Top Summer Shoot Tips for Stunning Equine Portraits
Summer is a beautiful season for photoshoots — golden light, lush green backdrops, and longer days give us so much room for creativity. But it also comes with a few challenges that, with a little planning, can easily be managed to ensure you and your horse shoot ready. Here are my top tips for getting the most out of your summer equine portrait session.
1. Timings Are Everything
The midday sun might seem tempting, but it often creates harsh shadows and squinting eyes — not ideal for special images. I always recommend scheduling your shot o work around our daylight hours, and when the light can be nice and soft. Early mornings, or early evenings are perfect times for summery shoots.
2. Beating the Flies
Nothing ruins a shoot but being pestered by flies, especially of the cleggs come out.
- Use a fly spray you trust and that your horse tolerates well.
- Be prepared to keep things moving, make sure your shoes are comfy so we can keep things rolling in-between shots..
- Consider aiming for the morning rather than evening. If you have a flexible schedule, the flies usually are less ferocious first thing, and can make things a little easier!
3. Outfit Coordination That Complements the sun
Your outfits are a super important part of the shoot, and can play a big part in choosing which season you would like to shoot in. Summer’s lush greens and golden tones pair beautifully with neutral tones, soft pastels, or deep natural colours. Think texture over pattern — flowing dresses, soft linen, or a tailored button-up jumper can elevate your look while still keeping things timeless.
And remember: if you're not sure, bring options! I'm always happy to help choose on the day depending on the weather we get.
4. Think Beyond the Shoot — Fine Art Products
One of the best parts of summer shoots is how rich and deep the greens can look in finished artwork. Whether you're dreaming of a large fine art print, or an heirloom album, summer portraits really shine in print. When we shoot with your final product in mind, we can craft your session around tones and compositions that bring depth and visual harmony to your chosen display pieces.
Summer is a season of vibrancy, warmth, and connection. With a little planning and creativity, we can create images that feel alive and become truly breathtaking
does Summer sound like you? I'd love to hear from you if these images catch your eye
