the process
Step by step
Once your photos are edited, the fun part begins! We will have another Zoom meeting to design art for your home. Together, we will plan various pieces of artwork that suit your style and home decor. Once this process is complete you will have gorgeous artwork of your horse to showcase in your home for everyone to admire.
designing your art
24-48 hours after your session, we will set up a Zoom meeting and review your photos together. You will see your photos straight out of camera to choose which poses you would like fully edited. This meeting typically takes about 15-30 minutes.
choosing your photos
Equine Fine Art sessions have a fairly easy and painless setup. Center aisle barns work best for these sessions. We will position your horse in the barn aisle and photograph a variety of poses, both traditional and non-traditional, to create an ample amount of options for your artwork. Sessions normally take 20-40 minutes per horse and can be done during most daylight hours.
Your session
Fine Art Session Fee is $500/Horse. Group discounts are available for 2+ horses at the same location.
Please fill out our contact form to schedule a phone call to learn more information on booking your session.
portfolio
the fine art gallery
inquire here
ready to get started?
artwork
wall art
The majority of us have to travel to a barn to enjoy time with our horses; having artwork is a way of bringing our horses home to us. During your art design meeting we will discuss the best options for you and make your design dreams come true. All pieces of artwork are professionally styled, inspected, and created to be sure you have the best of the best proudly on display in your home–exactly what your horse deserves.
albums
prints
"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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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?
These portraits are created using flat, even lighting—no backdrops or artificial lighting—safety is my top priority. Photographing your horse in a familiar space keeps them relaxed and makes posing and expressions come naturally. After the image is taken, the background is finished in Photoshop and I enhance your horse’s best features to create the final fine art portrait.
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. If you’re envisioning a composite image, it’s important to plan ahead so posing and angles align. I’ve created artwork featuring five or more horses, as well as multiple small animals, in a single piece.
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 can be photographed alongside your horse, on their own, or composited into the final artwork. We’ll plan ahead to ensure everyone’s safety and to create a seamless final image.
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?
No. While center aisle barns often work well, they aren’t required. The key is flat, even lighting — I’ve successfully created these portraits in garages, shed row barns, and other covered areas. If you’re unsure about your space, I’m happy to help you evaluate options.
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. This includes the creation of your horse’s portraits and five digital images (of your choice), with additional images and artwork available for purchase separately so you can choose exactly what you love.
Most clients invest in finished artwork designed to be displayed and enjoyed every day. I’m happy to provide full pricing details and help you plan what best fits your vision.
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—you’re welcome to be included. However, if your goal is portraits of you and your horse together, a Horse & Rider session is often the better fit, as it’s designed specifically to capture your connection. Fine art sessions focus primarily on the horse, with the option to include you in select images.
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. While I’m based in Alabama, I regularly travel throughout the Southeast for horse and rider portrait sessions. If you’re located in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, or nearby states, reach out to discuss travel availability.
@paintedoakphotos
