Ciminiti

Laguna Hills, California

There’s something truly magical about photographing horses—their strength, grace, and soulful eyes tell a story all their own. I was once again given the incredible opportunity to shadow Ashleigh Magnus Photography, this time for a black background equestrian session, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget.

The Art of Black Background Sessions

Black background sessions are a unique and breathtaking way to capture the beauty of our equine companions. By isolating the horse against a deep black backdrop, the focus remains entirely on their form, expression, and details—every muscle, every shine in their coat, and every flick of their ears becomes a piece of living art. This technique creates timeless, dramatic portraits that showcase the horse in all its majesty.

The Stunning Setting: Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center

For this session, we had the privilege of working at the Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center, an exquisite facility that offers the perfect blend of luxury and equestrian charm. The stables provided an ideal setting, allowing us to create controlled lighting conditions to achieve that signature, crisp black background effect.

The Star of the Show: Ciminiti

Our model for the day was Ciminiti, a breathtaking horse who carried himself with a regal presence. From the moment we started, it was clear that he was meant for this—his noble posture, attentive ears, and effortless grace made every shot a masterpiece in the making. He stood patiently as we adjusted lighting and angles, offering the perfect opportunity to observe and learn the nuances of equine portraiture.

Learning the Art of Equine Photography

Shadowing Ashleigh Magnus Photography is always an inspiring experience, but this session felt particularly special. Watching Ashleigh work—her attention to detail, her ability to bring out the best in both horse and setting—was invaluable. She skillfully used natural light and subtle adjustments to emphasize Ciminiti’s features, ensuring each shot was a work of art.

I learned so much about positioning, lighting, and capturing expression in a way that highlights the horse’s unique personality. There’s an incredible amount of patience and precision involved in these sessions, and seeing it all come together was both exciting and educational.

A Session to Remember

This black background session was a reminder of why I love being part of the equestrian and photography world. Horses have an undeniable beauty, and capturing them in such an artistic and refined way is a privilege. I couldn’t have asked for a better horse, location, or mentor for this experience, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity to continue learning and growing in this field.

If you’ve ever considered a black background session for your own horse, I highly recommend it. The results are nothing short of breathtaking, and it’s a way to celebrate the beauty and bond between horse and rider in a way that lasts forever.

Would you ever do a black background session for your equine partner? Let me know in the comments!