Just the Right Place!

What You Need to Know About Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Equine Photography Session

Every day for the last 14 years, you get up at the crack of dawn and head over to the barn to train your horses. As you slip on your favorite jeans and lucky shirt, you hear the gurgle of the coffee pot in the kitchen. Thank God for coffee. 

Today is the day. Your 3-year-old Arabian is going to learn ground driving. Ground driving isn’t your favorite. You much prefer being in the saddle. But, Banjo needs work on collecting up and building his topline. Your trainer set aside extra time this morning to get you and Banjo started. Patience — that’s your word. 

Banjo is the first of your herd you’ve started on your own. What a champ. He did everything you asked of him.

THIS is the perfect time and location to shoot photographs. To document the bond you have with your young horse. 

Thankfully, you have an equine lifestyle photography session booked 2 months out. And, now you know the exact location you want. The round pen at your barn. Ground driving your horse against the backdrop of pink crape myrtle trees. Banjo is not your typical horse and you want to capture treasured memories with him.

Whether you’re shooting equestrian portraits, true to life photography, or an equine branding session — location is everything.

Which equine photography services are you looking for?

EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY is any image with horse and rider. Posed photos of the family with their four-leggeds for wall art. Or elaborate horse and rider photography at the beach during the sunset. Equestrians love the opportunity to share milestone moments in their lives with their horses. Such as professional horse pictures of a graduating senior, a maternity session, or engagement session for unique images you will cherish for a lifetime.

TRUE TO LIFE EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY is catching images of you doing life with your horses. Showing. Training. Working around the barn. Riding on the trails. Ground driving. Roping cattle. Fox hunting. Carriage Driving. Ranching. Reining. Even delivering a foal.

EQUINE BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY is specifically crafted photography to represent your brand. Used to draw in current and future customers. To establish authority and stand out in the herd.

No matter the type of horse photos you are looking for, the story behind the photo sets the stage. 

What look and feel do you want your photos to have? Your location tells your story and establishes the feeling you are trying to create. 

What represents your style? Your home barn? In nature? Do you have a meaningful location? Are you searching for a vintage feel like a rustic barn? Or a theme planned for your equestrian photography.

Maybe you already have in mind the exact place. Or you are looking for ideas. Your equine photographer can help you decide on the perfect location. 

5 tips when choosing the location for your horse photography session

• Picking a location doesn’t mean you must leave the barn

“But, what if my stable yard isn’t pretty and there aren’t any shoot worthy places at my barn?” Don’t worry. Your professional equine photographer is a crafted storyteller. She sees opportunity in every location. In your pre-session consultation, she will walk the property with you and show you what she sees and how your property will in fact work. 

“My horses don’t travel well and struggle off property”. That’s ok! Your equestrian photographer has the ability to find beauty in most locations. She will create exquisite photography to document your relationship with your horse right where you are. 

Rest assured, your photographer has plenty of horse photography tips and tricks to capture the subtle nuances between you and your horse. Creating exactly what you are looking for in your images regardless of the location.

• Successfully taking your horse off the property

Your horse’s comfort level makes a big difference in how your equine photography session will go. It affects how you will feel about your photos too. 

Assess your horse’s comfort level being off property before your equestrian photo shoot. Do they have experience trailering? Do they trailer well? Have they been to horse shows, other barns, the beach, or riding trails in your area? 

If they don’t have any experience, plan a trip to trailer them away from the barn before your session and see how they do. Can you calm your horse down? Do they spook at every little thing, or are they relatively calm? You will be able to figure out rather quickly if they will adjust. 

Do you have extra handlers available to assist with holding the horses at your equine photo session?. Even if you plan to tie up to a trailer or use a portable round pen, ALWAYS have one handler per horse. One person holding several horses is not safe for anyone. 

Do you have your own trailer to pull your horse? Or do you need to make arrangements for transportation? Maybe you have a barn mate or friend who can help. A horse transport company is also a possibility.  

• Your horse’s behavior

In your pre-session consultation, your photographer will talk about your horse’s temperament. Discussing what you need to do to ensure your horse will be on their best behavior. 

Naughty horses come with the territory, but there are many ways to help your horse relax. Your equine photographer wants to make sure you don’t get anxious during your session. Or worry about your horse’s manners. Know that your photographer’s goal is to set you at ease. The last thing she wants is for you to feel embarrassed or judged about your horse’s behavior. 

If you work with a trainer, talk with her about your upcoming horse photo session.  Gather tips, advice, and encouragement to help work with your horse. 

A buddy horse might be helpful to keep your horse at ease. Does your horse have a friend who keeps him calm and better behaved? Maybe you can bring them along? Just remember, each horse should have their own handler.

“What if my horse gets antsy?” Not to worry. Your horse might need exercise on a lunge line, or a short ride, before their session to let some excitement out… After a little bit of work, they should be fine moving forward. You know your horse better than anyone. You know his quirks and character. If there is something that won’t fly in the session, be sure to communicate with your photographer.

Some horses just won’t stand still for a photo shoot. That’s not a problem for the best equine photographers. They have simple tricks to walk folks into poses to allow the horse to keep their feet moving. Looking at the images, no one will be the wiser.

Arrive early to your equine photo shoot so you can give your horse time to settle in. Get used to the sounds and smells of the surroundings. Lead your horse around and allow him to get comfortable in the environment. Be sure to provide hay and water for a little snack before your shoot or even while you take a break from your session. Just like humans, eating provides comfort. 

It is important to trust the experience and expertise or your professional equine photographer. She’s worked with many horses over the years and knows patience is a must. Her heart’s desire is to help you through your sessions . Creating many beautiful images, you will adore.

• Permits, Permission, and Payment

Do you have a riding permit for your equine photo session? To ride on the beaches in St. Johns County a permit is necessary. But, it’s free. Yay! St. Johns County Horse Council has more information about riding in the area. 

Does your equestrian photographer have a permit to work at the location of your photo session? Different locations require different permits. Acquire them well in advance so you’re set on your day. 

Do you have the proper medical documents to travel with your horse? The state of Florida requires a negative Coggins report in order to travel. If you plan on crossing state lines a health certificate is required. Taking care of medical records in advance guarantees your ability to travel on the day of your equestrian photo session. With no surprises. 

Are you using a venue that requires permission from the property or barn manager? Make sure to check well in advance. Locations and venues may also require additional medical information to verify proof of vaccines.

State parks and other venues have fees to access their location. Be sure to check ahead of time what those fees are and how and when you need to pay them. 

• Practice makes perfect

Are you planning to have an equestrian photo shoot at the beach? Has your horse been to the beach before? Plan an outing with some friends and take your horse to the beach to practice. Many horses enjoy splashing in the water and galloping along the shore. Practice, plus a beautiful day with friends is a win, win. Not to mention you will feel more comfortable during your shoot. 

Trailer to the state park you are planning your session at. Help your horse get used to the equestrian facilities and surroundings. Venture out on the trails and make a day of it. Practice and celebrate life with horses. 

What about the weather?

Weather is a huge factor to consider when photographing outdoors. Rest assured, your equine photographer can shoot in all kinds of weather. Producing breathtaking art on the gloomiest of days. Your photographer leaves extra time in her schedule to allow for weather related rescheduled photo sessions. If a change is needed, her goal is to make that change before all the prep work for your session. 

Location Ideas

There are many beautiful locations throughout St. Johns County and throughout Florida. Your equestrian photographer can recommend the location with the perfect look and feel just for you. Do some exploring to see what tickles your fancy.

Princess Place Preserve is a “1500-acres preserve in the northern part of Flagler County.” With equestrian trails, you are sure to enjoy.

Welaka State Forest is “located along the east bank of the picturesque, historic St. Johns River. The eastern half of Welaka State Forest boasts 18 miles of multi-use trails that are primarily used by equestrian riders. Welaka State Forest also offers three 24-stall horse stables...and...training arenas” 

St. Johns County Horse Council Equestrian Center is located at 8200 Smith Rd. in Hastings and offers many amenities and trails. Be sure to check out the membership requirements for this non-profit organization. 

Whether you’re looking for equine portraiture, equestrian lifestyle photography, or equine branding photography, Fast Horse Photography will create horse images to capture your memories and tell your story. Helping you celebrate life with horses. Book your session today.