I strive to make every horse & rider portrait session unique, but a couple elements stay consistent from session to session. First, my 5 signature images. Second, my favorite poses!

Why poses? 

Chances are that you—like most of my portrait clients—are closer to Ricky Bobby than a supermodel. That is, you’re not totally at home in front of the camera and you don’t exactly know what to do with your hands.

And that’s OK! It’s why I’ve spent years studying posing and seeking out ways to help my clients get comfortable. Me taking charge and guiding you into positions that flatter every body will help your nerves know from the get-go that you’re in good hands. 

Then, once you’ve relaxed, I’ll help you feel as fearless as Gigi Hadid working the runway. 

My Favorite Poses

The Walk

More than likely I’ll start your session by asking you to walk alongside your horse. ⁠A few (of many) reasons why: ⁠

• It gets you both moving, which helps ease the nerves and tension in your body
• ⁠Everybody can rock the walk! Doing something easy helps you get used to (and feeling confident about) being on camera.⁠⁠
• Walking is a very natural moment you share with your horse—so it leads to images that feel very “you.”

You’ll quickly master the basic walk, so we’ll then advance you to what I call “advanced walking” which is when the real posing fun begins!

The Head Snuggle

I have a few variations of this, and what we do will depend on your horse’s individual level sunggliness. Horses who don’t enjoy much head fussing will be more cooperative with just soft fingers placed on their jaw. Cuddle bugs, however, get nose hugs and smooches.

The Chest Hug

Who doesn’t love hugging your horse?? This pose shows the close connection you and your horse share and gives you plenty of places to rest your hands. It is also naturally slimming for all bodies, making this pose a favorite of mine for self-conscious clients. 

Note: this pose puts you VERY close to your horse’s hooves! So, it is much easier and safer to achieve if you’ve followed my No. 1 session preparation tip.

Bonus pose : The perfect Candid Moment

You’ll look your best (and most yourself) when you’re relaxed and confident, and my posing guidance helps you feel exactly that. And once you’re relaxed, those in-between-the-pose candid moments you love so much will unfold naturally!

Ready to make memories like these for yourself & your horse? Contact me to start planning your equestrian portrait session.