As a horse owner you know the value of using good photos to promote your farm and horses.
Seeking out a professional photographer is a decision that takes much planning and consideration.
• When making contact with a photographer spend some time
discussing your ideas, objectives and options to make the session a success. Time of day, time of year, weather,
condition and growth spurts in your horses and your location will all be factors, as well as
your advertising and farm promotion goals.
•
Find some photos in magazines that you like to give the photographer
some idea of how you would like your horses photographed. Obviously
you will need to be much more prepared for a session of conformation
and action shots of your stallion and sale horses than if you want
candid and casual mare and foal or pasture type photos.
• You will
need to scout some possible spots on your property that will make
suitable backgrounds. Before the shoot mow an area and move
objects out of the way that may clutter up your background. Make sure you prepare a large area if you need action shots. 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 taking your horse somewhere more suitable.
• Have
your horse bathed, clipped and immaculately groomed before the photographer
arrives. Pick out a nice halter and lead that won't distract from your horse. A simple leather halter is best.
• 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
black, 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!
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.
Have
a question? Go here and ask: http://www.equinephotographers.org/4um
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.
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