to transform your equestrian memories into heirloom-quality art, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let's create something truly special together.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: CARA TAYLOR SWIFT

Cara Taylor Swift is the visionary behind Fast Horse Photography, dedicated to capturing the essence of the bond between horses and their riders. Operating out of St. Augustine, Florida, Cara serves the equine community throughout Northeast Florida, transforming everyday interactions into lasting works of art. With her sharp attention to detail and profound knowledge of the equine world, she crafts each session to reflect the distinctive stories of her subjects. Her expertise ensures that every photograph is a vivid memory, showcasing the unique connection between horse and human.