Photo Shoots

[SpotsandBays]

I’m looking at booking a photo shoot with my neddies for next year. It will be the first time I’ve done this, and Id have no idea what I’m doing ?
What did you wear? How did you turn your horses out? What kind of shots did you get? (Also, please share any if you’re happy to! Would love to see them!)
I’m pretty camera shy ? I imagine just standing there looking like an absolute lemon and not having a clue what I’m doing. Did you guys have an idea of what type of shots you wanted? Did you plan ahead on the backdrop for the photos?
Thanks all!

 

[Polos Mum]

All great questions for your photographer and they might ask you what you are looking for too.
Formal, funny, ridden, dressy etc. A good person will do what you want. I really like the black background head shots and some of the bluebell / woodland / beach pictures are stunning.
Big frilly dress and no hat isn't my personal cup of tea but everyone is different.

I would have a look at who's recommended in your area and speak to them about what your after. There is one in Reading that organises trips to the beach for fab photos (but I don't want to trip over advertising rules!!)

 

[SpotsandBays]

Thanks Polos Mum. I’ve picked who I’m going to use - so I’ll quiz her when I book!
I’m also not a frilly girl, but may put a dress on for this one occasion ?

 

[tatty_v]

We had a lovely one at home a couple of years back - just used our field and stayed very casual/natural, but I love the pics. Went for a mix of ridden and non ridden.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Ah they’re gorgeous tatty_v! I’m planning to do it at home also, as I’d like to include my 32yo mare who has barely left the yard in 18 years. Good idea to have a mix of ridden and non ridden!

 

[stangs]

Not sure how helpful this will be for you, but I've done a few small shoots for friends and my advice would be to:
a) Tell the photographer what kind of photos you want. Of course, every photographer will have their own style but if you've got an idea of whether you want head shots mostly, ridden shots, etc, letting them know will help them prepare in advance.

b) I'm no professional photographer so don't have the skills of putting people at ease, but, for camera shy people, I found it helped to do riding shots first as they focus on the horse rather than the camera and look a bit more natural. But again, a good photographer will be able to direct you and make the experience fun.

c) Backdrop wise, it's whatever's available to you, though your photographer will probably look for a background that's not too 'noisy' (i.e. not many contrasting colours, not lots of stuff around behind). tatty's second picture is a perfect example of that.

 

[tatty_v]

Ah they’re gorgeous tatty_v! I’m planning to do it at home also, as I’d like to include my 32yo mare who has barely left the yard in 18 years. Good idea to have a mix of ridden and non ridden!

Thank you! I am biased but I think Spooky looks lovely ? My top tip would be remember to have a nice headcollar and new leadrope ready, our leadrope is normally a bit frayed and tatty so we had a smart one for this occasion!

 

[Birker2020]

Wizard Equine Photography do a backdrop curtain so they all come out against a black background and look very authentic. They supply nice leather headcollars and chains although they do delete the chains or reins from the photo afterwards. Can't remember price, but had a lovely one done of Bailey. This is one of the examples on their website.

 

[Uliy]

I wore casual clothes (my favourite jumper, black jeans and long riding boots) and did a mixture of ridden and standing shots!
I felt nervous in front of the camera but the shots are really beautiful. And don’t worry if your horse seems interested in everything but putting his/her ears forward, it only takes one second to get the perfect shot! ?

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Ernie gets a lot of free photoshoots because he's a rare breed.

My advice is get a team of friends together to help. You'll need them. As with a show, bath your horses the day before. Groom on the morning. Supply drinks and cakes to keep your friends going. Also bring a friend to get some behind the lens shots.

If you're doing at liberty shots with your horse cantering across an open field, take two headcollers and have a helper at the opposite end of the field to catch and bring back to the start.

Dark background shots dont need a very dark background. We did them with him stood at the entrance to a large barn.



And a behind the lens pic with my team of friends.

 

[Mrs G]

I do not photograph well so wanted shots that got my boy (who is VERY photogenic, no Im not biased!) rather than me but I did want some ridden shots too which meant I had to be in them - we got one very nice ridden shot and some lovely close up shots just of ponio. One thing I found was my horse (and subsequently I was too) were very aware of where the photographer was and this caused some spookiness when he was lying on the ground or behind a bush!

 

[Peglo]

The oldies are retired so just got all unridden pictures. I also didn’t think it fair to put bridles on the old 2 since they hadn’t had one on for years.
The one with Tali was taken on a different day as we had technical issues and had to do a reshoot.
We took some in the garden but the TB was on her toes so took hers in her field and she was cute and cuddly.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Thanks everyone! Love these ideas and gorgeous pictures!

 

[humblepie]

I just had my horse and done as a black background. Didn't want me spoiling the photos! I really enjoyed the shoot with me leaping around the place and a soundtrack of farm animal noises to make him look the right way and put his ears forward. Hope you have fun with yours.

 

[Dave's Mam]

Gorgeous photos. I shall add some after work, we did ridden & in hand photos.

 

[Kaylum]

Did quite a bit of photography in my previous years and a couple of things.
They will get you to sign a disclaimer if you ride without a hat, long dress etc.
Professional photos should be pin sharp.
Backgrounds we had a black out background which was great to use.
Edit as little as possible get the short right.
But also make it a fun experience with props if needed for example we had flower garlands.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I have a few

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

 

[Dreamer2020]

All really good tips & lots of lovely pics! Be sure to share them with us once you've had your photoshoot I'm lucky to have the beach near me & a Dad who is a keen photographer lol. This is my fave of us xx

 

[IrishMilo]

I had a couple done with Milo and I absolutely cherish the photos now he's now. A good photographer will make you feel natural and comfortable. I used Beth Hicks (Cambs area) and she is brilliant.

 

[Dave's Mam]

 

[Spotherisk]

Love both of these - first one obviously does have our heads in! Second one was Debbie Fuller having a good quick eye and getting Tinner nudging my bum with a cheeky look. These are low quality proofs, Debbie was building a portfolio.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Loving all of these tips! Thanks all! These photos are incredible!