What Makes a Horse Portrait Truly Stand Out?


It Starts with the Ears.


There’s a certain look horses give when they’re fully engaged—ears forward, eyes alert, body soft but aware. It’s the image we all hope for: a portrait that reflects not just what our horses look like, but who they are.


But capturing that expression—especially those ears!—requires a little strategy, a lot of patience, and a deep understanding of what makes each horse tick. Over time, I’ve built a toolkit of gentle, effective methods to bring those ears up without stress or overwhelm.

A majestic chestnut horse with a white blaze on its face stands against a black background.
Majestic brown horse with blue eye and leather bridle photographed against dramatic black background.
Close-up portrait of a chestnut brown horse with white blaze wearing a black bridle against dark background.

Here are some of my go-to tools and techniques:

 1. Sound: The Art of the Unexpected


Horses are naturally curious, and new sounds often grab their attention instantly. A few sound tricks I love:


  • Horse whinnies or calls played from an app on my phone
  • Squeaky toys, jingling keys, or crinkly wrappers
  • Kissing noises or soft whistles (sometimes it’s just me making weird little sounds behind the camera)


It’s all about being playful and knowing when to pause. The moment a horse flicks their ears toward me, I’m ready with my camera!



2. Props That Spark Curiosity (and Ears!)


Some of the best reactions come from the most surprising objects. I keep a small collection of props in my kit that work wonders:


  • Party favors – You know the kind that unroll with a little “toot!”? Horses either love them or give the best “what is that?” look.
  • A hobby horse – Yes, a toy horse head on a stick. Silly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
  • Pompoms – A quick flick of motion and color can catch a horse’s eye without being overwhelming.
  • An empty water bottle – The gentle crinkle gets attention without creating fear.
  • My camera backpack – I’ll sometimes swing it gently behind me or drag it on the ground—just enough to prompt a little curiosity.
  • Peppermints and treats – These are my last resort. I use them sparingly and with permission. Sometimes just the sound of the wrapper does the trick!


Each horse is different. What works for one might do nothing for another—but that’s part of the magic. I approach every session with a sense of play and presence, tuning into what your horse responds to best.



3. Patience, Presence, and Partnership


Ultimately, the real secret to getting those ears up isn't in the props—it’s in the partnership.


I take my time. I let the horse get comfortable with me, my camera, and the rhythm of the session. I work with the handler closely, positioning them in just the right spot, encouraging calm, confident interaction, and always prioritizing the horse’s emotional state.


Because a relaxed, curious horse is a photogenic horse.

A wooden floor showcasing tools used by an Houston equine photographer during a photo session with a horse.

Can you spot my dog Winston in the photo? 🤣

Let’s Capture Your Horse’s Spirit


Every session is more than a photo shoot—it’s a quiet celebration of the relationship you’ve built with your horse. If you’re dreaming of portraits that reflect not just beauty but soul, I’d love to connect.


Reach out to book your equine photography session or set up a time to talk about what you’re envisioning.


Together, we’ll create images that feel timeless, personal, and deeply yours.