Preparing for a Photo Shoot

(Taken from the Equine Photographers Website)

1) You will need to scout some possible spots on your property that will make suitable backgrounds. This may be the time to mow an area or move objects out of the way that may clutter up your background. The sun should be over the photographer's back. If there is really no spot that you can find then you may need to consider the option of taking your horse somewhere more suitable.

2) Photo shoots can be done in overcast conditions during any part of the day (in fact, overcast is BEST for human portraits). If the sun is out, it is best to shoot gray, white, buckskin, palominos in the morning, and chestnuts and bays in the evening. Black horses usually work out best on overcast days or in the shade. Of course, we won't know ahead of time what the weather will be like, but we can schedule for a morning or evening based on your horse's color and hope for the best. Direct, overhead lighting in the middle of the day is very poor–if a shoot needs to be done in the middle of the day, it is best to have some shade available.

3) Have your horse bathed, clipped and immaculately groomed before the photographer arrives. You don't want to be paying for the photographer's time while you get your horse ready! Work w/your horse ahead of time so that he/she will stand properly. The longer it takes to get your horse to stand properly, the more it costs! If your horse has trouble standing for a shoot, you might want to consider just a portrait or possibly an action shot.

4) Make sure that your subjects have had a good meal and no other stressful or distracting events will be happening that day, a happy horse will be more alert and cooperative than one that is fretting or unhappy. This is also true for you, the handler, so keep a happy and relaxed attitude, because this will be reflected in your final product. Last minute touch ups on your horse include fly spray, show sheen, hoof polish, grease on the face, final mane and tail brush out, body wiped down with a towel. When your horse is ready to be presented for the photographer you will need an assistant to help get the horse properly positioned and to help with getting the horse's ears up. Many photographers will carry props to help with this, but a few things that are good to have on hand are mirrors and squeaky toys. The key is not to show any of these to the horse until everyone is in place and ready!

5) Be patient and trust the photographer to see and capture that special moment through the lens. For free action shots position yourself and your assistant on either side of the photographer to keep the horse moving in a controlled area. Whips with plastic bags attached and cans with pebbles in them will help get the horse more animated.

6) Some people want to add their dogs to the shoot. This is OK, but you will probably need to be in the shoot also in order to hold the dog. Or, you will need a very well-trained dog who knows how to stay if you do not want yourself in the shoot. If you will be in the shoot, avoid wearing yellow. It does not do much for most skin tones.

7) When shooting several horses on the same day, it is difficult to determine how long each horse may take. Some are much better posers than others, and those horses will go faster. Assume each shoot will take 15 minutes, although some will take longer–certainly performance shoots will take longer. Have all horses available and ready to go, so you're not paying me to stand around!

8) By following some of these simple steps to prepare yourself for your horses photo session you will ensure that you will have photos that will preserve your memories of your favorite equine friends.