Equine Fine Art Photography: Karen Bennett’s Journey from Horse Lover to Art Photographer
Angela Adams talks to Karen Bennett
Angela Adams talks to Karen Bennett about photographing horses in the wild, sailing to remote Scottish islands and turning her passion for equine photography into a fine art print business.
Karen Bennett’s connection with horses began long before photography became part of her life.
From riding as a child and working with racehorses to photographing free-roaming ponies in some of the UK’s most remote landscapes, horses have remained a constant source of inspiration.
Today, Karen has expanded her photography business into the world of equine fine art prints, creating carefully produced artwork that celebrates the strength, beauty and emotion of horses.
Her journey demonstrates how a photographer can develop a distinctive niche, turn personal passion into artwork and gradually build the confidence to offer photography as fine art.
A Lifelong Connection With Horses
Karen’s love of horses began when she was a child.
“I would cycle to the next village and help out on a pig farm just to earn a pony ride,” she explains. “Throughout my childhood, I found ways to help out wherever I could in exchange for riding opportunities and lessons.”
At 17, she experienced her first ride on a racetrack as an amateur jockey.
At the time, opportunities for women in racing were limited unless they had family connections within the industry. After several rides on the flat, Karen took a job as a work rider for a trainer in South Carolina.
On returning to the UK, she established a livery yard where she prepared racehorses to return to training after time in the paddocks.
She also worked as a groom for her younger brother Nick, a passionate showjumper who continues to work with horses professionally.
“I also loved prepping his ponies and horses for shows,” says Karen.
That extensive experience around horses has given her something that can’t necessarily be learned from behind a camera: an understanding of their behaviour, movement and character.
Photographing Horses in Their Natural Environment
Karen’s equine photography is not limited to controlled environments.
She is particularly drawn to photographing horses in their natural surroundings, and that passion has taken her and her husband, Mark, on some remarkable adventures.
The couple spend much of their holidays aboard their boat, Salt Pot, sailing and anchoring in remote locations.
In 2023, they set out to sail around the UK in search of free-roaming ponies.
The journey took place in stages between April and October, with Karen and Mark returning home between trips for work and family commitments.
There was no fixed schedule for their photography.
“We never knew exactly when or where we’d land—it all depended on the weather and tides,” Karen explains.
Mark planned routes towards remote islands where they believed ponies might be found. Once they reached land, the search could involve several hours of hiking before Karen even raised her camera.
The Challenge of Photographing Wild Horses
Photographing animals in remote locations presents very different challenges from working in a controlled studio or client environment.
Karen couldn’t choose the time of day, wait for perfect light or position an animal exactly where she wanted it.
She had to work with whatever conditions nature provided.
“It really challenged me to work quickly and find the best angles without disturbing the animals,” she says.
Weather, tides, terrain and the behaviour of the horses all became part of the photographic process.
That unpredictability is also part of what makes the experience so rewarding.
Karen and Mark are already planning their next adventure and hope to sail to Iceland in the coming years.
What Makes Equine Photography Special?
For Karen, photographing horses is about much more than simply producing a technically good image.
“Being present, observing, learning, and making a connection,” she says. “Horses have a wonderfully calming effect on me.”
That sense of observation and connection is evident in her approach to photographing horses.
Rather than simply documenting the animal, her work aims to capture something of its character, strength and spirit.
This is an important distinction for photographers working within a specialist genre. Technical knowledge matters, but understanding the subject can be equally important.
From Equine Photography to Fine Art Prints
Creating fine art prints was always part of Karen’s long-term plan.
The challenge was knowing when she was ready.
“I wouldn’t usually use client work for my art prints—I prefer to keep the two separate,” she explains.
Instead, Karen has developed a dedicated collection of personal work focused on horses and other animals that inspire her.
A significant moment came when she won first and second place in The Society of Photographers’ 20×16 Print Competition with Untamed Thoughts and Masquerade.
The recognition gave her the confidence to take the next step.
“Winning first and second place … confirmed that I was ready—it gave me the push to expand.”
For photographers considering a similar move into fine art, this highlights an important point: sometimes the biggest barrier isn’t technical ability but confidence in the value of your own work.
Keeping Client Photography and Fine Art Separate
Karen generally keeps her client photography and fine art work separate.
Her fine art collection is created specifically as artwork rather than being a simple extension of her commissioned photography.
However, she remains open to unexpected opportunities.
During one session photographing a client’s dogs, Karen discovered that the client also owned an emu.
During a break, she photographed the unusual subject, and the client was happy for Karen to include the resulting image in her print collection.
It is a good reminder that inspiration can sometimes come from unexpected places.
Choosing Paper and Frames for Fine Art Prints
Producing a fine art print involves much more than taking a photograph.
Karen considers the paper and frame for each individual image, choosing materials that complement the artwork.
She works closely with a local supplier who handles the printing and framing for her work.
Building that relationship has allowed her to test different papers and products, sign work in person and develop a consistent approach to producing her artwork.
She also uses a different fine art paper for client work, helping to maintain a distinction between commissioned photography and her own fine art collection.
For photographers considering selling prints, this is an important part of the process. The physical presentation of the finished artwork can have a significant influence on how the photograph is perceived.
Advice for Photographers Who Want to Sell Fine Art Prints
So what advice would Karen give to another photographer thinking about adding fine art prints to their business?
“Build a strong network of people you trust—people who will be honest with you and give you constructive feedback.”
That network can be invaluable.
From printers and framers to fellow photographers, clients, mentors and other creative professionals, surrounding yourself with people who are willing to offer honest and constructive advice can help you develop both your work and your business.
The Importance of Exhibiting Your Work
One of Karen’s proudest achievements has been organising her first solo exhibition.
“Exhibiting and selling a piece of your own artwork is exciting, humbling, and gratifying all at once.”
For photographers moving from commissioned work into fine art, an exhibition can represent an important change in mindset.
You aren’t simply providing photographs for a client. You are presenting your own work as something that people may choose to collect and display.
That can be both exciting and daunting.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
Karen identifies one of her biggest obstacles as learning to believe in herself and becoming comfortable asking for help.
“I now understand that it’s okay to reach out—and I’m lucky to have a lovely network of people I can turn to for support and advice.”
It’s a lesson that applies well beyond fine art photography.
Building a photography business often involves learning new skills, taking risks and doing things that initially feel uncomfortable. Having people around you who can provide honest feedback and encouragement can make that process considerably easier.
When Photography Becomes a Personal Journey
Karen’s story demonstrates how personal interests can shape a photographic career.
Her knowledge of horses has influenced her subject matter. Her love of adventure has taken her to remote locations. Her photography competitions helped build confidence in her work, and her interest in physical artwork eventually developed into a fine art print business.
There has been no need to rush the process.
“Stay true to yourself. It’s a journey not to be rushed but to be enjoyed. Keep going!”
For photographers wondering whether they should pursue a particular niche or develop their personal work into something more, that may be the most valuable advice of all.
Just for Fun
City or country? Country
Starter or pudding? If there’s a gluten-free pudding, then pudding every time!
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise in winter, sunset in summer
Chocolate or cheese? Cheese
Coffee or tea? Coffee
More About Karen Bennett
Karen Bennett is a photographer specialising in equine and animal photography, with her personal work extending into fine art prints.
Her work combines her lifelong knowledge of horses with a passion for photographing animals in natural environments.
She also continues to explore new locations and photographic opportunities, with future sailing adventures already in the planning.
Website: karenbennettphotography.co.uk
Instagram: @karenbennettphotography
Facebook: Karen Bennett Pet Photography
Instagram: @saltpot_sailing
Instagram: @karen_bennett_equine_prints
