Creating stunning works of art through photography is often more than just snapping the perfect picture and calling it a day. The process of editing a photo can make or break the resulting image.

When it comes to equine photography especially, there are often items like halters and leads to be removed, not to mention people holding the horse. Edits can range from simple color correcting and minor adjustments, to background replacements, and in depth removal of distractions.



There is no one way of editing and retouching a photo, and my process has ebbed and flowed over the years. I have found my style has settled on true-to-life light and color, with rich blacks and bright whites to create a dynamic final photo.


I always love looking at before and after shots, so here are a few of mine!

Before photo of a quarter horse portrait in the plains of Wyoming
After edit image of a quarter horse portrait against a dynamic sky in the plains of Wyoming

I underexposed this shot so that I didn't lose all the detail in the clouds. Editing involved lightening up the horse, removing the person, and adding back in a second rein.

Unedited portrait of an arabian stallion
Edited fine art portrait of a grey arabian stallion against a grey backdrop

I didn't plan for anything to come of this photo, but it had so much potential that I had to use my creativity to create a piece of art with it. Lightening up the image, removing the halter, and replacing the background with a custom made backdrop brought it to life.

A busy photo of a bride and groom with their dog and 2 horses, a deck and distractions in the background
An edited photo of a bride and groom with their dog and 2 horses, with the background cleaned up and the ears replaced on one of the horses

The best lighting for these photos, was right next to this deck. This removal took more time and attention to detail, but the result is so much cleaner.

Unedited portrait of a guy and his horse in a sunny forest
Edited final portrait of a guy and his half arabian horse, in a sunset forest setting

Sometimes, all that is needed in a photo is some simple color correcting!

 

Unedited, cool-toned image of a girl with her pinto pony in the flowers
Edited and retouched, warm-toned image of a girl with her pinto pony in the flowers

I typically don't change my white balance in-camera. So adjusting that in post-processing is always important.

Unedited photo of a gypsy vanner horse cantering in the salt flats on a lunge line
Edited photo of a gypsy vanner horse cantering in the salt flats

I underexposed again here, in order to not blow out the highlights in the bright white salt flats, so bringing up shadows us key. Halter and lead removal is common in situations with horses "running free" like this.