About Susan
Hi there, it’s me, Susan McClafferty!
I’m an equine fine art photographer and lifelong equestrian, driven by my love for horses and a passion for creating captivating works of art. I primarily photograph horses in a studio setting, where I can focus on showcasing their unique beauty and spirit in a controlled and artistic environment.
The equine is my primary muse. As a lifelong equestrian, I do my best to bring them to you in an unexpected way and yet still familiar. Sometimes quite abstract and yet still recognizable.
I hope you enjoy my work!
Fine Art Photography
Me and my soul horse Zowie
I often get asked about private photoshoots, and I’d like to clarify that this is not a service I typically offer. As a fine art photographer, my approach is different from portrait or event photographers. Fine art photography is a style of photography created for its aesthetic and artistic qualities, to produce work that reflects the artist’s vision. My focus is on creating images that resonate with art collectors and consultants who appreciate the distinctive genre and style of my work.
Art photographers like myself aim to sell our prints as art pieces, focusing on specific techniques—either through the camera or through post-processing with tools like Photoshop. The subjects of fine art photography are carefully selected or hired by the artist to fit their creative direction. Unlike traditional portrait photographers who are hired to capture specific subjects or moments, fine art photographers produce images that stand on their own as artistic expressions. Our work is often represented by museums, galleries, or agencies, and you can find fine art photography for sale online, at art festivals, and during industry expos.
While I do offer limited commissions each year, the final artwork will always be crafted in my unique style and according to my vision. If you're interested in commissioning me to photograph your horses, please visit my commission page.
Artwork Hanging in Homes
In the Studio
Equine studio photography is a specialized genre of photography that focuses on capturing horses in a controlled studio environment. In this setting, the photographer has full control over lighting, background, and composition to highlight the horse’s unique features, expressions, and movements. Unlike outdoor or natural settings, studio photography allows for a clean, often minimalist backdrop—such as solid black or white—that draws attention solely to the horse, emphasizing its form and details without distraction.
Equine studio photography aims to elevate the horse to an artful subject, often creating dramatic, elegant, or even abstract representations of the animal. The studio setup offers the flexibility to experiment with lighting techniques, creative angles, and unique compositions, making it possible to produce highly stylized images that highlight the horse's beauty, power, and grace.
This type of photography often requires a deep understanding of horse behavior and photographic techniques, as horses need to feel comfortable in the studio environment for the best results. Equine studio photography is popular among fine art photographers who seek to create visually stunning, timeless images of these majestic animals.
For me, safety and happy horses are my priority in any photoshoot. I love the many expressions that horses offer which show their personalities but I will not photograph a fearful or sedated horse. The horse always comes first as I am a horsewoman before I am a photographer.
I am often inspired by in-studio fashion photography but those inspirations do not translate exactly to my work. I must account for extra-large models that are covered in fur, a handler or two that are in the shot, and often very high or low-contrast situations such as black fur on a white or black background. I've yet to find the horse that will lower his chin, turn it slightly, and hold that pose.
Andalusian Stallion in the Studio
Artistic Philosophy
My artistic philosophy is grounded in my deep love and reverence for horses, seeing them as living, breathing works of art. I strive to capture their essence, focusing on their natural beauty and well-being, elevating them to sculptures in motion. Through my equine fine art photography, I aim to create a strong emotional connection between the viewer and the horse, using my creative eye to evoke admiration and wonder.
My work goes beyond simply documenting horses; it's about presenting them in a way that challenges perception, allowing people to see these majestic creatures from a fresh, elevated perspective. I always aim to highlight their elegance, spirit, and individuality, whether working in a studio or exploring bold, surreal compositions. My unique artistic approach seeks to reveal their beauty and power in a captivating way.
My photography is an artistic process, not a service-based offering, with each image created to reflect my own personal vision. I collaborate with art collectors, galleries, and consultants who value the fine art quality of my work, while fostering deep respect for the animals I photograph. To me, horses are more than subjects—they are muses, living art, and their well-being is central to my creative approach.
As a modern photographic artist, I constantly explore unique ways to showcase equines in my collections. Strong colors, textures, and patterns frequently appear in my work, and I focus on capturing genuine expressions from my horses. You won’t always see the typical alert posture with ears up; instead, I prefer to portray the many other ways horses express themselves.
I carefully choose the equine models for my collections with a specific vision in mind, crafting each image to suit my creative aesthetic. Every print is a reflection of my heart, crafted with care so that collectors can truly own something special and unique. My photography is experimental, and while not every concept succeeds on the first attempt, each step in the process brings valuable lessons for future work.
Ultimately, my goal is to create art worthy of large printed installations and gallery exhibitions, pieces that celebrate the beauty and spirit of horses in a way that captivates and inspires.