Equestrian Portrait Session in Wellington, FL: Michaela & Geronimo

A Dream Equestrian Portrait Session in Wellington, FL

Wellington, FL is synonymous with world-class equestrian sport and luxury horse culture. It was the perfect setting for Michaela and her beloved Selle Français gelding, Geronimo De Hus, to capture timeless portraits together.

Michaela made the move from California to Florida in 2022, bringing her horses with her to continue her equestrian journey. She recently said goodbye to her gelding Jackpot but still actively competes and trains with Geronimo. As an experienced equestrian, she has always been drawn to Selle Français horses, praising their heart, athleticism, and willingness to try.

This session, held at the barn where Michaela trains under Abigail McArdle, was all about celebrating the connection between horse and rider. The result? A stunning set of portraits that showcase not just their bond but also the elegance of Geronimo in a picturesque equestrian setting.

Behind the Scenes: How I Captured These Stunning Portraits

Setting the Scene

Despite some ongoing construction at the facility, we found gorgeous backdrops to work with—from tree-lined paths to classic barn entrances draped in Bougainvilla. The golden-hour lighting filtering through the Florida greenery added an ethereal quality to Michaela and Geronimo’s portraits.

Technical Details

For this session, I used my Canon R5 and my 135mm lens, which allowed me to create beautifully compressed backgrounds and sharp subject focus. Lighting was carefully managed to balance Geronimo’s dark points against his warm bay coat, ensuring he stood out against both natural and black backgrounds.

Challenges & Creative Solutions

The black background portrait required precise lighting control to create depth and dimension while keeping the focus on Geronimo’s striking features.
Layering greenery in some shots added a natural framing element, bringing more visual interest and storytelling into the images.

The Emotional Connection Between Michaela & Geronimo

One of the most special aspects of this session was witnessing Michaela’s love for Geronimo. Their bond was evident in every moment—from the quiet times where she whispered to him to the affectionate kisses and soft glances they exchanged.

After seeing the final images, Michaela was absolutely "blown away." She couldn’t wait to display them in her home, wanting to choose large wall art pieces to decorate her office with memories of her equestrian journey.

The Art of Presentation: From Digital to Physical

After our session, Michaela and I held a viewing appointment where she selected her favorite portraits. Deciding on high-quality wall art is one of the best ways to preserve these moments, turning them into lifelong heirlooms. With every glance at her office walls, Michaela will be reminded of her journey with Geronimo.

If you’d love to capture the connection between you and your horse, book a luxury equestrian portrait session today!