Smiling young woman with long blonde hair gently touches the face of a dark brown horse beside a wooden fence outdoors.


San diego based EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHY& Film

timeless imagery for the equestrian world.

Photography and film for riders, their horses, and the brands that serve them.

My approach is personal, thoughtful and always focused on capturing something genuine.

Barefoot woman in dark clothing sits on a white windowsill between gray shutters, smiling beside a brown horse peeking through the window.
why it feels different.


Experience you can see.

I’ve spent over a decade photographing horses and the people who love them. I know the sport, I know how to show a horse at its very best, and I know exactly which moment to capture. With my team, we’ll work for the ears, the stance and the expression, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.


Thoughtfully planned, entirely yours.

A session with me is personal and carefully planned. We’ll choose the light, the setting and the wardrobe together, so on the day all you have to do is show up with your horse. I’ll take care of everything else.



Guided every step of the way.

I’ll guide you through every pose, so even if you don’t love being photographed, you’ll love the results.


Portraits for a lifetime.

The result is a collection of fine-art portraits made to be printed, framed and passed on. They show exactly what this horse means to you.

You only share this chapter with your horse once. Let’s make sure it’s remembered beautifully.


choose your path

Smiling woman in black riding attire stands beside a bay horse wearing a bridle on a path in front of a wooden fence and autumn trees.
private photo session
White barn-style building with black sliding doors, tall palm trees, and a sandy driveway under a clear blue sky.
for brands & Ranches
Rider in a helmet and patterned jacket performs dressage on a gray Andalusian horse in an outdoor arena with a mirror reflecting the pair.
how it works

simple, personal, and stress-free from start to finish


  1. We Talk: A relaxed call about you, your horse and the images you dream of. I listen first.
  2. Your Session: Think of it as time with a friend from the barn, who just happens to be a photographer.
  3. Your Gallery & Prints: A private proof gallery with access to a fine-art print shop.
A person kneels on green grass beside a dark bay horse grazing near a wooden fence, with tall palm trees in the background.
Equestrian & FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY


PREMIUM EQUINE SPECIALIST BRANDING



Your equestrian business is built on trust, reputation, and the quiet details that set your program apart.

The way you teach, train, care for your horses, welcome your clients, and present your work all tell a story before a client ever reaches out. Thoughtful imagery helps that story feel clear, polished, and unmistakably yours.


Equine Specialist Branding Sessions are designed for trainers, barn owners, sale programs, and equestrian professionals who need more than beautiful photographs. These sessions create a strategic visual library you can use across your website, social media, email marketing, printed materials, client communication, and overall brand presence.

The goal is simple: to create imagery that reflects the quality of the work you are already doing.

 

 

 

 

 

Smiling woman in black riding attire stands beside a bay dressage horse wearing white leg wraps and a saddle outside a tile-roofed stable.
For brands & equine specialists
Spacious horse barn interior with wooden stalls, skylights, a hanging lantern, and a wide concrete aisle leading to a bright open doorway.
Sunlit concrete pathway lined with tall palm trees and wooden fences leads through a misty, green horse ranch at golden hour.
Woman in black riding attire leads a dark bay horse along a sunlit gravel path past a covered stable and tall palm trees.
Equestrian & FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY


For riders & horse owners


A session with me is unhurried and personal. We’ll choose the light, the setting and the wardrobe together, so on the day all you have to do is be with your horse. I’ll take care of everything else.


I’ve spent over a decade among horses and the people who love them. I own a dressage horse myself.  I know when to step closer and when to simply wait.


Your horse sets the pace, and you’ll be gently guided through every moment, so you can feel completely at ease.


The result is a collection of fine-art portraits made to be printed, framed and passed on. They are quiet, honest and timeless, made to show exactly what this horse means to you. You only share this chapter with your horse once. Let’s make sure it’s remembered beautifully.

 

 

 

 

Woman in riding boots, breeches and a dark top stands holding the reins beside a chestnut dressage horse in a bridle on a sunny arena.
Plan your private photo session
Woman in a navy button-up shirt stands beside a chestnut horse in a bridle, touching its face in warm golden-hour light outdoors.
Rider in a navy jacket, white breeches and helmet stands beside a black dressage horse with white socks and saddle pad near a wooden fence.
Woman in a black jacket stands holding the lead of a tall chestnut horse on a brick path lined with palm trees at golden hour.
Smiling woman with glasses and dark hair in a bun holds a black DSLR camera while posing in a navy blouse against a white background.
meet the photographer


CAPTURING LIGHT, FEELINGS &  MOMENTS AND ALL THE THINGS IN BETWEEN PEOPLE AND LIFE.



Hi, I'm Elena.

I travel worldwide to capture horses and their riders, but for me, it's about so much more than just taking pictures. Creating beautiful images starts with creating a comfortable environment. I love blending carefully posed shots with those candid, magical moments that happen naturally when everyone feels relaxed and at ease. With an eye for the perfect lighting and setup, I craft a fun, memorable experience where the special bond between horse and rider can shine through authentically.


Photographer in white blouse and black skirt aiming a large telephoto lens at a brown bridled horse on a palm-lined path.
more about me

where I Photograph.

Based in San Diego, photographing throughout San Diego and Los Angeles, Florida, Europe and beyond.

San Diego, CA

see my most recent work

@elena_dotoli
Blonde woman in black kneels in a stable beside a gray dapple horse lowering its head and a brown and white dog wearing a collar.
Woman with long blonde hair in black outfit rides a white horse in a stable aisle lit by glowing chandeliers and string lights.
Woman in black blouse and wide-leg trousers stands beside a gray horse in a stable aisle lit by golden chandeliers and string lights.
Book Your Session
Ready to create something you'll treasure?


Tell me a little about you and your horse.


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Young woman with long blonde hair in a white sundress stands close to a bay horse wearing a black leather bridle outdoors.
Serving


Horse owner


Let's capture those irreplaceable moments between you and your horse. I understand that every bond has its own beautiful story, and I'll help you feel completely at ease during our shoot so your true connection can shine through. Your comfort is my priority, creating an experience that's as memorable as the stunning images you'll treasure forever.

More info

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A horse handler in equestrian attire leads a large black horse with white leg wraps outside a barn with grey doors.
Serving


Horse Trainer


Show the world the dedication, skill, and passion behind your daily work with horses through captivating photos and videos. I'll document your training methods, success stories, and the genuine care you provide - all while making sure you feel natural and confident in front of the camera. This authentic content helps potential clients truly understand your unique approach and expertise and makes sponsors happy.

more info

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A farrier working in a mobile workshop examines a horseshoe while standing at a portable workbench outdoors.
serving


Equine Specialists


Stand out in the equine world with professional branding and content that truly reflects your expertise and passion. Understanding your individual journey and goals, I'll create a visual story that resonates with your target audience. From stunning imagery to strategic marketing support, I'll help you showcase your services while keeping the process comfortable and enjoyable.

More info

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Two women in jeans, one in a cowboy hat, chat beside a stone stable with black doors while a brown dog sits at their feet.
SERVING



Social media services


Focus on your business and never feel the guilt again of not posting enough on social media. With our social media package designed just for horse professionals like you, you'll attract more clients and land those coveted sponsorship deals by highlighting your top-notch horse care and friendly barn vibe.


SERVING:

Horse Trainer

Equestrian Brands

Equine Health Specialists

Horse Boarding, Training, Breeding Facilities

More info

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A smiling young woman holding a tablet and a man in a khaki shirt chat while sitting on a wooden fence with mountains behind them.
Serving


Education for photographer


Whether you're joining one of my photography workshops or seeking personal coaching, I'll meet you exactly where you are in your creative journey. Drawing from my experience and understanding that everyone learns differently, I create a supportive environment where you can grow your skills with confidence. Together, we'll unlock your potential while having fun along the way.

more info

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