Behind the Scenes at a Langley Barn

The portraits you see in this blog were taken at a quiet barn in Langley, BC, using nothing more than doorway lighting, a calm atmosphere, and a horse who gave me the best ear flicks and thoughtful expressions.

We also filmed some behind-the-scenes video during this session—showing exactly how relaxed and simple this setup is. The horse gets time to sniff, settle, and figure out what’s happening. Once they’re comfortable, their natural posture and expression start to shine.

It’s slow, steady, and very horse-friendly.

Why Black Background Portraits Feel So Personal

There’s something incredibly intimate about seeing a horse against a black background. You notice details you don’t always catch in real time:

• The copper tones inside their ears

• The shine along their shoulder

• The softness around their muzzle

• The exact expression that feels “so them”

Because the background is clean and simple, your horse becomes the whole story.

For horses with unique markings, expressive eyes, or big, bold personalities, this style is especially striking.

Do You Need a Fancy Barn? (Spoiler: No!)

This is one of the most common questions I get from Vancouver Island horse owners searching for equine portrait sessions.

You don’t need:

✗ A high-end show barn
✗ Perfectly tidy aisles
✗ A massive doorway

You do need:

✓ A covered area or barn entry with some shadow
✓ Space for your horse to stand comfortably
✓ Decent natural light

I’ve photographed black background portraits at:

• Hobby barns in Cowichan Valley

• Private backyards in Nanaimo

• Indoor arena entrances in Victoria

• Open roll-up bay doors in Parksville

• And now this beautiful spot in Langley

It’s an extremely flexible style.

Travelling for Sessions Across Vancouver Island

While this particular session took place in Langley, I’m based between Parksville and Nanaimo, travelling all over Vancouver Island for equine photography.

That includes:

• Victoria & Saanich Peninsula

• Duncan & Cowichan Valley

• Ladysmith & Chemainus

• Qualicum & Parksville

• Nanaimo

• And many smaller rural areas where horses outnumber humans (my favourite places)

If your barn has a doorway or shaded area, chances are we can create stunning black background portraits right where your horse is most comfortable.

Why This Style Will Always Be One of My Favourites

There’s a certain quietness to these sessions that I love.
No chaos.
No crowds.
No pressure.

Just a horse standing calmly in their own space, the soft sound of breathing, and the light doing what light does best.

Looking at the images from this Langley barn session, I felt that familiar pull—this is why I photograph horses. The strength, the softness, the tiny shifts in expression… black background portraits capture all of it in a way that feels almost painterly.