Yes, you can absolutely get amazing, restraint-free images, even if your horse or dog isn't really at liberty during the session. The vast majority of the animals I photograph are on leads of some kind – halters, bridles, collars, and leashes. This is for the safety of everyone involved and is required at many locations. Some of these accessories can be removed during editing and I offer “disappearing” halters and leashes for no additional charge at all of my sessions.

Raw Pet portrait of three small dogs adopted from Oregon Dog Rescue taken during an outdoor pet portrait session in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Pet portrait of three small dogs adopted from Oregon Dog Rescue taken during an outdoor pet portrait session in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Black background portrait of a Fresian horse taken near Portland, Oregon before leash removal photoshop editing Copyright Amanda Barr
Black background portrait of a Frisian horse taken near Portland, Oregon for wall art, website, commercial Copyright Amanda Barr Photography

While it’s great to have options to create lead-free images, portrait and fine art sessions are also a great opportunity to show off your favorite tack and pet accessories. If you have a bridle, headstall, halter, collar, harness, or other accessories that you’d like to have photographed, those are encouraged as well!