Majestic black horse and rider silhouetted against sunset ocean backdrop on beach.

the woman behind the camera

• Samantha Dawn Ebeling •
Minimalist grey horse head silhouette logo design with curved lines.

 

My life has been shaped by my career, but more importantly, by the horses that have come into it. Everything I am today, I owe to them.

 

welcome to my world...

My name is Samantha Dawn Ebeling, but most know 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 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 self-taught has 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 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.

Three horses nuzzling close together in rustic field setting during golden hour.
Professional photographer in white sweater sitting on couch holding camera with telephoto lens.
Holiday themed photo with festive red and white decorations in cozy setting.

I spend over 100+ days a year traveling across the U.S. for equine photo sessions, with no place too far to meet and photograph horses. While Kansas is home, my work takes me everywhere.


At home, I share life with my husband, Jonathan, a 7-year U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan. He’s my greatest support behind the scenes while also running his own excavation business, JE Excavating LLC.


Our world revolves around our three horses and three dogs, who make our small family whole.

A few moments of me, in the world I love...
A large black and white horse stands with someone in a vast white desert landscape.
A photographer sitting outdoors by a lake with a professional camera.
Horses crossing a wooden bridge over a blue barrel in a lush green setting.
A dramatic shot of a rearing draft horse with a rider against a sunset sky.
A rider lying across the back of a white draft horse in an indoor arena.
Two friendly donkeys pose close to the camera against a bright winter sky.
Someone lying in snow next to a trailer while performing maintenance.
A person in winter clothing feeds a dark brown horse in a snowy field.
A massive white draft horse being handled in an indoor arena with a K sign visible.
A black and white Clydesdale horse rests while someone lies across its back near a feed trough.
A baby donkey lies on the ground next to someone in blue jeans and a t-shirt.
Two Clydesdale horses standing together near parked RVs, showing their distinctive black and white coloring.
A rider in orange sits atop a majestic Clydesdale horse in a fenced arena on a cloudy day.
An Australian Shepherd dog with striking blue eyes poses with someone in a baseball cap.
Someone perches on a wooden fence at a ranch arena while taking photos.
A couple poses in western attire next to a large black pickup truck on gravel.
Two horses stand with someone between them on a gravel path near evergreen trees in the background.
An energetic moment at a horse arena with someone jumping and gesturing enthusiastically.
A touching moment between visitor and horse through metal fencing at a farm.
A horse running freely along a beach at sunset while being photographed.
A close-up portrait showing frost-covered winter gear against snowy background.
A black and white artistic photograph of a horse and rider in tall grass.
A brown horse nuzzles close to someone wearing sunglasses and a burgundy shirt in a paddock.
Someone wearing a red plaid flannel holds up decorative golden horse chess pieces.
A photographer in winter gear holds a camera with long lens in snowy conditions.
A dramatic shot of horse and rider galloping through golden wheat field at sunset.
Two people pose playfully with a relaxed horse lying down in a fenced pasture.
A large black and white horse stands with someone in a vast white desert landscape.
A photographer sitting outdoors by a lake with a professional camera.
Horses crossing a wooden bridge over a blue barrel in a lush green setting.
A dramatic shot of a rearing draft horse with a rider against a sunset sky.
A rider lying across the back of a white draft horse in an indoor arena.
Two friendly donkeys pose close to the camera against a bright winter sky.
Someone lying in snow next to a trailer while performing maintenance.
A person in winter clothing feeds a dark brown horse in a snowy field.
A massive white draft horse being handled in an indoor arena with a K sign visible.
A black and white Clydesdale horse rests while someone lies across its back near a feed trough.
A baby donkey lies on the ground next to someone in blue jeans and a t-shirt.
Two Clydesdale horses standing together near parked RVs, showing their distinctive black and white coloring.
A rider in orange sits atop a majestic Clydesdale horse in a fenced arena on a cloudy day.
An Australian Shepherd dog with striking blue eyes poses with someone in a baseball cap.
Someone perches on a wooden fence at a ranch arena while taking photos.
A couple poses in western attire next to a large black pickup truck on gravel.
Two horses stand with someone between them on a gravel path near evergreen trees in the background.
An energetic moment at a horse arena with someone jumping and gesturing enthusiastically.
A touching moment between visitor and horse through metal fencing at a farm.
A horse running freely along a beach at sunset while being photographed.
A close-up portrait showing frost-covered winter gear against snowy background.
A black and white artistic photograph of a horse and rider in tall grass.
A brown horse nuzzles close to someone wearing sunglasses and a burgundy shirt in a paddock.
Someone wearing a red plaid flannel holds up decorative golden horse chess pieces.
A photographer in winter gear holds a camera with long lens in snowy conditions.
A dramatic shot of horse and rider galloping through golden wheat field at sunset.
Two people pose playfully with a relaxed horse lying down in a fenced pasture.