Taking good photographs takes planning and preparation on behalf of both the photographer and the rider. A number of elements must to come together to produce a good photograph; pushing the button is the easy bit. Here are a few things that you need to consider.
First, are we both clear what is wanted? Together we will need to agree what you want; this will be recorded in a Shooting Agreement. Here are some points that will help you to decide....
How would you like to be photographed….there are lots of combinations. A few things to think about...
Where do you want the photograph taken? Is there a suitable background and will the sun be from a good direction at the time of day you want the photograph taken? (The best times of day are when the sun is not directly overhead but not so low as to cast long shadows)
In what format do you want the finished image? This may affect both how I take the photograph and the equipment I use.
How do you want the image mounted? This will affect the price.
A good photograph is as much or more about the preparation as it is about the photographers skill with a camera. Whilst minor blemishes can sometimes be removed using digital techniques, often the result will not be as good as if the blemish was not there in the first place. Here are a few things to consider.
Make sure that you, your horse, the tack and the area are clean and tidy; don't forget the eyes. If your horse is to be clipped, do this a few days before the session. Have some grooming gear to hand to 'touch things up' during the session. And a poo-picker!
If the photographs are to be taken on grass, make sure that the area has been cut and the cuttings cleared. Grass should be no more than 50mm high so that the horse's hooves can be seen.
Lightly warm up your horse for a few minutes; this will help with attitude and muscle definition. Don't get sweaty though!
Does your horse fret if separated from a partner? Does the partner need to be nearby?
If your horse responds to treats, have a few to hand (but don't give them unless routinely expected - for example a regular breakfast carrot).
The weather will have a large influence on whether a photograph can be taken, and the look of the final result. As we don't live in perpetually good weather, be prepared to change the date and time if need be. If the weather is likely to be a factor, I will keep in touch with you so that we can jointly decide whether to go ahead.
The best time of day to photograph horses is when the sun is not directly overhead, so from an hour after sunrise to an hour before sunset, avoiding the 3-4 hours in the middle of the day, are best.
As with most photographs, unless we agree otherwise the photographer retains the copyright. This means that there are some constraints on how you can use the images I supply to you. These are set out in my General Terms and Conditions and can be changed using the Shooting Agreement.
Please contact me if you would like more information or to arrange a shoot...Email