Equestrian Photo Session Preparation
Tips for Preparing Your Horse:
I recommend preparing your horse as you would for a horse show.
Grooming: Brush or bathe your horse to remove dirt, dust, and loose hair. If you choose to bathe your horse, ensure they will be fully dry before our session. Braiding is another way to make your horse shine the day of the photo session, but is not necessary. Hoof polish is also recommended to be applied right before we start our session.
Exercise: If possible ride or exercise your horse the day before or morning of the photo session. Letting them get some of their energy out beforehand will help them stand better for photos.
Clean Tack and Equipment: If you plan to use tack, make sure it is clean and fits properly. For a black background session, remove the reins and attach a lead rope to the bridle of your horse. This will help you control your horse during the photo session. The lead rope will be removed via editing.
Familiarization: Introduce your horse to the location of the shoot if possible. Familiar surroundings can help reduce anxiety and allow your horse to feel more at ease.
Practice Posing: Spend some time practicing various poses and having your horse stand in place. Some horses get anxious when having to stand in place, be patient with them; they usually settle within a few minutes. This will help them understand what you expect during the shoot.
What should I wear?
I recommend you choose an outfit you feel comfortable in. We will be walking around to different locations at the barn, be mindful of the shoes you choose to wear. Wear a color that complements your horse's coat color and tack. I recommend that overall both your tack and your outfit colors do not contain more than 1 stand-out color combination (e.g. plain white saddle pad combined with bright blue blouse; all other parts of the tack and outfit are neutral in color such as grey or black). Dark clothing against a bay or black horse may blend in too much with the horses coat.
You may choose bright colors on cloudy days. Bring different options the day of so we can decide what works best with the setting and light.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a friend along with you to help keep your horse engaged during the session. Having a rag on hand will be helpful to clean your horse’s mouth periodically. You will also need to have a bridle and lead rope. Treats may be helpful for keeping your horse’s attention during the session as well.
Key Points to Share With Your Photographer:
My photo sessions are laid back to create a relaxed atmosphere for you and your horse. By sharing this information, we can collaborate to create a memorable photo shoot together.
Reference Photos and Ideas: If there are particular styles or poses you admire, please share these with me. Reference images can help convey your vision and expectations.
Horse Details: Inform me of any unique markings or features of your horse that you would like to highlight. This could include special characteristics or markings that are significant to you.
Preferred Locations: If you have specific areas in mind or if there are locations associated with your horse's story, please mention them. The setting can greatly impact the mood of the photos.
Personality Traits: Share insights into your horse's personality. Knowing whether your horse is shy, energetic, or playful can help me capture its true essence in the photographs.
Wardrobe and Props: If you have specific gear, blankets, or accessories you plan to use, let me know. This can help in planning the aesthetic of the shoot.
Availability for Time of Day: The lighting can vary significantly throughout the day. Share your preferred times for the shoot to ensure we take advantage of the best natural light.
Any Concerns or Considerations: If there are any behavioral traits or limitations to consider, such as fear of certain environments or behaviors when around other animals or people, please inform me in advance.
Barn Preparation:
Clean Aisle: For black background sessions, make sure to have a clean barn aisle close to the open barn door; clear any brushes or items on the floor as well.
Notify Staff: Get permission from the farm owner to assure they are notified of the photo session.
Organize Props and Accessories: If you plan to use any props or accessories, have them ready and easily accessible. This could include saddles, bridles, or even decorative items that complement the shoot.
Prepare Horses: If there is more than one horse scheduled for a photo session, make sure they are ready to be photographed directly after the previous horse is finished.