Winter Thoroughbreds

Shawn LaChapelle is an Upstate New York–born photographer whose work spans rural life, wildlife, and equine subjects, including thoroughbred retirement farms. He spends much of the year traveling to photograph in new regions and conditions, building a portfolio that stays grounded in real environments and real moments rather than staged setups. His images tend to be direct and story-first, with an emphasis on place, texture, and the kind of detail you only get by being there.

He began his career as a freelance photojournalist working with news agencies, and that background still shapes how he shoots: clear subject, clean composition, and a narrative you can feel without needing an explanation. Alongside his fine-art work, LaChapelle has also produced commercial photography and has been commissioned by automotive and architectural clients. His photography has been published in regional editorial features and used for event and story coverage, while his gallery work continues to expand across animal portraiture, Western and Midwest wildlife, and the working landscapes that connect it all.