Some horses just stop you in your tracks
Maybe it's the way they look at you over the stall door, or the way the light catches them in the pasture in the evening. Whatever it is, you already know your horse is something special. These portraits exist to prove it.
Equine fine art portraits are created on a black background that strips away every distraction and puts your horse exactly where they belong — front and center. The result is something between a photograph and a painting. Something you frame, hang on your wall, and stop to look at every single day.
Because your horse deserves more than a camera roll full of blurry barn photos. They always have.
and yours is one of them.
you don't need a fancy horse. you just need yours.
Fine art portraits aren't reserved for show horses, fancy pedigrees, or horses with a ribbon collection. They're for the horse who has carried you through hard seasons. The one who knows your mood before you do. The pasture pet, the trail horse, the heart horse — they all deserve this.
You just need to show up with the horse you love. I'll take care of everything else.
Process
the session
choose your images & poses
enjoy your photos
We'll start with a planning call to talk through your horse's personality, your space, and the best setup for your portraits. On session day, I'll come to you — your barn where your horse is most comfortable. We keep everything calm, unhurried, and completely centered around your horse. The goal is for them to feel so relaxed that their personality comes through naturally in every single frame.
After your session, we'll meet on Zoom to go through your images together. You won't be left alone trying to choose between forty stunning portraits of your horse looking absolutely majestic. I'll guide you through the selection process so it feels exciting and easy — and we'll talk through how each image might work as finished artwork in your home.
This is the part most people don't expect — and end up loving the most. We'll design your wall art together using a virtual room preview so you can see exactly how your portraits will look in your actual space before you order a single thing. No guessing, no hoping it looks right on the wall. Just confidence that what you're ordering is going to be everything you imagined. Worried about not having wall space? No worries! Digital images are an option too.
Every worry you have?
Think your horse isn't fancy enough for fine art portraits? That's exactly why I made this for them. These portraits aren't about bloodlines, show records, or a perfectly pulled mane. They're about capturing the horse who means everything to you — exactly as they are. The more personality, the better.
Wondering if you should wait for the right season, the right weight, the right everything? Here's the truth — the best time to do this was yesterday. The second best time is today. We never know how many days we have left with our horses, and the ones we've lost are the reason I do this work. Don't wait for perfect. Perfect is right now.
Not sure if your barn will work for black background portraits? It very likely will. I've created these portraits in garages, shed rows, and all kinds of covered spaces. If you're unsure, just send me a photo and we'll figure it out together.
I've already thought of it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
It's all about lighting — no dark backdrops, no artificial setups, and no stressing your horse out to get the shot. I use flat, even natural light in a covered space so your horse stays relaxed and their personality comes through naturally. Once the image is captured, I finish the background in Photoshop and carefully enhance your horse's best features to create the final fine art portrait. Dramatic and gallery-worthy — with a process that's actually pretty calm and low-key.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Absolutely! Horses can be photographed together or separately depending on your vision. If you're thinking about a composite image, we'll plan the posing and angles carefully upfront so everything lines up perfectly in the final piece. I've created artwork featuring five or more horses — and even multiple small animals — in a single image, so don't be shy about dreaming big.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Yes! Dogs are absolutely welcome — they can be photographed alongside your horse, on their own, or composited into the final artwork. We'll plan ahead to make sure everyone stays safe and the final image looks seamless. The more animals, the merrier honestly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Nope! Center aisle barns work beautifully, but they're not required. The real key is flat, even lighting — and I've successfully created these portraits in garages, shed row barns, and all kinds of covered spaces. If you're not sure whether your setup will work, just send me a photo and we'll figure it out. I love a good problem-solving moment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Equine fine art sessions are $350 per horse, with multi-horse discounts available. Your session includes the creation of your horse's portraits plus five digital images of your choice, with additional images and artwork available for purchase so you can choose exactly what you love.
Most clients invest in finished artwork that's meant to be displayed and enjoyed every single day — not just saved in a folder somewhere. I'm happy to walk you through full pricing and help you figure out what fits your vision best.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Absolutely — you're welcome to be included! That said, if capturing your connection together is the main goal, a Horse & Rider session is probably the better fit since it's designed specifically around that bond. Fine art sessions focus primarily on your horse, with the option to include you in select images. Not sure which is right for you? Just reach out and we'll figure it out together.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be in the photos with my horse?
Do you travel outside of alabama for sessions?
How much does an equine fine art session cost?
Do I need a barn for black background photos?
Can I include my dog in the photos?
Can I include more than one horse?
How do you create the black background look?
Absolutely! I'm based in Alabama but regularly travel throughout the Southeast — Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and beyond. If you're not sure whether I cover your area, just reach out. Worst I can say is "that's a stretch," but I'll probably figure out a way to make it work.
"Shelly is phenomenal! I reached out to her about doing an equine fine art session with my mare. She was so responsive and easy to work with. She not only captured beautiful images, but went above and beyond every step of the way, including helping me decide on photos and art for my home. I enjoyed the entire process with Shelly and cherish the photos she took of my mare."
Keshia & Stella
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"Shelly was amazing to work with! She photographed and filmed my stallion to promote him at stud, and the results were absolutely gorgeous. As my first time planning something like this, she was patient and helped with every detail. I’ll definitely be using her again next foaling season!”
Nikki & Magic
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