the woman behind the camera
My name is Samantha Dawn Ebeling, but almost everyone knows me simply as Samantha Dawn.
I’m an equine photographer based out of Kansas City, USA with work recognized and awarded both nationally and internationally. My career takes me across the country, and sometimes beyond, capturing the enchanting beauty of horses.
If you’ve seen photographs of Gypsy Vanner horses in the U.S., chances are, you’ve seen my work! I was introduced to the breed in 2017, fell in love and now own two myself. Beyond Gypsies, I’m also widely known for my photography of Friesians and Iberian horses. The "fantasy" horses I so affectionately call them.
From a young age, I was the “weird horse girl”, completely immersed in my love for these animals...a passion that has only deepened over the years. Horses have shaped every part of who I am, teaching me lessons about resilience, presence and self discovery. They have carried me, both literally and figuratively, through life’s most challenging moments. In the darkest times of my life, they were my lighthouse...guiding me to solace.
With over 25+ years of experience owning, riding and lightly training my own horses, I’ve developed a keen eye for breed standards, movement and artistry. My knowledge allows me to capture not just a horse’s beauty, but its essence, transforming each image into something timeless. Being entirely self-taught has only fueled my creativity and relentless drive for growth, constantly pushing my boundaries and inspiring me to master new techniques. I credit the horse for instilling in me the desire to always strive to be better than I was yesterday.
For centuries, horses have been at the heart of art...their strength, grace and spirit immortalized by painters, sculptors and storytellers alike. They have left their mark on history alongside humanity and through my photography...I honor their legacy...bridging the gap between their historical significance and their enduring modern-day enchantment.
Photographing horses is not just a career...it is my heartwork. It is my way of paying tribute to the creatures that inspire me daily. I never want to simply “take a photo of a horse”... I want to turn your horse into what they have been for centuries: art.
To those who are new and reading this...welcome! I hope to work with you one day and I hope this is a small intro to who I am. To my clients- thank you. Thank you for trusting me, believing in me and allowing me to share in the magic of your horses.
Without you (and them) I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I am, and always will be, devoted to the horse.
I spend over 100+ days a year traveling across the U.S. and internationally for equine photo sessions, with no place too far to meet and photograph horses. While Kansas is home, my work takes me everywhere across the globe.
When I’m not traveling for photography, I love slowing down and enjoying the things that make life feel a little more like home. I spend plenty of time with my Gypsy Vanner and of course, relaxing at home with my Veteran husband and our three aussies.
I’ve always had a love for music and tattoos. I have two full sleeves of tattoos (more coming!) and my music taste is nearly impossible to put into a single genre. As a former musician, I tend to bounce all over the place. Give me anything from the 1920s and old instrumental music to the 1950s, classic rock, country, rock, rap, hip hop and even a little metal music and there’s a pretty good chance I’ll love it. My playlists have absolutely no sense of direction and seriously, I like it that way.
I’m a workaholic. I probably always will be. However, I believe in riding for your brand. I believe in showing up, putting in the work, believing in what you’ve built and being willing to fight for it. I’ve built this business from the ground up and I’ll keep riding for it for as long as there’s somewhere left to go.
Let's talk horses!