Q&A With Jenny Abbott Of Xenophon Photography
- Jenny Abbott, Xenophon Photography
- 14 hours ago
- 9 min read
What first inspired you to combine your lifelong love of horses and dogs with photography?
JENNY: Photography has been part of my heart since the day my grandmother placed her old Minolta in my hands and let me press the shutter for the first time. That simple moment sparked something in me that’s never faded.
I believe deeply in preserving memories, in the quick snapshots on our phones, but especially in the tangible ones. The framed prints on your walls. The albums you you look at again and again. The photographs that become part of your home and your history.
You will never regret capturing a moment that might otherwise slip away. Time moves quickly, and one day those images become more than just pictures — they become what we have left. Of beloved pets. Of the people who shaped us. Of times in our lives that feel impossibly distant.
Losing family members who meant the world to me taught me just how powerful a photograph can be. They are among my most treasured possessions. That’s why I care so much about documenting the connections people share now — before they become memories you wish you could hold onto just a little longer.
How does your experience as a veterinary technician and animal trainer influence your approach during shoots?
JENNY: I’ve spent decades working with animals in every kind of environment and stress level imaginable. Over time, I’ve learned to read their body language instinctively — sometimes even more clearly than their owners can.
That experience allows me to build trust quickly, so your pet isn’t focused on the fact that I’m a stranger. Instead, they’re able to relax, engage, and show off who they truly are. The result? Images that capture their personality — not their uncertainty.
Because I understand how animals communicate, I can tailor each session to their comfort level. Whether that means slowing things down, adjusting the environment, or encouraging specific behaviors that might otherwise feel challenging, everything is done thoughtfully and without added stress.
Above all, my goal is simple: your animal should enjoy the session. When they’re comfortable and having fun, the magic happens naturally.
Can you share a particularly memorable session — maybe one that surprised or touched you deeply?
JENNY: Through photography, I’ve been given some unforgettable opportunities — including meeting the legendary Steffen Peters, a personal idol of my mom’s, and photographing him at a clinic. That experience will always be incredibly special to me.
I’ve also had the profound honor of capturing a number of end-of-life sessions. Photographing what people love most about their animals as they prepare to say goodbye is deeply meaningful work. As a veterinary technician, I have stood beside countless families in those final moments. I’ve cried with them. I’ve held their hands. I’ve felt their heartbreak.
Offering these sessions is a way for me to support them during such a tender, transitional time — helping preserve love, connection, and memory before one of the hardest moments in their pet’s life. It’s an opportunity I truly cherish.
How would you describe your photographic style when capturing equine versus canine portraits?
JENNY: When I photograph horses, I tend to be a bit more methodical — and i find, it kind of has to be that way. Horses aren’t generally known for their patience, and their focus can disappear in a heartbeat. So I work with more of a quiet “script” in mind. The poses are thoughtfully planned, the flow is intentional, and I move efficiently to capture that magic and emotional connection before the horse decides they’re officially done participating.
With dogs, it’s a little different. Dogs are with their people — their family — not balancing the pull of a herd nearby. They’re usually more willing to hang out, explore, and engage. My dog sessions feel more like a relaxed hike in the woods: we wander, we pause, we hand out cookies, I make ridiculous noises, and somewhere in all of that, beautiful moments unfold. They often last longer simply because we get caught up in the fun of it.
Dogs also demand more creativity. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane cannot — and should not — be posed the same way. Their size, structure, personality, and presence are completely different. Every dog brings something unique to the session, and I love leaning into that individuality rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Both equine and canine sessions are magical in their own ways — they just require different rhythms. And learning to work within those rhythms is where the real artistry lives.
Do you have a favorite moment or connection to capture between an animal and their human?
JENNY: With horses, I’ll have people close their eyes, press their forehead in, breathe their horse in deeply. Everyone loves the way their horse smells — that warm, sweet, familiar scent that feels like home. A soft kiss on the nose or cheek, eyes closed, just breathing together. Those images always feel special. They’re not about posing — they’re about connection.
With dogs, it’s a little different but just as powerful. I love when people gently hold their dog’s face in their hands and just look into each other’s eyes. That mutual gaze — the trust, the devotion, the unspoken understanding — it photographs beautifully. There’s something so pure about it.
Those are the frames that make people tear up later. Not because they’re perfectly posed, but because they feel exactly like loving them does. Those are what we cherish about a photograph, the memories, not of an exact pose or look, but how that animal made us feel.
What’s your process like for working with animals who are shy, energetic, or may not want to pose?
JENNY: I always work at the animal’s pace — that’s where my Vet Tech and trainer background really comes in.
No matter the personality, I completely ignore almost all dogs when we first meet. No direct eye contact, no reaching for them, no pressure. I just chat with their person like it’s no big deal. That space gives them the chance to observe me, process my camera equipment, and realize I’m not there to overwhelm them. Curiosity almost always follows.
With especially shy or energetic dogs, this approach works wonders. After a few minutes of being ignored, they always settle. I’ll often suggest we take a little walk to explore the location first — movement helps take the edge off both animals and humans and turns the session into something that feels natural instead of staged.
Horses are typically less shy with me, but I still let them come up and investigate me and my equipment on their terms. If one is feeling particularly fresh or frisky, I’ll lean into that energy and suggest some liberty shots instead of fighting it. It’s always about working with them, not against them.
My prep guide also sets clients up for success, and most people do such a great job preparing that we’re not starting from chaos. That makes a huge difference.
And when it comes to posing — I absolutely have to give credit to my assistants. They are worth their weight in gold. One of them is always with me, and I truly couldn’t do this without their help. Having that extra set of skilled hands allows everything to flow smoothly and keeps the session calm, safe, and beautifully coordinated. Plus our friendly banter keeps everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.
How do you choose locations and backdrops that best showcase the animal’s personality and connection with the owner?
JENNY: I always start with light. Good light is everything. Before I even think about posing, I’m looking at where the light is softest, most flattering.
From there, I pay attention to lines and backgrounds — clean, uncluttered spaces that won’t distract from the connection. Leading lines, depth, little natural frames… all of it matters. I want the focus to stay where it belongs: on the relationship.
I’m also intentional about choosing locations where the animal feels comfortable. A stressed animal isn’t happy and this won’t create beautiful images, their ease is always the priority. When they’re relaxed, everything flows better.
I always ask owners if there are special spots they’d love included. With dogs, that might be a favorite trail, a dock, or a backyard they’ve grown up in. With horses, it’s often just as meaningful — maybe the dressage arena where they’ve been working so hard, a favorite jump line, the field at golden hour. Those spaces tell part of the story.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about a pretty location. It’s about weaving their story into the images in a way that feels beautiful and true.
What should clients expect during a typical equine or dog session — from first contact to the final images?
JENNY: I really believe the experience starts long before the session itself. Communication is huge for me.
When someone first reaches out, I ask for their address and send a welcome gift in the mail — along with my prep guide and a few fun surprises. I also create a shared Pinterest board so we can swap inspiration and get a feel for the look and emotion they’re drawn to. Then we hop on Zoom or FaceTime to talk through everything face to face.
By the time we meet in person, it rarely feels like I’m meeting a stranger. So many clients greet me with a hug because we’ve already connected. That familiarity makes such a difference — sessions feel relaxed, easy, and genuinely fun.
During the shoot, I give clear verbal direction so no one is left wondering what to do. My assistant handles a lot of the attention-grabbing and posing support alongside me, which allows clients to simply enjoy their animal instead of stressing about logistics. They get to be present. I take care of the rest.
Afterward, I send a sneak peek within 24–48 hours — often sooner — because I know how exciting that wait can be. Full galleries are typically delivered within two weeks and always guaranteed by four. I aim to be completely transparent throughout the process and, whenever possible, overdeliver.
For me, it’s not just about beautiful photos. It’s about creating a luxury experience that feels thoughtful, organized, joyful, and worth every bit of trust my clients place in me.
How do you handle weather, challenging conditions, or unexpected behavior during a shoot?
JENNY: I can photograph in almost any weather and I try not to reschedule unless we truly need to — like steady rain or strong winds that just aren’t safe or pleasant. That said, I’m also realistic. If it’s hovering around 0° and the dog clearly hates the cold, or we get a surprise foot of snow and your tiny dog would disappear in it, I’m absolutely flexible.
At the end of the day, I want the session to be something both you and your animal genuinely enjoy. If rescheduling means a better experience, I’m happy to make that happen whenever I can.
When it comes to behavior, decades of training and hands-on animal experience have given me a very long fuse. I’m surprised by almost nothing. As a Vet Tech, I have seen animals at their absolute worst. So in my photo sessions, I take things as they come, adjust in the moment, and keep the energy light. If something goes sideways, I laugh. And honestly? That laugh is powerful. When the client relaxes, the animal almost always follows.
Even on the rare occasion I feel stressed internally, I’m very good at the “fake it ’til you make it” approach — cracking jokes, keeping things moving, protecting the vibe. Because the tone of the session matters. If it feels easy and fun, the photos will reflect that.
No matter what happens, my priority is that everyone leaves smiling — even if I’ve been quietly improvising the entire time. 😉
What products or formats do you offer — beyond digital files — to help clients preserve their memories?
JENNY: I offer digital files in all-inclusive packages because I know how hard it is to choose favorites. I don’t want my clients feeling stressed about narrowing down their images — I want them to enjoy the full story of their session.
Clients can also order professional prints and wall art through me so their photos don’t just live on a screen.
I adore books. There’s something timeless and tangible about turning real pages. Designing custom photo books for my clients is one of the most special parts of what I do. It removes the work from their plate, but it allows me to relive their session as I carefully curate and lay out their story. The flow, the quiet moments, the big emotional ones — all woven together in a way that feels intentional and lasting.
Jenny Abbott
Xenophon Photography
Born and raised in Maine near Acadia National Park, animals have always been at the center of my life. My mom got her first horse while she was pregnant with me, so you could say I was raised in the saddle. She bred collies, which meant I grew up constantly surrounded by dogs and horses — and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I spent many years riding, training, and showing dressage. Now, as my horse turns 22, I’ve traded the show ring for slower days filled with trail rides and liberty work, simply enjoying each other’s company.
I’ve been married for 26 years to a wonderful man whose only childhood pet was a short-lived goldfish — yet he is wholeheartedly supportive of all my animal-centered passions.
My business is named after my heart horse, Xenophon, and my beloved sidekick Tessie accompanies me on every photo session.
When I’m not working as a veterinary technician or behind the camera, you’ll find me in the woods with my dog Tessie who joins me on all my photography sessions — and at the barn, soaking in the quiet moments that remind me why I do this work in the first place.
Because for me, photography isn’t just about beautiful images. It’s about honoring the relationships that shape our lives.
Website: https://www.xenophonphotography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xenophon04
This article is from the March 2026 issue of Equine Business Magazine
Comments