From Dogs to Dressage: My Grand Rapids Horse Photography Weekend
This past weekend I traded paw prints for hoofbeats and headed up to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for an equine photography workshop. Over two jam-packed days, I had the chance to photograph 14 horses across different breeds and riding disciplines. Let’s just say it was a whirlwind of knowledge, new experiences, and (yes!) horse cuddles. I haven’t finished with the images, but here’s just a quick overview from the weekend. I will share more in a later blog.
Day One: Sandy Hill Farm
Our first stop was Sandy Hill Farm, a gorgeous facility that could have been pulled straight from a magazine. I worked with a wide variety of horses that day, from Africa, a striking gray Lippizan, to Jemko, a majestic Friesian, and of course, Curly — a Bashkir Curly whose sweet personality stole the show (even without his signature curly coat).
Hugging Curly, a Bashkir Curly.
Please ignore the dorky expression on my face. He was just so sweet and I melted!
Day Two: The Barn for Equine Learning
On the second day, we shifted gears at The Barn for Equine Learning, a nonprofit dedicated to adaptive riding programs that serve their community. Most of the horses here were Thoroughbreds, including Whinny, Vina, and Mango, plus a tiny scene-stealer named Bucky the mini. Working in this environment reminded me how photography can connect to something bigger than just an image—it can shine a light on meaningful work being done for both people and animals.
I went into this workshop not because I needed help with the photography part—I know my camera inside and out—but because I wanted to level up my horse knowledge. Understanding riding disciplines, confirmation, and breed standards helps me better serve my future clients. And while it was plenty of hard work, I left feeling thrilled about adding equine portraits and horse + rider sessions to my offerings here on the Crystal Coast (and beyond - yes, I travel).
Whether it’s a Great Dane or a Friesian, what I love most is watching and capturing the bond between people and their animals. This weekend reminded me that love looks the same whether it’s expressed with paws or hooves.
Have you ever had equine portraits taken—or do you own a horse you’d love to see photographed? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email or DM on Instagram!