PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR HORSES
 

There is nothing worse than a prospective buyer receiving a poorly done photo or video of your horse that’s for sale.  In my opinion, it’s better NOT to send any photo or video if it does not show off your horse’s attributes or AT LEAST give an honest portrayal of your horse.  Over the years I have learned some tips that could help capture the good traits of your horse and perhaps make more sales.

Usually,  2 or even 3 people are needed to make a great photo.  One handler, the photographer,  and probably a prop man to help in getting the horse’s attention for a great photo. 

Lead your subject to an area that will make a nice, but non-disruptive background.  A grassy field with blue sky, a white fence, a pond, all make great backdrops.   Avoid telephone poles,  old pick up trucks on blocks or any other objects that will detract from the horse itself. 

Secondly, take your photo in the early morning or mid to late afternoon…keep the sun behind your back, but be careful not to let YOUR shadow get in the picture. 

Having the horse up on a little higher ground than where you are standing is also beneficial.   Use your flash on the camera, as this will make for a shiny coat and bright eye.  Stand back far enough where you can use the zoom lens…horses are less distracted by you, if you are standing a little ways away from them. 

Be sure your horse is CLEAN and GROOMED as if getting ready for a show.  Use some baby oil to highlight the muzzle and eyes.  Be sure the ears are clean, if not clipped for a show.

Have the handler try to make the horse stand with all 4 legs visible, in a nice position…try to avoid the 2 legged horse look.  Usually the handler has to back up a little and your third person (prop man) will now go through the antics of getting the horse’s attention, head up with the ears pointed.  All this is done when the photographer is ready to take the picture.  I think a good angle is to stand back and slightly to the flank of the horse for a nice angle.  I find that a push broom held high in the air by the handle is very effective.  Sounds of horses or other props can work too.   In ANY case, Do NOT  over – use your prop.    The horse will soon get bored if he’s seen it too much. 

Try to get a nice close up head shot as well.   For this, move closer to the horse and stand by the horse’s flank.    Have your prop man move so that the horse must turn his head slightly toward you to look at the broom (or whatever prop you have chosen).   Now with some horses, that do not have the prettiest heads, try to capture their best angle.  A profile may not be good, whereas a straight, head on shot or turned head could camouflage  a not so-pretty head.  Avoid the look, where the horse’s head is larger than it’s body…that’s probably the worst angle there is.  

Very young horses are a whole different ball game.  They are probably not broke to a halter and if they are, they are not going to stand still and will probably run away from your prop man.   I often take photos at feeding time, where they calmly exhibit an excitement about being fed.  Patience is needed for all photo sessions, but young horses are even more trying.  They usually hide behind their mothers or trees, hang their heads on the ground, flop their ears, etc.   So be prepared to take about 20 pictures for 1 or 2 good ones on these rascals.  Hopefully, these little tips will help in your horse photography sessions.   Please see the separate article on making videos.

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