Close-up of a dark gray horse with a long mane against a black background
Close-up portrait of a brown horse with a black mane against a black background
Close-up of a black horse with a white forehead marking against a dark background
Close-up of a brown horse with a long mane standing in a dark stable
Close-up portrait of a gray horse with a white blaze against a black background
Close-up portrait of a dark horse with a long blond mane against a black background
Close-up portrait of a brown horse with a gray mane against a black background
Black-and-white long-haired pony standing against a black background
Close-up portrait of a chestnut horse with a white blaze against a black background
Two brown-and-white horses wearing halters standing against a black background

Black Background Equine Portraits

Beautiful, timeless portraits that capture your horse's character against a striking black background.

Created using natural light at your own yard, these shorter sessions are available for individual horses or groups.

Enquire about a session

How the Magic Happens

These portraits are created using natural daylight at the entrance to a suitable stable or barn.

By positioning your horse against the darker interior, I can create the black-background effect without a studio or artificial lighting.

Here's a look at one of my photographs before and after editing.

Close-up of a brown horse with a black mane and white facial marking against a black background
Chestnut horse standing in a dark stable beside a person in a pink shirt

Preparing for Your Session

A little preparation helps everything run smoothly and gives us the best chance of creating beautiful portraits.

Here's everything you need to know before your horse's session.

  • The black-background effect relies on having a dark space behind your horse.

    Ideally, we'll need a stable or barn doorway with:

    • A dark interior behind your horse.

    • No bright windows or open doors directly behind them.

    • Enough space for your horse and handler to stand comfortably.

    • Safe, level footing.

    • Natural daylight coming in through the entrance.

    Your horse will usually stand just inside or near the doorway, with the darker space behind them.

    I'll ask you to send me a photograph of the doorway before confirming your booking, so I can check whether the location looks suitable.

    If you're unsure whether your stable will work, please feel free to ask.

  • I'd recommend having your horse clean and groomed before their session.

    Pay particular attention to their face, white markings, ears and muzzle, as these details can really stand out in close-up portraits.

    You don't need to plait their mane unless you'd like to. A clean, tidy mane and forelock are absolutely fine.

  • A simple, clean headcollar or bridle is absolutely fine for these portraits.

    I also have my own thin, discreet headcollar available if needed, which I can remove for the finished photographs.

    Your horse must remain safely controlled by a handler throughout the session.

  • Yes, please make sure a confident, responsible adult who knows your horse is available to handle them during the session.

    They'll help position your horse safely while I take the photographs.

    Your horse doesn't need to stand perfectly still. We'll work patiently, take breaks when needed and always put their comfort first.

  • Please have your horse groomed and ready for their allocated time.

    I'll guide you through where to stand and how to position your horse to make the most of the available light.

    Every horse is different, so we'll work at their pace.

Session Pricing

Individual sessions and discounted group bookings are available at your own yard.

Individual Horse

£75 per horse

For an individual black-background portrait session.

Two or Three Horses

£65 per horse

For two or three horses booked together at the same location.

Four or More Horses

£50 per horse

For four or more horses booked together at the same yard.

Every session includes:

  • Approximately 20–30 minutes of photography per horse.

  • Professional editing.

  • A private online gallery for each owner.

  • The option to purchase your favourite photographs and framed artwork.

Please note: Session fees do not include photographs. Digital images and artwork are purchased separately.

What's Included?

From Portrait to Artwork

Cozy living room with a beige sofa and three framed horse portraits above it

There's something really special about seeing your horse's portrait beautifully printed and framed.

The simplicity of a black background makes these photographs particularly striking as wall art, allowing every little detail of your horse to stand out.

Whether displayed as a beautiful feature in your home or as a larger statement piece, these portraits deserve to be seen and enjoyed every day.

I offer a selection of professionally made frames in different styles and sizes, starting at 20×16", so you can choose something that suits both your photograph and your home.

I'll also bring examples of my framed artwork to dedicated yard days where practical, so you can see the quality and finishes for yourself.

If you'd like help choosing, I'm always happy to arrange a personal artwork consultation.

Framed wall art starts at £295.

Explore Framed Artwork

Group Bookings & Yard Days

Fancy getting a few friends together for black-background portraits of your horses?

I'm happy to visit your yard for individual or group bookings, with discounted session prices when multiple horses are booked together.

Each horse will have their own time in front of the camera, and every owner will receive a private online gallery to view their photographs.

All we'll need is permission from the yard owner and a suitable stable or barn doorway with a dark interior.

Ready to Book?

I'd love to hear about your horse and what you have in mind.

Whether you're booking for yourself or organising a group at your yard, feel free to get in touch to chat about availability.

Get in Touch