We like to keep our Equine sessions relaxed and fun, creating an enjoyable experience for you and your horse to remember for years to come! This blog shares all our top tips on how to prepare for your Equine Photoshoot!

We know your horse means the world to you, and is a part of your family – so documenting and capturing the bond you have is a key part of a photoshoot. To achieve this, it takes some careful planning and preparation – below are some guidelines to help.
 

Horse photographer Wiltshire Jo Hansford

Planning consultation for your Equine photoshoot

When you book your shoot, I will discuss with you when is the best time of year, and time of day, for your session. I will also arrange for a phone consultation, some time in the few weeks before the date, to go through the planning in some detail. We will talk through clothing, tack, timings, preparing your horse, and the kind of ‘look’ and images you would like to achieve on the day. This will help you in getting ready for your shoot.

Horse photographer Berkshire Jo Hansford

Black backgrounds and lighting!

During a session we can achieve light, bright natural looking shots, we can also use lighting to create black background portraits of your horse and you with your horse.

Horse photographer Somerset Jo Hansford
Horse photographer Gloucestershire Jo Hansford

Given the right conditions and weather, we can also create a more dramatic ‘big sky’ portraits to create ‘art pieces’ for your walls.

Hordse photographer Kent Jo Hansford

Location, location…

The location and backdrop is obviously important. Most of our clients choose to have their photoshoot on or around where their horse is stabled – this may be their home or yard. During the planning, I’ll explore with you what backgrounds are available in your location. Whether you are on a simple yard with a few rustic stables or a big estate, we are sure we can create something beautiful! Now and then, we may travel with you to a nearby stunning backdrop – we’re always open to ideas if you have a favourite local place.

Horse photographer Gloucestershire Jo Hansford 087

Clothing – getting a look you love!

Clothing is another key element of your shoot. Again I will discuss this with you beforehand. We want you to feel comfortable and good in the clothes you choose, so we will always suggest that the clothing reflects your personality and style.  As a rule we suggest three clothing changes, along these lines:

  • Casual, like shorts or a loose skirt and top/shirt – obviously this is easier in the summer, in winter we suggest items like big wraps, jackets with fur collars, scarves and woolly hats, for example.
  • Smart casual – jeans (which can be blue, black, white for example) combined with a nice shirt, top or jumper depending on time of year.
  • Smart –  like a dress for ladies (which can be a ball gown, or a light summery long dress, whatever suits you) or a jacket/slacks for the boys.
Horse photographer Cotswolds Jo Hansford

We love ideas for anything different or personal to you – hats, heels, shoes, boots, accessories – these can add a personal touch to your photograph

Tack for your horse

Likewise, tack for your horse is crucial to making an image work – a brightly coloured or tatty halter can spoil what would otherwise be a beautiful image. We recommend that you have a leather (black or brown) halter available, plus a clean bridle and saddle. If you don’t have a leather halter, the next best thing would be a clean neutral coloured one – light or dark blue, black, green or brown works better than bold vibrant colours.

Hair & Make up

We frequently get asked about hair and makeup for a shoot, and we think this is a personal decision. Some of us feel more confident and better after a visit to the hairdresser or having had our makeup done, for some of us this may feel OTT and we prefer a more natural look. Either works, but a little pampering can go a long way in helping you to feel amazing though!

If you’ve not done this before, a trial with a makeup artist is a good idea to make sure your MUA will achieve the look you are after. We’ve been working in the photographic industry for some years now, so we can recommend hair and makeup for most of the areas surrounding Bristol – just ask for details.

Natasha Baker Jo Hansford

Getting ready on the shoot day….

The day before your shoot and on the day, make sure you allow ample time to prepare your horse. We suggest bathing your horse either the night before, or on the morning of the shoot, then keeping him or her stabled until the session. Most of the time, we suggest that manes and tails are left loose, clean, brushed and tidy; with some horses, though, plaiting can look better. Groom your horse as if you were going to a show, and have hoof oil ready for just before the session starts. We always have ample wet wipes and tissues around to keep muzzles clean!

If your horse can be a little nervous or “full of beans” without exercise, we suggest lunging or riding him or her on the morning of the shoot. This will usually take the edge off this and settle him or her ready for the session.

Remember on the day, all you have to do is relax and have fun with your four legged partner, and we will do the rest!

Horse photographer Cotswolds Jo Hansford

Photographing horses, we know, takes time – like humans they have good and bad days, and it can take a little patience.  Good preparation helps make a wonderful experience and allows us to capture some amazing images which you will treasure for years to come.

Horse photographer Cotswolds Jo Hansford

We hope this blog has answered your questions about How to Prepare for an Equine Photoshoot – if you have more questions or would like to book a session feel free to drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you!

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