YOU SEE THE SHOT. YOU JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW TO CAPTURE IT.
Learn to photograph horses the way they deserve to be seen.
Master camera fundamentals, equine movement, and composition techniques to create images that tell stories—whether you're building a portfolio or a business.
Taught by Nicole Poyo Brennan | Award-Winning Equine Photographer
THE ART AND THE SCIENCE.
Great equine photography requires two kinds of knowledge.
You need to understand your camera. That's technical.
But you also need to understand horses.
Their anatomy, their movement, their behavior.
That's what separates snapshots from images that stop people mid-scroll.
This course teaches both.
Camera operation and equine concepts.
Composition and biomechanics.
The art and the science.
Whether you're shooting for yourself, building a client base, or documenting ranch life, these fundamentals give you the foundation to create work you're proud of.
The skills that create compelling images.
Knowing Your Tools
Camera operation, manual mode, and how to make your gear work for you.
Equine Safety
How to work around horses safely—for you, the horse, and your equipment.
Equine Anatomy & Movement
Understanding how horses move so you can anticipate and capture the perfect moment.
Elements of Exposure
Aperture, shutter speed, ISO—and how to use them to create the image you want.
Lens Choice & Focusing Systems
The right lens for each situation. How to nail focus on moving subjects.
Lighting & Composition
Natural light techniques and composition rules that make images pop.Action & Portraiture
Capturing movement and stillness. Telling different stories with different approaches.Post-Processing
Editing workflows in Adobe Lightroom to polish and perfect your images.
Why understanding horses makes you a better photographer
I've spent years studying horses, not just photographing them.
Hunter-jumpers. Cutters. Ranch horses. Different disciplines, different movements, different stories to tell.
That knowledge is what lets me anticipate the shot before it happens. It's what helps me position myself (safely) and capture the moment that matters.
The camera is just a tool.
Understanding your subject?
That's what creates images people can't look away from.
— Nicole Poyo Brennan
This course works whether you're starting from scratch or leveling up.
Let's Talk Tools
What you'll need to get started:
Equine photography doesn't require a massive investment, but you do need the right tools to learn effectively.
Essential gear:
DSLR or Mirrorless camera (with manual mode capability)
Memory card(s)
Memory card reader
Computer with Adobe Lightroom editing software
External hard drive for storage
Helpful additions:
Interchangeable lenses for different shooting scenarios
Extra camera batteries
Tripod for stability
Doer and Dedicated students get the complete, detailed tools and resources list with direct purchase links.
Choose The Level That Fits Your Goals
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Resource downloads
1-on-1 calls with Nevada
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all 12 course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Nevada
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Nevada
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Nevada
Priority support and personalized feedback
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Fundamentals of Silversmithing +
Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Fundamentals of Silversmithing course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Complete resource list
1-on-1 calls with Nicole
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For photographers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
Lesson workbooks
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Nicole
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Nicole
For serious photographers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Nicole
Priority support and personalized feedback on your images
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Equine Photography Foundations + Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Equine Photography Foundations course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
From snapshots to storytelling
Imagine capturing the moment a horse and rider connect. The power in motion. The quiet in stillness.
Not just taking pictures—telling stories that make people stop, look, and feel something.
That's what happens when you combine technical skill with true understanding of your subject.
Whether you're documenting your own horses, building a client portfolio, or capturing the Western way of life, this course gives you the foundation to create images that matter.
Testimonials
Ready to start capturing better images?
Enrollment opens July 1-14, 2026.
Join the waitlist to get notified the moment registration opens.
Questions? Email us at info@beamaker.school
Ready to add another skill to your toolkit?
Expand your maker skillset beyond photography with our other western trade courses.
Quarterly enrollment: July 1-14, 2026
Questions or gift certificates: info@beamaker.school
