04/10/2026
This Friday's feature is of the senior Arabian gelding, Jasper! πΈ
Jasper's owner, Kendall, had sent an inquiry after seeing a model call of mine regarding a chestnut horse that had lots of chrome. Not only was he the perfect match, he also met the criteria of being a purebred Arabian. Sprinkle in the fact that he is a senior, it felt like it was meant to be - after all, they need recognition, too!
I'm not sure Jasper appreciated this idea of recognition, however! It was incredibly warm and sunny the day of our shoot, and in truth, I think he had better ideas of how he could be spending his time. He probably just wanted to be out in pasture, grazing on the fresh spring grass and bathing in the sun.
Despite him teetering on the edge of his tolerance - which, who can blame him - we still managed to get a number of great shots!
β’ β’ β’ β’
Do you have a senior horse you've been contemplating getting photos of but you're still on the fence?
As a professional photographer with a 3+ years of photography under my belt, all I can say is 'BOOK THE PHOTOSHOOT!' Even if you decide to pair with another photographer, book it.
If there is one thing I have learned from my extensive experience with senior equines, it's that none of my clients regret their decision to get professional photos of them, even well past their "prime." In fact, most of them end up saving the raws, too.
Many owners get hung up on the idea that their senior horse no longer looks the way they did "back in the day." While that may be true, photography with the right photographer goes way beyond face value. We see things a bit differently.
As a photographer who has captured countless seniors, I can categorically tell you that I do not see age. Of course, I can obviously 'see' when a horse is older - but I more so recognize the horse by their personality versus their aesthetics. Some horses may have sway back, duller colors, and many more grey hairs than they ever had - but to me, I see every horse as a story to be told through my photography.
Now, I know some of you may be thinking "but there are things that are extremely noticeable that remind me TOO much that they've aged." Trust me, I get it.
If there are certain aspects that you find unappealing and are 'nonnegotiable,' inform your photographer.
β’ Do they have a bit of muscle atrophy?
No problem, let's pose them in a manner that will make it a little less noticeable.
β’ Are they unable to bend a certain direction due to arthritis?
No worries, let's utilize other posing strategies and use their "good" side. A comfortable horse makes warm and welcoming photos.
β’ Is their coat duller than it used to be?
That's okay, let's add more shine in post editing if it's something that bothers you.
β’ Do they have so many grey hairs that their markings have essentially disappeared?
Don't worry, if you want photos of them where their markings are more visible and not as greyed out, let's fix that during editing. Just show your photographer a photo of their markings prior to the greying!
β’ OR do you want to keep all of the above?
Perfect, let's celebrate them just the way they are.
The point is, there's ALWAYS a way to manage the things you may find daunting when it comes to booking a photoshoot for your senior equine. Find yourself a photographer who will take the time to listen to your concerns, find a solution, and celebrate your senior horse.
Happy Friday, everyone!
