The Most Overlooked Step for Better Horse Photos
Whether you have just booked a professional photo session, need fresh sales photos, or simply want a few cute snaps of your horse in their new bridle, there is one simple trick that can make a world of difference: groundwork.
Of course grooming is important for professional sessions, but a polished coat only gets you so far if your horse cannot stand still. Whether we are in an open field or the barn aisle, a horse who can quietly hold still for fifteen seconds opens the door to so many more photos. It makes it possible to get those quiet moments with your head on their shoulder or kneeling beside them for a sunset shot. It is especially important for black background portraits, where a naked halter requires the horse to stand completely still.
Good groundwork matters just as much when you are taking photos yourself. You may not always have an expert handler available to square up the horse perfectly, prevent grazing, and get the ears forward, all at the same time. A few minutes of groundwork practice each day, and suddenly your helper can focus just on the ears, not fighting the horse the entire time. Instead of taking thirty frustrating minutes to get a few “good enough” shots, you are done in five with photos you actually want to use.
And the best part? It does not take a ton of time or complicated training. You do not need to dive deep into Clinton Anderson or Parelli methods. Practicing small things every day makes all the difference. Ground tie while you tack up. Walk them into a field without letting them graze. Have them stand quietly while you shuffle through your grooming bag. A few minutes a day adds up fast.
I lived this with my own horses. I could leave Bindi tacked up in the barn aisle while I ran to use the bathroom (not that I recommend this). No cross-ties? She would ground tie outside the tack room. At one barn, I wouldeven lead her and another horse to turnout at the same time, leaving Bindi standing outside the gate while I turned the other one loose. She would not move a muscle, even standing on fresh green grass
If you want to go further, you can teach your horse to square up or yield to slight pressure. But honestly? Just getting them to chill out for a few seconds will change everything
When your horse is calm, you are calm too. That is when we get the photos that show your real connection, the ones you will always treasure.
Want to dive deeper into groundwork? Here are a few great resources to check out:
If you’ve got questions about how to prepare—or want a few tips for working with your specific horse, reach out anytime. I’m always happy to help you feel confident heading into your session.
