Capturing horses, crafting stories, conveying emotion.
When it comes to bringing a campaign or editorial project with horses to life, experience can make all the difference. You need someone who not only knows their way around a camera but understands horses at a level that most photographers simply can’t.
With over 15 years working alongside national brands and agencies, I’ve learned how to merge the art of storytelling with the unique nuances of working with horses.
Each project is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a collaboration where I blend my lifelong knowledge of equines with years behind the camera to capture powerful, authentic images that resonate deeply.
I approach every horse with respect and an instinct for safety, regardless of the breed or discipline. My goal is to produce images that don’t just look good—they leave an impression, staying with the viewer long after they’ve looked away.
When you work with me, you’re partnering with someone who lives and breathes the world of equestrian imagery and understands the passion behind each frame.
Photographer. Equestrian.
From an early age, horses have held a sacred place in my soul. I was that horse-crazy girl who spent her summers on horseback, falling in love with these magnificent creatures.
I began my career as a graphic and web designer in a small advertising agency. Twenty years ago, I started my own freelance design business, picked up a camera, and started photographing everything – weddings, families, architecture, headshots – yet my heart always belonged with the horses.
In 2015, when a traumatic brain injury made the grueling demands of wedding photography too difficult, I made the leap into photographing horses full-time. I now have a dream job, bringing my passion for the horse alive through cinematic storytelling imagery with rich, warm tones and emotional depth.
From displays of athletic power to the quiet, intimate moments shared between horses and humans, I bring authenticity, craftsmanship, and an eye for equine beauty to every photo I create.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me in the barn or in the saddle. For me, there’s no better place in the world.
Want to know more? Read my full Photography Journey.
LET'S CONNECT!
I would love to connect with you about learn about how we can work together.
Email me at [email protected].
WANT TO LEARN FROM ME?
I offer mentoring and education for equine photographers of all skill levels at ShelleyPaulsonEducation.com.
"Shelley knows horses, she sees beautiful light and is a breeze to work with. We did a whirlwind two-day shoot capturing hundreds of great shots for our client Triple Crown to use for marketing and social media applications. I can’t wait to partner with her again!"
Stefan Hartung, Owner/Creative
Kick, Branding & Design Agency
SELECT CLIENTS
COMMERCIAL
- Nutrena
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Tribute Feeds
- Farnam Horse
- Triple Crown Feed
- Kentucky Equine Research (KER)
- Alltech
- Haygain
- US Rider
- Weatherbeeta
- Spalding Labs
- Kent Feeds
- Tough1
STOCK
- Purina
- Absorbine
- SmartPak
- Zoetis
- Covetrus
- Bluebonnet Feeds
- State Line Tack
- Straight Arrow (Cowboy Magic, Exhibitors, Mane and Tail)
- Manna Pro
- AAEP
- Equine Network
- Valley Vet Supply
EDITORIAL
- Horse Illustrated
- TheHorse
- AQHA Journal
- Western Horseman
- US Equestrian
- Young Rider
- Horse & Rider
- Chrome
- Chronicle of the Horse
- NRCHA Reiner
- Practical Horseman
- Speedhorse
- Barrel Horse News
RECENT AWARDS
2022 Equine Media Awards: 1st place in Editorial Human-Animal Bond Photograph; 1st place in Editorial Action Photograph, Published in TheHorse
2021 Equine Media Awards: 1st place in Freelance Editorial Photo, Published in The Competitive Equestrian; 2nd place in Editorial Action Photograph and Freelance Editorial Action Photograph, Published in Horse Illustrated
2020 Equine Media Awards: 1st Place, Horse and Human Bond, Published in Horse Illustrated; 2nd place in Equine-Related Editorial Series (writing and photography), Published in Horse Illustrated
2019 Equine Media Awards: 1st place for Best Equine Related Non-Fiction Book, Published by Amherst Media
“Shelley always gets the shot! And, that’s just one reason why we consider her a part of our brand marketing team! From pre-planning to post-production and absolutely everything in-between, Shelley Paulson Photography makes the Farnam brand shine.”
Martha Lefebvre, Senior Marketing Manager
Farnam Horse Care Products