Recommendations
For Photo Appointments for
Horses
The following recommendations pertain to photo shoots for horses. However, the vast majority can be applied to any other animal, and it is recommended that all clients review them prior to any shoot.
Posing
It is recommended to have more than one person present to help with horse shoots. For liberty shoots, this is not totally necessary, but when posing for head shots and such, it is helpful to have a person holding the horse and a second person to get the horse's attention. Attention-getters, rattles, etc., are excellent. A can of oats, a small whip, whatever works best for your animal. Please be sure your horse is used to it, however.
Equipment/Attire
Liberty/Loose -- Halter is optional, most people opt for no halter. However, if a halter is used, it should be clean and in good repair.
Head Shots -- When posing specifically for headshots, it is recommended to have a halter or bridle on the horse. If the horse has a show bridle, that is optimal.
Halter/Conformation -- Again, a bridle or halter is recommended.
Portraits with People -- The rider/handler has the option of being in photos with his or her horse. It is recommended that clean attire is worn, and white is not recommended (shows dirt, often looks overexposed in pictures). Colors that compliment your horse's color are also recommended. Colors such as black and brown should be avoided if they are too close to the horse's coat color.
Tack – It is recommended that tack be clean and in good repair, as frayed threads and dirt can show up very easily on enlarged prints. A simple oversight can ruin an otherwise beautiful print. Show bridles or halters are highly recommended.
Preparing for the Shoot
Cleanliness
– Weather and time permitting, bathing a horse before a shoot is extremely
important. Dust, loose hair,
tangles, dirt, and even sweat are much more obvious on film than they are in
person. Sprays and grease are fine,
but it is strongly recommended that they be carefully and sparingly applied, as
they can create too much shine or worse, attract dust.
Fly
Spray – Fly spray is an absolute
must. I recommend keeping a spray
bottle on hand during the shoot. A
single black fly can ruin an otherwise perfect portrait.
Hoof
Polish – This is absolutely
optional. I do recommend hooves be
clean and well-trimmed, but polishing is optional.
I do recommend clear hoof polish for full body/conformation shoots, but
again, it is optional.
A Note About Behavior
I am very comfortable around horses, as I have been around them all of my life, but if I feel uncomfortable with a horse's behavior for any reason (including kicking, biting, charging, and the like), I reserve the right to discontinue a shoot or alter the circumstances in any way I feel necessary. It is only due to a recent incident in which I was very nearly kicked that I feel I must make this disclaimer.