Horse Fine Art
photography
You walk by it every day—hung up right in your home, maybe above your fireplace or in the hallway. It’s a portrait of your horse, standing proud against a soft, painterly background that makes them look like they belong in a gallery.
But this isn’t just a pretty picture.
It’s your heart horse, captured in a way that feels timeless.
That’s what horse fine art is all about—slowing things down, focusing on the bond, and turning your horse into actual artwork.
Love Notes
Nicole is simply the best!! She really knows how capture the connection between horse and rider (and dog too)! She will make you so comfortable throughout the whole process and you will absolutely cherish the photos!!
Erin V.
The Painterly Background—Why It Makes All the Difference
The background is what brings it all together. Soft, rich, and a little moody—it gives your photo the feel of a painting without needing a studio.
We can go bold and dramatic or light and classic, depending on your style and your horse’s look.
The best part? It puts the focus exactly where it should be: on your horse’s eyes, expression, and presence. You don’t just see them—you feel them.
Depending on your horse’s color, I choose a background that complements their coat and brings out their best features—chestnuts glow, bays pop, and greys look downright royal. If I’m traveling to you, we can also get creative with draping fabric or using available structures to recreate this style at your barn.
How to
Prepare Your Horse for a Fine Art Session
Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds! But the little details do matter.
The day before or morning of:
Groom like you’re headed to a show. Brush the coat until it shines, and make sure their face, ears, and legs are clean.
Mane and tail: A tidy mane (pulled or neatly brushed) and a full, brushed tail make a huge difference.
Hooves: Pick and polish them for a clean look.
Optional but helpful:
Fly spray! You don’t want your horse swatting or fidgeting during their big moment.
A clean halter or a simple black or leather halter looks best. (Or we can shoot “naked” without a halter if safe to do so!)
Do I Need an Extra Hand? Yes, Please!
Having a second person makes everything smoother. A helper can:
- Hold the lead rope while I photograph.
- Get your horse’s ears up with noise or treats.
- Help with positioning and safety.
I’ll coach you both through it, but it’s always best if you’re not flying solo. Especially if your horse gets curious, playful, or sassy (you know who you are!).
Kind Words
I’m ecstatic with how the photos turned out!
My session with Nicole turned out absolutely stunning! Nicole is kind, artistic, and a beautiful photographer! I can’t wait to cherish the photos from our session for years on! Nicole has a heart and passion for photography and I’m ecstatic with how the photos turned out! I highly recommend Nicole Pols Photography!
Amber N.
Latest Horse Sessions
Horse Fine Art
photography
Packages
Kind Words
… the final product is phenomenal!!!
Nicole drove a couple hours to photograph our boys for a very special birthday present for my husband. Communication was great and the final product is phenomenal!!!
Katherine S.
Painterly / Black Background
Painterly Backgrounds—a timeless, elegant choice that beautifully captures your heart horse.
Showcase your horse in a unique way, these painterly backgrounds offer a stunning and timeless touch.
Full permission to print, advertise, and share your images
package includes
Investment of $350.
