Capturing EQUINE ELEGANCE

The Artistry of

Shelli Breidenbach’s Lens

Written by Madison Bailey

1916 Company F. P. Journe Chronometre optimum

RENOWNED FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER SHELLI BREIDENBACH HAS ESTABLISHED HERSELF AS A TRAILBLAZER IN THE WORLD OF EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY, CAPTIVATING AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE WITH HER ELEGANT AND MODERN APPROACH TO EQUESTRIAN PORTRAITURE.

By picking up this summer’s issue, you’ve already stepped into the world of Shelli Briedenbach’s lens. Marked by its minimalist elegance, Breidenbach’s equestrian photography reshapes the narrative of traditional horse portraits by placing these majestic creatures against dynamic black, white, and vibrantly colored canvases.

Leaving Wall Street behind, Shelli’s journey into photography began on a family trip to South Africa, where her love for animals and passion for photography amplified, setting the stage for her artistic career. “Africa had a huge impact on me. It made me love wild animals even more, taught me to respect their space and homes, and overall, it made me realize the importance of caring for our environment,” she says.

Yet, the real gem lies in the story of the high-flying Casa de Campo adventure with a helicopter navigating the skies, capturing polo players in full swing against a backdrop that steals the breath away. It’s not your typical photo shoot tale, but then again, Shelli is anything but typical. The adrenaline rush of capturing such dynamic shots, combined with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the open sky, created an unforgettable experience for both the photographer and her subjects. “Hanging out of a helicopter with no doors was definitely a challenge, but the results were worth it,” she reflects.

EQUINE MINIMALISM REDEFINED:

Bredienbach’s unique style, dubbed equine minimalist photography, involves capturing horses without tack against carefully chosen backdrops. With a meticulous eye for detail, she breaks down each image to accentuate the shapes and forms of her majestic subjects. The goal is to focus solely on the horse, eliminating distractions and allowing the viewer to appreciate the beauty and athleticism of these magnificent creatures. “I started by placing a hand-painted burlap behind the horses to eliminate distractions and focus solely on the beauty and athleticism of the horse,” she says. “My goal with all of my photography, in general, is to focus on the subject and not the environment.”

Despite initially starting her career in fashion photography, Shelli’s journey took a natural and inevitable turn towards equestrian photography as her passion for animals, particularly horses, flourished. With each click of the camera, she not only captures images but also preserves moments of profound connection and mutual respect between horse and human. For Shelli, the transition from fashion to equine photography wasn’t just a professional evolution; it was a deeply personal one, driven by her love for these magnificent creatures and the desire to share their beauty with the world.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:

While Bredienbach didn’t delve into competitive equestrian events until adulthood, it was during these formative years that she first discovered the intrinsic beauty and grace of these majestic animals. “Ultimately, as a rider, my true passion led me to spend the majority of my time simply being with horses in the barn. That’s where I felt most connected and where I chose to channel my energy. Becoming a successful equine photographer, to me, is inseparable from being a rider.”

For the photographer, the heart of her craft lies in the continuous process of building relationships with her equine subjects. She understands the importance of establishing trust, recognizing that it’s these authentic connections that enable her to capture the true essence of each horse she photographs. “I aim to always focus on the animals at all costs and give them the time and understanding they need,” she says.

BEHIND THE LENS:

Equine photography involves a meticulous process where every detail matters. From the carefully chosen color of hand-painted backdrops to the positions of each horse and the interplay of lighting, her photographs are a testament to her commitment to creating stunning art images. “Every shoot involves building a full set with a massive backdrop and extensive equipment,” she says. “ It’s a lot to ask of the animals, so understanding and patience are crucial.”

Breidenbach’s equine photographs have become iconic, gracing the pages of equestrian magazines and adorning horse show posters, such as the Hampton Classic Horse Show poster back in 2021. As she continues to make waves in the equestrian photography world, Shelli also finds solace and inspiration in her own slice of nature. “I bought a property six years ago and brought my retired horse home. Eventually, I added more animals, including mini ponies, sheep, goats, and even a pig,” she reveals. “It’s been fulfilling to grow old with my retired horse and spend time with all the animals on a daily basis.”

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