In this post I hope to outline key areas that need considering when preparing for your photo shoot to ensure everything goes smoothly and your images are perfect. Some areas may seem obvious but they are often forgotten or left too soon before the shoot to remedy in time.
Turnout
Essential:
1) Clean/bath your horse
2) Take a shower (greasy hair is very obvious through a lens)
3) Clean tack/headcollar/boots (top tip: adding baby oil to leather just before the shoot gives it an elegant shine)
4) Wash outfit/s and ensure there aren't any stray threads/stubborn stains
5) Ensure hair is in a comfortable style (hair which is down can become irritable if wind picks up - a stylish updo or plait may be a better option as stray hairs are distracting)
6) Apply fly spray (hopefully this will reduce the number of flies that irritate your horse whilst shooting)
7) Wipe your horse's mouth and eyes clean just before shoot and remove any hay/grass that may be showing (top tip: add baby oil to eyes and nose for a professional look)
Optional:
8) Pull horse's mane & tail a little (they can look messy when natural)
9) Plait horse's mane (gives the neck structure a much more elegant and striking look)
10) Apply hoof polish (nothing too thick or dark as it can be distracting)
11) Wear more natural makeup (if possible, only use minimal products to cover blemishes. If you're more comfortable with full coverage that's absolutely fine)
Clothing
1) Keep it simple - stay away from large logos and writing on shirts as can take focus away from you and your horse
2) Reflect your personality - setting the tone of each photo is largely down to your outfit, so think about your personal style and present yourself as you wish to be seen
3) Mix it up - there's plenty of time for an outfit change so you can choose a variety of different styles (e.g. start off with jeans and a t-shirt, then move onto a suit/dress, or perhaps even your show attire)
4) Choose something you're happy in - if you're not used to wearing a dress, don't force yourself to wear one as you may feel or look uncomfortable
5) Try smart/casual - don't just rock up wearing yard gear with straw on your shirt and muddy wellies as you will look scruffy, but likewise keep in mind that you will be standing with your horse so open toe shoes may a dangerous choice
6) Nothing too tight - some poses require fluent movement so stay away from pencil skirts and ultra-skinny jeans (jodphurs are fine)
7) Fit in with your environment - if the shoot is based within a paddock surrounded by telegraph poles, a flowing white dress may look out of place; but similarly shooting on a beach wouldn't suit baggy jumpers and joggers
8) Colour co-ordinate - don't clash within your outfit or the colour of your horse (e.g. a chesnut wouldn't go well with bright red, and avoid yellow when posing with a grey horse)
Location
1) If your horse is uncomfortable away from home, don't take them elsewhere as they may be difficult to handle and we want them to look at ease with their surroundings
2) Where possible, stay away from fields and paddocks which have fencing in view as this can become distracting
3) Keep in mind that the camera requires plenty of sunlight in the area we are shooting, so avoid dark valleys and forestry
4) Tall trees mean only the bottom section of the trunk is in shot, which can look very dull, and takes the attention away from you and your horse/s
5) It's helpful for me if you have some ideas of where to shoot, however if you're unsure about suitable locations, don't panic - there's always somewhere and we'll find it
Other areas for consideration & popular questions
1) Headcollar or bridle? I prefer to see a leather bridle, as you will have more control of your horse, and they are easier to clean than your everyday nylon headcollar, however if you have a clean leather headcollar that fits, and your horse is well-mannered, feel free to use that instead
2) Do I bring treats? If your horse is very easily distracted, or perhaps slightly difficult to handle, then by all means stuff your pockets; however with sensible horses it is better to have the option of them looking towards the camera instead of constantly towards you
3) If you have some ideas for shots you want me to take, let me know - I welcome your input as nothing is too much trouble and, after all, they're your photos (you can take the lead if you feel comfortable to do so)
4) Remember that you don't have to do anything you're not happy with, so just relax and enjoy yourself!
Thanks for reading! Hopefully this has been helpful - get in touch if you have any questions that haven't been covered. I look forward to photographing you!
Maddie
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