Horse & Rider Photoshoot: Mane Event Must-Knows (and Outfit Inspiration!) for Pacific Northwest Equestrians!

As an equine photographer, I love when my clients ask for outfit suggestions for their horse and rider photoshoot! After all, my goal is for you to look stunning, and your outfit makes a huge difference in the final look of your portraits. So, I’m spilling the beans on getting both you and your horse camera-ready, from planning the perfect look to achieving a show-stopping shine, and how to choose outfits that perfectly complement your horse’s unique coat for your horse and rider photoshoot.

Glam or Country? Choose Your Adventure (and Your Palette!)

The first step for planning your look for your horse and rider photoshoot? Decide on the vibe you’re after. Full glam with a sleek braid and polished hooves? Or a more “been-there, done-that” working cow-horse with a flowing mane and rugged charm? It’s all about capturing you and your horse’s unique personality, so don’t feel pressured to go Hollywood if that’s not your style! Although, I will say that a gorgeous girl in a gorgeous gown next to a gorgeous horse in a gorgeous field is always going to be…. gorgeous, just in case you can’t decide which way to go.

But here’s the secret weapon: color coordination! Think about your horse’s coat color and choose outfits that enhance their natural beauty.

• But here’s the secret weapon: color coordination! Think about your horse’s coat color and choose outfits that enhance their natural beauty. If you have more than one person in your photoshoot coordinate the first persons outfit with the horses and build the others to compliment that outfit. They do not have to be matchy match, they need to compliment each other. Pintrest has so many great examples for finding complimenting colors.
  • For Light Coats: Light-colored horses look fantastic in earthy tones, soft pastels, or rich jewel tones. Consider shades of brown, green, blue, or even a soft pink.
  • For Dark Coats: Dark-colored horses can rock bold colors or classic neutrals. Try vibrant reds, yellows, or oranges, or stick to timeless black, white, or gray. Metallics also add a touch of sophistication.
  • For Warm Tones: Horses with warm coat colors, like chestnuts or palominos, look stunning in earthy tones and warm jewel tones. Think browns, greens, oranges, and deep reds.
  • For Cool Tones: Horses with cool coat colors, like grays or blues, look great in cool neutrals and cool jewel tones. Try grays, blues, purples, and pastel shades.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute! Choosing your look is like picking a wedding outfit – plan ahead to ensure it reflects the image you want to capture. Also, consider where your finished portraits are going to hang, make sure that what you wear works with the room they are going to be living in. And remember, I always welcome a couple of different looks! If you’re unsure whether you want a more glammed up or casual vibe, go for both!!!

Practice Makes Perfect Photos (and Less Stressed Horses!)

Braiding your horse’s mane for the first time? Avoid last-minute tangles! Give it a practice run beforehand. The same goes for new tack – introduce your horse to it a day or two before the shoot to avoid any on-set surprises. If you plan on wearing a gown with a lot of volume, introduce your horse to it prior to your photoshoot so your horse isn’t nervous and you both can be relaxed for your session.

Bath Time!

A good bath can do wonders for your horse’s coat, but remember – horse skin is sensitive! Skip the harsh shampoos and opt for something specifically formulated for equines. For our gray or paint horse friends, whitening shampoos can work wonders. As a grey horse owner I will say Cowboy Magic is definitely magic and offers a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, and follow it up with conditioner/vinegar mix for extra shine!

Use a soft curry comb to really work in the shampoo, and consider HandsOn Gloves for a mess-free lather. Rinse thoroughly – the water should run clear! Then, use a sweat scraper to remove any hidden suds.

Pro Tip: Please allow enough time for your horse to dry if your choosing to bath them the day of your photoshoot. Personally I prefer to photograph a dirty horse over a wet one, I clean up dirt in photoshop but its next to impossible to dry wet hair in editing.

So there you have it! With a little planning, some grooming know-how, and a perfectly coordinated outfit (or two!), you and your horse will be ready to shine in your photoshoot. And, as always I am more than happy to provide my opinion on your wardrobe if you have any questions along the way!