Summer Styling ideas for your Equine Photoshoot


So... you're half way there and you've booked in your equine photoshoot. When it comes to thinking about what to wear for your dream photoshoot with your horse, it can be really hard to know what to bring along to the session. In this post I'm going to break down some of the options and ideas from some of my clients shoots that feel quite attainable for most people.

If you're working with me...

If you're working with me at Holly Outtridge Photography, then it's likely you're reading this because we've had, or are due to have our pre-shoot planning session. In this call we discuss everything about the shoot, and styling is one of them. Many people need direction when it comes to knowing what to wear for an equine photoshoot, and I can absolutely support with this! Some people already have an idea and aren't so reliant, either is fine. This blog post is aimed at those who need some outfit inspiration!

Tip #1 - Florals & patterns


Florals work really well for an equine photoshoot outfit idea. They're summery, girlie, add interest but without being far too imposing and distracting. Here you can see Tasha with her horse Auster. She opted for a playsuit (great option! No flashing your drawers!) that looks rather like a dress thanks to the flow material that is loose enough to move in, but fitted enough to compliment Tasha's lovely figure.


Be mindful and selective of patterns. Sometimes huge or bold patterns can become quite distracting to the eye, and logos of brands can very quickly go out of fashion so my advice usually is to avoid!

Tip #2 - Relaxed styling - Linen, the holy grail...


Broadly speaking, I'd go as far as saying textures of clothing help to dictate how timeless these images become. Natural textures, figure skimming wardrobe staples are a strong bet. They can be dressed up and accessorised so easily. The relaxed look varies person to person but may often start with of a comfortable yet well fitting pair of jeans. Suitable all year round and usually we have our faithfuls in the wardrobe already! You may then like to add a linen button down shirt - a simple combination but always a classic and tasteful bet. A pair of deck shoes or clean smart fashion trainers always look fantastic, and you can fancy-up this simple look with a nice fedora, a smart belt and some jewellery. Maybe even a little silky lightweight scarf/neckerchief for some colour if that's your thing!


Ready to talk about your very own equine photoshoot?


Tip #3 - Avoiding fast fashion


The last few summers, cowboy boots and glittery cowboy hats have well and truly made their mark in mainstream fashion! And whilst I am too an avid and dedicated follower of fashion, (there's a song there somewhere!) I urge photoshoot participants to steer clear of 'fast fashion'. It's better for the planet of course, but also fast fashion lives up to the name in that it'll quickly disappear off the radar again leaving you with obviously aged photographs! The aim of the game here is to have something beautiful on your wall at home that will look relevant as it did the day it was taken.


Tip #4 - Country styling


So country style... this tends to be a safe option for those of us with a horsey or agricultural lifestyle and especially for the Chaps. This might be a clean Schoffel style gilet with your favourite Joules shirt or blouse and a tweed skirt or chinos. Is tweed your thing? Country boots work great in all seasons as long as they've had a clean beforehand too.

Tip #5 - Mastering the elegant look


Elegance means different things to different types of people and there are plenty of options! This may mean your wedding dress... What an amazing excuse to give it another outing! A special long evening dress that you've been dying to wear again, a prom dress for the teens amongst us. Something super floaty and unique perhaps?


For others, this sounds like a perfect nightmare! It's entirely personal preference. A smart blazer, a summer dress, a co-ord and your posh fairfax and favour long suede boots?


Ready to talk about your very own equine photoshoot? Contact me today, I can't wait to help!


Hello, my name is Holly...

Welcome to my blog

I am an equine photographer based in Essex, England. I've owned and ridden horses always, and I've never known a life without them! I've started this little blog for my many ramblings. I've always liked to write, but previously had no outlet for it - now I do! I write about all my photography adventures, horses and dogs so if you like any of those things, you're in the right place! Maybe we'll even get to work together some day...

About my Equine Shoots