16 helpful Horse photoshoot ideas and tips
How to plan for a photoshoot with your horsy friend
A horse photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your relationship with your horsy friend. Whether you want to have some memories of your horse to always keep, or photos of the two of you together – there are many options. Here we go through some of the horse photoshoot ideas we have, as well as how you can prepare for an equestrian photoshoot – from location to grooming to how to dress up, this post can give you all the tips and tricks. So let’s dive right in!
Here is a great example of a simple horse photoshoot below with Sarah and Red.
Horse photoshoot ideas
As mentioned above, a photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your relationship with your horse . But what is the best way to go about this? It depends on your own personal preference, but here are some of our favourite horse photoshoot ideas you can consider.
Horse photoshoot ideas
- In a natural setting like the field where they live already is the simplest and normally the most effective type of photoshoot for a horse. The horse can move naturally and a skilled photographer will be able to capture the right moments. Be sure to do the shoot at golden hour to get soft warm light that will compliment your horse.
- Black background photoshoots are possible if there is a large barn or opening that can create a dark area behind the horse while there is light on the front of them – this dramatic light difference means you can create an almost studio effect , and eliminating the background means the focus is all on your horse.
- All dressed up – you can dress up your horse with fancy saddlery, or even a smart halter can really go a long way. You can also play around with plaiting mane and tail, and use ribbons or other decorations to add an extra element to the photos
- Horse and rider – of course its also a great horse photoshoot idea to get photos of the horse and rider together – this is a special relationship to capture so be sure to get some photos with your horse friend, either just standing next to them or in the saddle or even bareback.
- Close-up details of eyes, a beautifully plaited mane, etc are all great abstract photos to try out and get some variety.
- A themed photoshoot can also be really fun – using paint for a warhorse effect , or dressing up western and using western saddlery , or a Christmas wreath over the horses neck and shoulders at Christmas can be really stunning for a horse photoshoot.
- The horse in movement – putting the horse in an enclosed area such as a lunging ring, or small field, and making them work to capture the movement is a great way to celebrate the elegance of the movement of the horse – think flying mane and tail, hooves brushing sand up, creating drama etc.
- Capture an event that you normally do with your horse – this is a great way to capture both horse and rider relationship and movement – and you can make a story of it as well, from capturing getting the horse ready for the event, plaiting, saddling up , walking the course etc, and then the event itself, whether this is dressage, showjumping, polocrosse, or just galloping in a field, all of these are great for action shots – and small moments in between create a great story of the relationship and time you spend with your horse partner.
Tips for preparing for a horse photoshoot
Preparing for a horse photoshoot is essential to the success of the shoot – here are some tips to help you do that, and how to get the most out of your photoshoot with your horse.
Tips to prepare for a horse photoshoot
- Groom your horse – this may seem obvious, but it’s really important – at the very least make sure your horse is brushed and groomed, and small things like nose and eyes cleaned, knots taken out of mane and tail etc.
- If you want to plait – make sure this is done before the photoshoot – unless you want to have a photo of this process – in this case do most of the plaiting beforehand and just get the final two or three plaits in photos.
- If you are using any tack in your photoshoot make sure this is cleaned and prepared before the photoshoot.
- Decide what exactly you want done in the photoshoot beforehand – and don’t try and do too much for the time given. If you only have an hour’s photoshoot then one or two options are all you should do – for instance, photos in the field, and photos with and without a rider are enough. If you try to also do photos on a black background, or a theme then you will likely need more time. Discuss your options and costs beforehand.
- Use the time wisely to increase the amount of photos you can get out – bear in mind that you should plan your photoshoot according to the horse as well – if you want photos free in a field but you know your horse is difficult to catch then maybe keep this until the end of the shoot for instance, and do the photos all tacked up etc first.
- Be aware of feeding times – horses are creatures of habit, so if the photoshoot is going to be closer to feeding time rather bring them in early, give them their food early, then groom and get them ready. This will minimize their frustration with trying to get back to their stables during the photoshoot etc because they are worried they won’t get fed.
- Every horse is different – discuss with the photographer beforehand, and if possible even meet with the photographer beforehand to see how your horse behaves – if they are highly strung for instance then use aids such as a plastic bag to get their attention and ears forward etc during the photoshoot may not have the desired effect.
- The last one may seem obvious now – but use a photographer who knows horses and their behaviour – this is crucial for your and the horse’s safety. A photographer who understands horses and their behaviour also knows what moments to anticipate and how to get the best photos of your horse.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion , having a photoshoot with your horse is a great idea – this relationship is a special one and although we would love our equine friends to stick around forever, this is simply not possible – yet sometimes the bond we have with them is more special than with our human counterparts. Take the time to preserve the memories you make with them .
Looking for more equestrian photoshoot ideas? Here is a link to some of the other photoshoots with horses we have done.
