The Magic of Black Background Equine Portraits

Having an equine portrait done is not just about getting a pretty picture -  it’s about capturing and preserving the beauty, spirit and memory of your equine partner. From candid life-style shots to high-end studio work, portraits have always held a special place in our hearts (and on our walls). A great portrait can do more than show what someone (or some-horse) looked like. It can capture personality, pride, power, or pure mischief. Whether it’s a formal studio shot, a candid moment, or a majestic equine posed like royalty, portraits are about emotion and connection as much as appearance. They’re how we remember, how we celebrate, and how we say, “This mattered!”

Key Ingredients for Portraits That Wow

Which brings us to a style of portrait that does all this — and looks downright stunning while doing it...

For a photo to really stand out, it needs visual or emotional impact. Whether that’s dramatic lighting, vivid colors, action that takes your breath away, or an emotional moment that could make even the toughest cowboy tear up, great photos know how to steal the spotlight. Black background portraits? They do it with bold but elegant contrast - like putting a horse in its very own tuxedo backdrop.

There’s something magical about the way they simplify the scene, removing all distractions and focusing entirely on the horse - their expression, their grace, even the texture of their coat. Whether it’s a noble warmblood or a cheeky pony, these portraits draw you in with a timeless, cinematic feel that’s hard to resist. And believe me, these shots can make even the most stoic horse lover go all misty-eyed! Plus - your horse deserves a portrait as special as they are.

Why Choose a Black Background session for your Equine Portrait?

• They never go out of style - they will always be classy, elegant, stunning and sure to turn a few heads.

• They give you the refined, luxurious look of a studio portrait without squeezing a horse into an actual photo studio.

• The perfect way to showcase your horse without anything in the background - no flowers, trees, or mountains trying to steal the spotlight.

• You can shoot them anytime, any season - no worrying about grey skies, harsh sunlight, or dead-looking, leafless trees.

• No need to spend half your day searching for, and then getting your horse familiar with that picture-perfect, magazine-worthy spot at the farthest corner of the property.

• Compared to being out in an open field, being in a familiar, enclosed space, horses are much calmer (some owners too!) and far less likely to try to take off for a quick run.

• And did I mention they’re exquisitely gorgeous and impossible not to love!

  
  

What’s the Trick?

Sounds intriguing, right? Here’s how we make the magic of a Black Background Equine Portrait happen:

First things first - we’ll need your horse (by the way this also works with donkeys, dogs, kittens - you name it… and yes, even humans!). Next, we need a big enough doorway or opening that’s darker inside than outside. It doesn’t have to be pitch-black - a few windows won’t hurt. A barn, a hay shed, or even a horse trailer can do the trick. The darker the interior, the better - less editing for me and more “wow” for you.

One thing to keep in mind - we can shoot any time of day, but doorways hit by direct midday sun won’t work. That bright light can cause blown-out highlights (making the lovely blaze on your horse’s face bright enough to weld by) and creates on the other hand harsh, dark shadows. A sunlit doorway can work during golden hour - that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is warm and soft - as long as those rays stay on your horse and don’t spill into the background. That way, we keep the interior deep and dark so your horse can truly steal the show.

The Equipment Behind the Magic

Of course, these portraits don’t happen with just the press of a button - it takes the right tools, some careful planning, and a setup I can truly rely on. Even though it’s not the camera that takes the photo, my gear plays a huge role in bringing these images to life. So let me give you a peek into the big and heavy camera bag that I drag along to every shoot.

I usually roll in with two cameras - one with my 50mm prime lens that I shoot handheld, and one with my trusty 70–200mm zoom lens, parked on a tripod. Why two? Because I like to be ready for the worst - like one camera deciding to take a nap mid-session or a memory card throwing a tantrum and making my files disappear. That way, I can still come home with usable images even if one setup throws in the towel. Plus, I really hate changing lenses, especially on location. Dust can sneak onto the sensor, a lens could slip out of my hands, and worst of all - who wants to miss a great shot while busy swapping glass? My shoulders might deserve an award after every session - but the results? Totally worth it.

And there you have it - the not-so-secret secret to creating portraits that make your horse look like they belong on the cover of a glossy magazine. Black background portraits are all about celebrating your horse in its simplest, most elegant form. They strip away distractions, highlight every beautiful detail, and deliver timeless images that truly make your horse shine - and leave you smiling every time you look at them.

Imagining how beautiful your horse would look in a Black Background Portrait? We can turn that vision into reality! Get in touch, and we’ll create a portrait as unforgettable as your equine companion.

Contact Pictured by GMG

Still on the fence? Take a peek at the images I've had the pleasure of creating for my clients and see the skill, creativity, and passion I put into every single one.

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About the Artist behind the lens:

Gundi Manteufel-Grajciar of Pictured by GMG, based in Grunthal, Manitoba, is a professional photographer specializing in equine and canine portraiture. With a deep love for animals - especially horses and dogs - she creates images that highlight their beauty, personality, and the special bond they share with their humans.

Gundi is a national accredited member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC), she is  

holding five accreditations to date (2025), including Equine and Canine Portrait, and has earned the Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) designation. She brings both technical expertise and heartfelt storytelling to every session. Her work has been recognized at regional and national image competitions, published in a magazine as well as in a book, and as a PPOC Certified Judge, she is committed to excellence, education, and ongoing growth in her craft.

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