As we emerge from the depths of winter, all equestrians will appreciate the joy of knowing that Spring is approaching. For many horse owners, it can’t come soon enough, and the thought of lighter days and warmer climates is enough to send us into a giddy stance. Whether you’re a budding competitor in dressage or eventing, a seasoned fun ride explorer or simply a happy hacker, there’s so much to look forward to, and this is the perfect time to start planning and booking your equine photoshoot.
For many equestrians, horses and ponies are soulmates. They’re as much part of the family as our dogs and cats and play an essential part in our health and well-being.
Like all our cherished animals, horses grow and change throughout the years, so capturing those special moments, that special relationship with your horse and their unique personality, is something you won’t want to miss. Unfortunately, many do because life gets in the way, and time runs away.
Whatever your discipline, Spring presents the perfect time to book your equine photography photoshoot. With more daylight comes stunning sunrises and sunsets, which create more opportunities for beautiful digital images and equine portraits.
As horse lovers and owners, you’ll understand the love, dedication and preparation that goes into getting your horse ready for any discipline. Visualise that moment when they’re free of mud, their tails and manes untangled, freshly washed legs, and a shine you’d forgotten was possible. See how stunning they look, and you can imagine how they would look on the walls of your home or yard.
Stunning Tigger
Award Winning Equine Photographers are in Demand
When it comes to capturing your horse’s personality, timing is crucial. At this time of year, equine photographers’ schedules start to fill up quickly, so now is the time to look at available photoshoot packages and book your portrait session.
Talented photographers can have limited availability, especially at weekends, so booking early is a good plan to secure a date and time that works best for you and your equine friend.
Booking an equine photo session early ensures a spot with your preferred photographer and allows you to plan and prepare for the face-to-face session. You can choose a location within Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Berkshire, such as your yard, paddock, or home.
Preparing For Your Equine Photoshoot- Helen’s Top Tips
- Make time for your equine to shine—Dull as it may be, a quick scrape off of mud will not portray your equine friend well. Ensure you have allowed plenty of time for washing, brushing, and all those essential tidying-up jobs like clipping ahead of the photoshoot. You do not want to be leaving last-minute clip lines on the day, and apart from anything else, this kind of maintenance work is time-consuming and may also unsettle your horse on the day.
- Don’t forget your tack. If you’ve worked hard to make your horse spotlessly clean, ensure you do the same for the tack you’ll be using on the day of your horse photoshoot. Your photographer will probably use a combination of bridles and headcollars, depending on the location and type of pose, so ensure you have both to hand.
- Location, location, location—With that special bond, you know your horse better than anyone; therefore, consider where they will be most comfortable and content ahead of equine shoots. For example, you may have dreamed of that unique portrait in your favourite summer meadow or woodland backdrop. Still, if transporting your horse there and putting it at ease sparks panic attacks, it’s probably not a realistic action plan. An anxious or nervous horse is not conducive to a relaxing and enjoyable event.
- What to wear—Planning the outfits you’d like to be photographed in is as exciting as it is key for those beautiful images. For example, you may want to wear an occasion dress, country attire, or competition wear for some of the photoshoot and then your regular day-to-day riding clothes for the remainder. Therefore, planning (and, dare I say, ironing) any outfit changes is key.
Final Thoughts
Above all else, it’s your photoshoot and the chance to capture some stunning wall art images of you and your horse that will be treasured, forever memories.
Very good