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Foaling season is upon us, as we welcome beautiful bay foals into the world. The stallions are animated and the mares glowing as the breeding months go on. Competitions have started and the beautifully groomed athletes are ready to show their stuff. and we have our cameras in hand waiting to capture the action. Photos are used for memories, promotion and sales. As a horse owner you know the value of using good photos to promote your farm and horses. It is indeed true that a picture can tell a thousand words, and you want those to be great words! Here are some tips I have picked up over the years while becoming a better equine photographer.
1. Understanding your subject
You have to observe your horses and not plan on shooting when they are napping or just hanging around in the morning sun. To get ears forward, and eyes open, you could walk a mare by a stallion, or use a shaking feed can to get the desired effect. Be creative! If you know their routines well, you know they love to run out to pasture in the morning or galloping up for feed later. For mounted shots, know the gaits and capture the well turned out horse and rider in the best time for both.
2. Light
The more you photograph, the more you will understand that light is so important. The use of light can make or break an image You want to catch the glint of sunlight in the eye for a portrait, the shine in the coat for a conformation shot, the clean, crisp movement for an action shot of your horse. Always try to have the sun at your back used to be the ONLY way to shoot. I have found the side light to give a great 3-D effect and backlit subjects can make for an interesting photo. Those wonderful early morning hours and the late day warm light are your best periods of time to have camera out and ready. At shows you may not have that luxury of timing and in mid day sun or overcast, you simply do what you can do. Overall, learn to see the light and shoot when you have great light! There are times you can pick up colur nicely in foggy or overcast. Experiment!
3. Technical/Artistic Expertise
You don't have to have the best equipment, or a degree in photography to get a stunning photograph. You do have to practice and try to learn how to use your equipment to it's potential, as we all can't afford to hire a professional Equine photographer. Composition is paramount. What are you trying to say with your photo? What aspects of your horse are you trying to show? What is your purpose for the shot? For example, if you are selling a foal as a dressage prospect you want to capture the big trot, or for a stallion portrait, you want that lovely eye to be lighted and bright as he attentively looks on.
4. Backgrounds and Foregrounds
Finding an uncluttered area to photograph your is often one of your biggest challenges. The farm truck in the background or fencing in the foreground can make a wonderful picture simply distracting. Scout out good locations to do your shoots. Fall foliage in the background or green grass, even flying snow can all add to the beauty of your picture. This is especially hard at shows where everything is busy, so again, position yourself in the best spots for lighting and background.
5. Experiment
Be on the horse's level so you are shooting eye-to-eye and don't be afraid to move around and try different angles. Remember to shoot vertical also. Shoot, shoot and shoot. In this digital age, it is really easy to play around with light, angles and different situations. You want a photo of your horse to make an impact, no matter if the picture is artistic or commercial. So, dust off your camera manual, read it and get out and experiment. Not only will you be thrilled when you get a good shot that you can share with friends and family, but you will also have a picture that will promote your business. Happy shooting all! |
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