If you’re a horse owner, you understand the powerful bond that can form between you and your horse. But imagine capturing that bond against the backdrop of the wild.

In the southeastern corner of Missouri, near the town of Eminence in Shannon County, wild horse herds roam the vast, rugged hills. For any horse photographer, these horses are a dream—majestic, untamed, and full of life.

Our journey to photograph these beautiful creatures was an adventure. My friend Don and I set off from St. Louis, about 150 miles away. We hoped for the best, but were worried we might not be able to find any of the three herds. Thankfully, one of the three herds showed up in spades!

Although these horses are technically wild, they didn’t seem fazed by our presence. In fact, we were able to get up close, but not too close—there’s always the herd leader to watch! The wild horses’ behavior and body language told us when we were intruding. It was a gentle reminder of the delicate balance between observing and respecting these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Why choose a professional to photograph your horse(s)?

Photographing the wild horses was a thrilling adventure. However, we also specialize in capturing the unique beauty and personality of horses in all settings. We provide customized horse photography sessions that reflect the unique bond between you and your horse. Here are some of our options:

• Unique Portraits: We shoot in outdoor, natural settings. Each photo captures their strength, spirit, and personality in a way that no traditional portrait can.
• Custom Photography Packages: We offer custom packages for all types of horse photography. Every photo shoot is tailored to highlight your horse’s individuality and the beauty of the environment they inhabit.
• Outdoor Shoots: Whether in the wild or at your farm, outdoor settings provide the perfect backdrop for highlighting your horse’s natural beauty.

If you’re interested in scheduling a session for your own horse or learning more about my approach to capturing stunning images of horses—both wild and domestic—please contact me for more information.

We just recently opened our second location in Northwest Arkansas. Get more information on our NWA horse photography services. And here is more information on our St. Louis horse photography services.

Are you ready to schedule a photoshoot for your horse? Reach out today to book your session and start creating the perfect keepsake. .

100 years and wild horses still going strong

An article by Dean Curtis of missourilife.com captured the majesty and mystery of these wild animals that live in the hills of southern Missouri near Emminence. Here are a few excerpts:

“The wild horses of Shannon County have been roaming the rugged lands along the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers for almost 100 years. There are currently four herds: the Shawnee Creek, the Broadfoot, the Round Spring, and the Rocky Creek.

“Local expert Jim Smith, owner of Cross Country Trail Rides and founding member of the Wild Horse League, a nonprofit that monitors the herds, says they formed when depression-era farmers, experiencing a severe drought, could no longer sustain themselves on their farms and turned their horses loose.

“This land of flowing rivers became the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in 1964 and part of the National Parks System. In the early 1990s the park superintendent responsible for the Scenic Riverways sought to remove the horses, labeling them an invasive species. Locals, including Jim, were outraged and fought in court to stop their removal.

“They lost their case, but the late Congressman Bill Emerson and former Senators John Ashcroft and Kit Bond introduced legislation, later signed into law. In a compromise with the National Park Service, the Wild Horse League agreed to limit the herds to 50 horses, capturing and adopting out horses to maintain the quota.”

You might be interested in our recent photos of alpacas. While not wild, they sure were a lot of fun to be around. Also, check out some of our other photos of wild animals, birds in flight and, of course, pets: golden retrievers and Weimeraners.