Photo shoot with your horse

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I have won one Has anyone had one, and have you got any tips for good locations/types of shots etc? There are so many options and I don't seem to have much idea what I am really looking to get out of it

 

[sheep]

Our YO bought one for all liveries as a Christmas present!

Location-wise, it was just done on the yard - the photographer picked the best place in terms of lighting etc. I was worried that I'd find it really awkward but actually it was lovely and I have some lovely photos now to treasure I think in this case, the photographer should (in theory!!) guide you.

I had horse well groomed, plaited and in bridle, no other tack, and myself in jeans, country boots and a warm jacket (it was December). It worked well enjoy!

 

[LaurenBay]

Congrats!!

I had one, my advice is to bring a few different outfits and bring some makeup along with you.

Have a browse on photography websites to see if there is a particular moment you would like to capture.

Clean your tack so it is spotless!

Is there a nearby woodland or pretty field you could go in?

 

[LaurenBay]

Our YO bought one for all liveries as a Christmas present!

Location-wise, it was just done on the yard - the photographer picked the best place in terms of lighting etc. I was worried that I'd find it really awkward but actually it was lovely and I have some lovely photos now to treasure I think in this case, the photographer should (in theory!!) guide you.

I had horse well groomed, plaited and in bridle, no other tack, and myself in jeans, country boots and a warm jacket (it was December). It worked well enjoy!

Your YO sounds incredible!!!

 

[Amye]

My OH bought me one for my birthday. The photographer guided it mostly. I didn't do any change in outfits but made sure Juno was clean and tack was clean before photographer came.

The photographer did some of Juno in his stable and then did some of us tacking up and getting ready. Then we went for a walk around the fields and up the track (basically a short hack). I did some on and off the horse, the photographer guided most of it though!.

Here are some examples (might give you some ideas!):

 

[Laika]

Aha! Something I can actually help with for once...

I'm an equine photographer - I do it freelance and as a part of my job, so I am very lucky.

Here are some tips from the photographers P.O.V :
- Have your horse clean and ready to go. It saves time at the beginning of the shoot so that you have more time to get the right pictures !
- Like the above said, if you want to wear makeup, maybe bring some with you just with it now being warmer for any touch ups.
- The photographer can help with locations and what will work best behind the lens, but if the photographer isn't familiar with the area, they will appreciate some tips. Maybe have a quick chat with them about this beforehand!
- Have some snackies in your pocket or give some to the photographer so you can con your bestfriend to get their happy face on.
- Decide what you want to wear before the day as this can change the theme of the photographs entirely. A lot of my customers tend to stay casual, which I think works well because it looks very wholesome!
- Do you want to focus on both you and your horse or just portraits of your horse alone? This can change where you have your photos done as if you want photos of your horse do you want them running etc etc. If you want them running, think up some ideas where you can do this in an enclosed space that can still look nice!

My favourite locations are fields and wooded areas - it works really well if it's sunny. Lighting is a huge factor for us photographers, so a well lit area will help us get the best out of your photos.

If you need anything just give me a PM but if not, have a fantastic time

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

I had one a couple of weekend's ago.
The photographer wanted pictures of Ernie for her book and in return, I got a free photoshoot. She sent me some advice in advance but I really don't like pictures of me so I simply asked that I got some pictures of him.

I gave him a bath a few days before (he's a Red Chesnut - yes, I've spelt that right Suffolk Horse - and not difficult to make look clean). I gave him a really good groom in advance. When she arrived we wandered around the yard and found a field with a little rise to the ground, good green background and nothing else to distract. He wore his bridle and a roller at first and we walked up and down a nice stretch of path alongside the fields so she could get some pictures of us to get a sense of his size.

We took him in a school and let him have a little lunge to show off and then we did some headshots with him. I removed the noseband (he was only wearing it after a few tongue over the bit moments, and its more traditional for them to not have a noseband). She brought a plastic bottle with some grit in to get his attention...he was initially a bit scared of it but 10mins later was trying to steal it and wave it around for more noise.

Then I turned him out into the field we'd chosen, no tack or headcoller. I walked with him to the bottom of the field then waved my arms to make him canter to the top, which he did happily and these were the best shots we got. He was cantering uphill, taking the weight behind and looking very uphill. He has the most amazing extended trot when not ridden, so I'm hoping she's got some pictures of that. We repeated that a couple of times with a treat at the top each time. When he started to get a confused look in his eye I decided that was enough chasing because we didn't want to upset him. We went to grab coffee while he got an hour or so to relax.

When we came back we got a few more pictures of him grazing and generally looking relaxed. We brought him in and she asked me to take a couple of pictures of her with him for her to keep personally. She asked if I wanted any more pictures of me & him together but I didn't. She'll keep a few pictures for the book and I can have any others. I haven't got them yet but its because I'm not paying for them.

My advice is take your time. Enjoy the experience, don't try to force anything.

 

[Embo]

I won a photo shoot last year it was a lovely Autum afternoon, sun was shining but temps were cool so I did wear a gilet. I didn't change my clothes. We did some in-hand shots, me leading B around the field and on the yard. Some shots of just him and then some ridden.

I just made sure we were both clean and tidy, I did my hair but you can't tell :lol: it was all guided by the photographer as I wasn't sure what to do or what I wanted. But got some lovely photos out of it, I'd happily pay for another one at some stage. Here are a few of my faves, could give you some inspo

 

[Pippity]

One of my friends is an equine photographer, and I'll sometimes go along as an assistant.

When scoping out possible areas, remember that the camera only sees what you point it at! Our yard has a huge, fallen-down tree that's next to a huge pile of tangled up electric fencing on one side and usually has the JCB parked on the other side. It's a lovely spot for photos, though! Human sits on the tree, horse noses them for treats - beautiful.

If you want one with the horse on a black background, it's easiest if you can find somewhere with a fairly dark background - something like the entrance to an American barn-style stables, a hay store, or an indoor school.

An area doesn't have to be perfect. As long as the light is good, a photographer can usually photoshop out any ugly electric fencelines and similar eyesores.

 

[teapot]

When I'm doing them at work I always use the woodland that we have - with the right light it can be fantastic.

 

[{97702}]

Thank you all very much, you have been incredibly helpful - and what stunning pictures, it makes me look forward to my shoot even more

It has also given me some ideas of what I want- I love your first three pictures most Amye, and your first two Embo, so you will get the idea of what I like

Laika thank you, I'm definitely going to be dressed casually and I never wear make-up

It is such a shame you can never predict weather, the yard I am on has the most spectacular views out over the Malvern Hills which would be beautiful in the sunshine - there is also a wood next door - this should be great