Gwenaelle Clement Photography LLC

Embrace Nature: The Power of Pausing in Our Fast-Paced World

I don’t know if you feel the same, but to me, the world seems to spin faster every year — more activities, more responsibilities. I recently gave myself permission to pause. I closed the computer, left my phone behind, and took a few quiet hikes through the Wisconsin Dells.

Slowing down reminded me just how beautiful nature can be when we take the time to truly observe. The air feels a little softer, the sunsets a little warmer, and it’s as if nature itself is whispering, “Come outside.”

5-4-3-2-1 technique

Nature is a powerful way to reset your nervous system — to finally let your mind slow down. I’ve learned a technique not too long ago called 5-4-3-2-1:
➤ Count 5 things you can see
➤ 4 things you can hear
➤ 3 things you can feel
➤ 2 things you can smell
➤ 1 thing you can taste

It’s a grounding exercise I love to do while walking. Listening to birdsong, feeling the earth beneath my feet, breathing in the scent of fresh moss after a rain — all of it helps me reconnect with what matters.

This is why I often bring my camera with me. It helps me notice things I might otherwise miss. I don’t go with the goal of capturing the “perfect shot” — I go to let the outdoors show me what it wants to offer. These moments ground me. They refill my creative well.

Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, just sitting under a tree or beside the water — even for a few minutes — can bring clarity, peace, and new inspiration.

In many ways, my sessions are like these moments in nature. My goal is to capture the true spirit of my subject — not through forced poses, but by slowing down, letting the moment unfold, and allowing the magic to happen naturally.

So I ask you:

Have you taken time for yourself lately?

How do you reset? Whether it’s journaling, painting, or walking alongside your favorite animal, these small pauses are powerful.

Before the hustle of fall returns, I hope you take a moment to step outside and remember how beautiful it is to simply be. Whether you’re walking with a horse, watching your kids explore barefoot, or standing in a field with the sun on your face — those are the moments that stay.

And if you’d like help capturing them, I’d be honored to hold that space for you.

Why I’m Obsessed with Silhouette Photography at Golden Hour

One of my favorite photography styles is the silhouette. To create this effect, I expose for the sky and background, allowing the light behind the subject to shine while keeping the subject itself dark.

The best time for silhouettes is during golden hour—early in the morning as the sun rises, or in the evening as it dips lower in the sky. During this time, the strong contrast between subject and sky allows for bold, striking compositions.

Silhouettes strip away detail and leave us with shape, gesture, and emotion—a perfect way to tell a story in its simplest and most powerful form.

🐴 Emotion Through Shape

The goal of a silhouette is to create interesting and recognizable shapes, much like when we used to make animal shadows on the wall as kids. Silhouettes invite the imagination to fill in the story, which makes the final image deeply emotional and personal.

They’re also incredibly timeless and versatile—perfect as large, framed fine art pieces. I’ll be honest: I can be overly critical of my own face and wouldn’t necessarily want a giant print of it on my living room wall. But a silhouette of me and my beloved horse—where I’m not directly identifiable but still emotionally present—feels like art. It becomes a statement piece that captures our bond in a way that’s both personal and universal.

☀️ Conditions for the Perfect Silhouette Session

To achieve a strong silhouette image, here are a few key conditions that help:

Timing: Ideally, within 30 minutes before sunset or up to 30 minutes after. Sunset times vary throughout the summer, so I’ll guide you on when to arrive.
Weather: We need clear skies or partial cloud cover. Skies often come alive with shades of peach, gold, lavender, and soft blue, creating a stunning backdrop.
Wind: A light breeze adds beautiful movement—especially for hair, dresses, or tails.
Cloud Drama: Large clouds can enhance the composition with added depth and emotion.
Safety Note: Stormy skies can create drama, but safety comes first. At the first sign of lightning, we’ll wrap up the session.

Because these conditions are unpredictable, sessions may need to be scheduled last-minute—but that’s part of the magic. No two evenings (or mornings) are ever the same.

🌄 Why Sunrise and Sunset Are So Special

Even beyond silhouettes, golden hour offers so much beauty. They are unique and offer many opportunity to create different looks.

The soft, golden light is incredibly flattering for skin tones and adds a dreamy atmosphere to every image.
The low sun angle softens harsh shadows and creates a warm, natural glow.
It’s a peaceful time of day that allows for deeper emotion and connection.
Perfect for horses and families—horses shine in warm light, and children are often calmer when the world feels quiet and gentle.
Cooler temperatures make everyone more comfortable—especially in the heat of summer.

Do you have a favorite memory during golden hour—those quiet, glowing moments at sunrise or sunset?

I’d love to see your favorite sunset photo, or hear about a summer moment that’s stayed with you. Was it a peaceful ride, a late-night bonfire, or a quiet walk with someone special?

✨ Share your favorite golden hour memory or photo in the comments below—or tag me in your post! Let’s celebrate the beauty of these fleeting, golden moments together.

Nervous about your photo session? 6 tips to Feel Effortlessly Confident

When it comes to your photography session, the best moments aren’t the ones we plan perfectly — they’re the ones that unfold naturally.

If you’ve ever worried about feeling stiff, awkward, or unsure in front of the camera, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why my approach is centered on helping you feel comfortable, natural, and completely yourself.

Here are a few simple ways to prepare for a relaxed, easygoing session:

1. Let go of perfect. You are already beautiful, exactly as you are.

You might feel like you should wait — until you’ve lost a few pounds, have a better tan, or feel more “put together.” But your family, your children, the people who love you — they see your beauty right now. Not someday. Now.

Imagine the gift you’re leaving them: photos that capture you as you are today — your laugh, your eyes, your presence. No one will ever wish you had waited for a more “perfect” version of yourself. They’ll just be thankful you were in the frame.

You don’t need to know how to pose or perform. Some of the most beautiful images happen between the smiles — in the glances, the laughter, and the quiet moments you don’t even realize are happening.

I want you to look at your photos and say, “WOW, that’s us. I look so beautiful!”
It’s an honor to create that feeling for people. I’ll gently guide you through the session so you can simply be present — just as you are.

2. Wear What Makes You Feel Like You

Let’s choose outfits that feel like you.

Comfortable, natural clothing that allows you to move and feel confident always photographs best. (And if you’re not sure what works for your setting, I’ll help during your consultation!). We’ll select colors that coordinate with your vision and help you look and feel your absolute best.

3. Trust the Process

Your horse might nuzzle you. Your child might laugh too hard. The breeze might lift your hair at just the right moment.

All of these little “imperfections” are what make your story real — and real is always more beautiful than perfect.

4. Focus on the Feeling You Want to Remember

Before your session, take a moment to breathe and visualize the experience.

Think about what you want your images to feel like when they’re on your wall — joyful, peaceful, playful, powerful.

Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself: we’re here to have fun.

These are memories in the making.

5. Help Your Horse or Pet Feel Their Best

If your horse or dog is joining your session, a little preparation helps them feel more at ease, too. Here are a few simple tips:

Groom beforehand — A clean, brushed coat looks beautiful and helps your animal feel comfortable.
Plan for movement — A short ride or walk can release extra energy and help them settle.
Stay calm and flexible — Our animals pick up on our energy. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed they’ll be.

And remember — it’s okay if they don’t “pose” perfectly. That’s where the magic is. In the unscripted, imperfect moments that reveal the deep, natural bond you share.

6. Would you like a few more tips?

Here are a few more comments before I let you go :

Rest well the night before so you feel refreshed and energized during your session. Feeling tired can make it harder to relax and enjoy the moment.
Give yourself extra time to arrive and settle in. Rushing increases stress and makes it harder to relax once the session starts.
If it helps, bring a friend or family member who makes you feel comfortable and boosts your confidence.
Drink water and eat a balanced meal before your session to maintain your energy and mood.
Feel free to tell me if there are certain poses or angles you don’t like, or if there’s something specific you want to highlight or avoid. Open communication helps me create a session that feels right for you.
Spend a few minutes before the shoot doing calming exercises or imagining yourself enjoying the session. This can help ease nerves and set a positive mindset.

Choosing the Perfect Artwork for Your Home

Your memories deserve more than a place on a hard drive. They deserve a space in your home — where you can see them, feel them, and be reminded daily of the connections you cherish most.

But how do you know what kind of artwork is right for you? Here’s a simple guide to help you find the perfect piece.

Start with Your Space

Big wall? → A large statement piece or gallery collection might be perfect. I recommend to position the center of the artwork at 57 inches from the floor. If you have a tall ceiling, you may go as high as 60 inches from the floor.

Small nook or hallway? → A single, medium-sized framed piece creates warmth without overwhelming the space.

Over a couch, bed, or fireplace? → Choose a piece that’s 2/3 the width of the furniture to balance the room.

Next, Let’s think About Your Style

Classic and timeless? → Fine art framed prints with a neutral mat will fit perfectly.
Modern and sleek? → A single, bold canvas or minimalist frame.
Cozy and personal? → A collage wall or layered gallery of small framed prints feels intimate and warm.

Based on your style and the interior design of your home, I will guide you through the session to create a custom art collection. After the session, we will work together on selecting a matching set of images to create a gallery.

Too many images to put on your wall? Imagine flipping through them with your fingers instead → A handcrafted album might be the perfect fit.

No matter what, the most important thing is this:
Choose a way to live with your memories, not hide them.

If you’re not sure what would fit your home or your style best, I’m here to help.
During your session or reveal, we’ll look at real examples and find the perfect fit together — so you leave with something that feels just right.

Where will you display your images ? I can’t wait to see what we can create together ! Share your ideas in the comments.

Digital photos are forever, right? Wrong. Here’s what you’re risking by not printing your memories.

This week, I’d like to share a little reflection on the role of photography in today’s world.

In an era saturated with images, our phone is always in our pocket to capture the first step of our baby, the first trick that our puppy has mastered or our the thrill of our latest horse show. We fill up our storage with snap shots that we quickly share on our social media feeds. We may delete some of these moments to save more room on our limited storage for our next vacation and we may loose all of these memories together once we accidentally drop our phone in a hurry.

So here is my point, I consider photography as a really important part of my life to share my stories with my family back in France. Sometimes, I find it easier to speak with my images than with words. Here are a few of my thoughts :

Despite the ephemeral nature of the digital media, we still value photography as a medium to capture the important moments of our lives.

We love to share our images with our friends and family. We often revisit these memories together once we received a Facebook “memory” or during our next friends gathering where phrases like “do you remember last year !! ” weave through conversations.

Digitals is intangible. We may easily loose files by changing from one provider to another, the technology progresses quickly and the files may degrade overtime.

Social Media is not a good safe keeper, our files are stored on a third party platform that may decide to close at any time.

Our grand grand kids will not have access to our digital storage decades later. The images we are taking today will be turned into digital dust in the years to come if not properly backed up onto external storage that we control.

So why not using a different way of sharing our wonderful images ? A tangible and lasting way to share images is to print them so they can travel times. There is many support available today to give life to our images such as. Here are 4 reasons to print your images :

Creating an album of your favorite images is a good way to capture all the memory in one place.

Displaying a series of portraits of your most important people in your home is also a great conversation starter.

Gifting a desk print to your loved ones is also a unique personalized gift.

looking through a folio box is a great way to stay away from your phones. We all need a break from our devices !

Imagine when the future generations find an old box of your images and relics in 50 or 100 years. What emotions would they feel ?

Photography is still a very important media to share our stories and show emotions. It is a moral and self esteem booster when you get to see your best moments displayed everyday on a wall. So prioritize taking photos of your family and pets. Life is too short and it is important to capture our milestone and leaving a legacy of our presence on earth.

Should you require any assistance with creating long lasting memories of your significant milestones, reach out today to schedule a professional photo shoot !

Unconditional love for Valentine’s Day

Who else agrees that the best way to celebrate Valentines day is at the barn with our horses ?

In this post, I want to reflect on the amazing connection I had the chance to experiences with the many horses that crossed my path. They all touched my heart in one way or another. They have the capability to bring me in the present moment. Just the simple act of petting them makes me feel instantly calmer and centered when I am having a bad day. Horses don’t care how we look like, they just love us unconditionally for who we are. They are able to comfort us without the need for words, they magically clear our mind from all the worries.

If we pay close attention, we may notice their subtle way of communicating with us. They will gently nudge you to receive attention, they may call for us when they see us approaching their pasture, or they will quickly learn our habits to receive a few more treats. The more time we spend with them, the deeper this bond becomes and we become fully aware of their body language. The magic may also happen in the saddle. They often bring their own opinions to an exercise we are trying to master. But after countless hours of practice, the synchronicity between the rider and the horse happens and we get to experience a profoundly deep connection with them.

I feel it is a privilege for us human to share this special connection with such a beautiful animal and photography is a way to freeze this unique bond we share with them. My purpose during a photography session is to highlight the personality and trait that each of our animal express, whether it’s the wag of a tail, and ear pointing forward or a playful nuzzle. I will document those precious aspects of our relationship with our horses so they stay close to our heart for ever.

Are you ready to document your unique love story? Leave a message below to get started!

Happy Valentines to you and your loved one !

Bundle up for Equine portrait in the snow

Winter season is in full blown here is Iowa, we have received quite of bit of snow in the past few weeks ! This make a perfect time of the year to create magical images with our horses. Can you sense the excitement of your horses when you let them out in the morning in a freshly snow covered pasture ? Each sound is muffled by the snow, everything is quiet, the air feel crisp and the birds are slowly awaking with their beautiful song, the snow is perfectly fluffy and white, the horses are jumping with excitement and really to stretch their legs. All they want is to play like kids and run freely in the snow. This is this bundle of energy and joy of winter that I offering to capture for you. Together we will create special art work that will display your horse personality on a white snow canvas !

Here are a few tips to make this snow session successful :

> Dress warm, wear several thermal layers, add waterproof coat and pants, find your best winterized winter boots and snow gloves. I usually add a couple of winter socks, neck gator and hand warmer if there is a slight sign of wind-chill. Our goal is to stay warm during the session.

> Plan to meet in the morning where the light just rise up and the snow are fresh with no tracks. Have an enclosed arena or pasture where we can release the horses. Ensure that the space and footing is safe with no icy conditions.

> If you are concerned about letting your companion run free, we also have the option to photograph them on a lunge line. I have some magic image processing tool in my pocket to erase those lines and make it looks like your equine partner is running free. My priority is your safety and the safety of your horses.

> I am also inviting you to be on the picture with your horse. Be creative with a bright colorful outfit, it will clearly standout against the snow. Are you imagining a picture with a long floaty dress ? My tip is to keep your breeches underneath for warmth and comfort in the snow !

Contact me today to be added on the wait list for the next snow session !

Getting to know me !

Time to get to know the face behind the camera, let me introduce myself!

My name is Gwenaelle or Gwen for short and here is my story! I grew up in St Malo, a touristic town of Brittany, France. I’ve always been an animal lover, and spent most of my life as been around dogs, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, cockatiels, hamsters and may be a mouse or two… I picked up a camera when I was young because I wanted to capture these beautiful animals and keep a legacy of their time with us. As a young girl, all I wanted to do was to be at the barn, with the horses. At school, I would be a A-student in science and my weakness was the English language.

As I grew up, I was too scared to become a vet, so my route took me on the engineering education. Long story short, after 5 years in college I graduated and in 2011, I took on the challenge of traveling across the globe to the US, in Cedar Rapids Iowa, in a country where I barely spoke the language. I used the photography as a mean to communicate my experiences with my family back in France.

Eventually, my English improved and beside my daily job, I volunteered my time tutor French speakers with English. I also spent time at Miracles in Motions, an equine assisted therapeutic centers for children and adults. A few years after that, I connected with Greenbriar Riding Academy and started to ride horses again. After a few years of lesson, I bought my dream horse, Glider in 2020.

Where did photography become such a big part of my life; would you ask? Basically, my camera is by my side everywhere I go, this is my creative escape. I love the story telling style and as I improved my craft by taking photography classes, I found more and more opportunities to take pictures of others during Events, Equine Competitions, Friends birthday… I see the life through my lens. I capture all the special moments, so they are becoming eternal memories of our best moments.

Today, I am specializing in pet photography and showing the connection between us and our favorite fur friend. I strive for keeping these memories visible to others. Memories are what makes us and our story. They should deserve a special place in our home!

So now that you have learned a little bit more about myself, I want to get to know you! What matters to you and how can I help you capture your special memories. If you are around the Iowa corridor, reach out today, my camera is ready!

Here are a few things that matter to me:

I always find the best in people. All people are beautiful and equal.
It is important for me to make all the people around me feel good. As an introvert, I may not be comfortable in large gathering, but I value deep connections.
I love to learn new things but the best part for me is when I can share what I know with others.
As an active listener, I want to understand your needs and vision to best serve you. I am here to realize your wishes.
I love the ocean and nature in general. take me where the wild life roam and I will feel part of an element I understand and where I feel I belong.
My favorite season may be spring and fall when the nature awake or gives us magical colors. Snow in winter is also one of my favorite time ! I also love the heat of summer but I hate the mosquitoes that come with it. That said, I think I like all seasons.
My favorite numbers are 2 and 0
I love dark coffee, pasta bread and cheese and Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts and peanut Mnms.
My favorite band is Pink Floyd. Perhaps an older classic band for my age but I grew up with Parents listening to them on repeat. My favorite album is Dark Side of the Moon.

a few of my favorite quotes :

Being positive doesn’t just make you better. It makes everyone around you better.
You have to love what you do. If you don’t love it you’ll never work to be great at it.
Don’t seek happiness. Decide to work with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.
Never stop learning and growing. If you stay humble and hungry great things will continue to happen.
The best is still yet to come.

Capturing 2023 Through Lenses: A Year in Review

As the curtain falls on 2023, I spent some time this week, reflecting on my favorite moments and images. This past year was full of learning and amazing experiences on my photography journey ! I am inviting you to join me in 2024 to create even more artwork with your favorite companions.

This past year, I fully embraced the magic of natural light. My favorite parts of the day were sunrise (if I wake up early enough) and sunset. The dance of light during these moments is pure magic. With the help of amazing subjects and stunning skies, the images resulting from the earliest or latest hour of the day are my favorite. What do you think of these beautiful silhouette pictures ? As I’ve explored the art of bending light through my lens, the horizon of creativity has expanded, promising a gallery of unique images waiting to be shared with you.

This year I also dived into the realm of studio lighting for when our Iowa weather is not cooperating or too cold to pick our noses outside. Navigating through various settings, I discovered the art of transforming any space into a studio, capturing the essence of moments with the same passion, whether indoors or outdoors. If you have a cozy spot to escape the winter chill, let’s discuss the possibilities of creating timeless images together.

To all who contributed to my success in 2023—your collaboration, support, and shared moments have painted my journey with vivid strokes. Each image I captured holds a piece of the shared experiences and stories we’ve created together. What was your favorite moment from the past year ? I invite you to share your favorite moments and reflections; let’s weave a collective narrative in the comments below!

As we step into the blank canvas 2024, what is the dream image you wish to capture ? If you have an idea or a special moment you’d like immortalized, drop a message below or send me a direct message. Here’s to a 2024 overflowing with creativity, connection, and the magic of unforgettable images—let’s paint this canvas together!