Equine photography

Naturenut · 05-12-2010, 04:51 PM

So I'm very interested (as a former equestrian) in equine related photography. Have any of you dabbled in this realm and if so, what tips can you share with a beginner?

opfor · 05-13-2010, 02:33 AM

There is all ready a thread here some where. You may want to try the search function.
Two basic rules that seem to keep getting repeated, no flash and be careful of the background behind the subject. Brown in front of brown doesn't stand out too well.

Found one;
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography/55024-shooting-horse-jumping.html

hillerby · 05-18-2010, 03:35 PM

Living in TEXAS, I've done a fair amount of this! Equine Photography covers a lot of ground, so there is no simple answer to you question.
For example, shooting a Rodeo, Cutting Horse Competion, Barrel Racing, or Calf Roping ... they all present their own unique set of difficulties. Shootin' a horse that's just standing there is simply a matter of composition, exposure, focus, et.
I guess it would help if ya' gave me a little more information with which to work. As I said, I've done a helluva lot of this stuff, but there are lots of differences.

**Kerrowdown** · 05-20-2010, 01:07 AM

I can remember years ago doing a piece for a local paper and being very surprised just how long a face a horse has, when trying to do a frame filling potrait with the whole face in sharp forcus.

Not much help I'm afraid but an observation anyway, enjoy your photography.

Naturenut · 05-22-2010, 09:06 AM

Originally posted by hillerby

Living in TEXAS, I've done a fair amount of this! Equine Photography covers a lot of ground, so there is no simple answer to you question.
For example, shooting a Rodeo, Cutting Horse Competion, Barrel Racing, or Calf Roping ... they all present their own unique set of difficulties. Shootin' a horse that's just standing there is simply a matter of composition, exposure, focus, et.
I guess it would help if ya' gave me a little more information with which to work. As I said, I've done a helluva lot of this stuff, but there are lots of differences.

Naturenut · 05-22-2010, 09:07 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

I can remember years ago doing a piece for a local paper and being very surprised just how long a face a horse has, when trying to do a frame filling potrait with the whole face in sharp forcus.

Not much help I'm afraid but an observation anyway, enjoy your photography.

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 09:29 AM

I want to get out more and shoot some more halter classes myself.

Not too bad when they are standing still ... but when the handler is out in the ring (and sometimes indoor arena lighting is really poor as well) working the horse ... trying to get "that" perfect motion shot is not easy.

If I was doing it professionally ... I'd be getting a body that shoots high ISO well ... and the fastest lens possible ... usually at a longer focal length.

I have only really had a chance to shoot outdoors on a bright day ... luckily.

Panning and getting the right shutter speed is fun as well ... I still haven't mastered this yet ... I need more practice.

In those above images I was only using my cheapy Pentax FA-J 75-300mm lens ... one of the worst available really ... and I was only a newbie at the time.

hillerby · 05-22-2010, 09:33 AM

I've never shot any "equine portraits" like you've described here. All of them I've ever done were shot outside w/existing light using either the sky or foilage as a natural background. Most of my better shots were normally what I'd call a 3/4 front as opposed to full profile or full front angles.
When trying to get the entire animal in the shot, I'd normally use the smallest aperture setting possible in order to maximize the depth of field.
What you're wanting isn't really too difficult if you practice, practice, practice! I'd suggest spending a day getting some shots from various angles, views, etc. Then go back to the computer and view each and every shot as critically as possible. If you're shooting digital, all the exposure, shutter speed, etc. will be recorded; so you can figure out which angle, exposure, etc. seems to work best.
Try to be aware of your background as that can change the overall look of the shot. A background that works for say, a "Palomino" may not look good if your shooting a "Paint"

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 09:35 AM

If you are after equine portraiture ... have a look at this link:

EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY by SUZANNE, Inc.

And check out the Gallery section ... there's some good images/ideas you can use just be looking here.

hillerby · 05-22-2010, 09:37 AM

I just remembered something that's pretty important when working with horses. A horse usually makes a better portrait if they have their head and neck "UP". There can be exceptions, but you usually want to get the shot when their head is up and their ears forward. Sometimes I would make a soft whistle, or other non threatening sound to get the animal to bring the head and ears into the desired position.

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 09:40 AM

Originally posted by hillerby

I just remembered something that's pretty important when working with horses. A horse usually makes a better portrait if they have their head and neck "UP". There can be exceptions, but you usually want to get the shot when their head is up and their ears forward. Sometimes I would make a soft whistle, or other non threatening sound to get the animal to bring the head and ears into the desired position.

Just trying to get a horse to get it's ears forward is fun enough at times ... especially at halter.

There is a trick if the horse is trained though ... it to hold a crop/whip ... handle straight up ... and the horse usually will reach it's muzzle forward to sniff at the crop handle. ... in turn arching it's neck and getting the desired reach and look you may be after.

In the link above ... most of those shots will be of something similar ... just the crop is either off-shot ... or edited out.

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 09:46 AM

I forgot to add ... I find my Tamron 90mm Macro lens can come in handy ... even in closer encounters for a crop shot. Our young Arabian Gelding is pretty quite and inquisitive luckily

And here's one of my young brood mare who passed 12 months ago from a perforated bowel ... very unfortunately ... another gentle little Arabian as well.

Shibby3.8 · 05-22-2010, 01:13 PM

I managed to get some shots of our horse the other day. My wife (she's the horse lover) is trying to show me the correct poses you want for equine photography.

Shes a 2 year old half arabian.

Mechan1k · 05-22-2010, 01:17 PM

It's hard getting them on the move ... but if you can get her in a nice floating extended trot (like the top image i posted ... which i was very lucky to actually get I might add) ... which is similar to your third shot ... that's where the Arabians really show their presence with their movement.

My wife has grown up with horses and shows them .... I was only introduced to them just over 6 years ago when i met her. It has been a big learning curve for me ... but a fun one at that.

Naturenut · 05-22-2010, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by Shibby3.8

I managed to get some shots of our horse the other day. My wife (she's the horse lover) is trying to show me the correct poses you want for equine photography.

Shes a 2 year old half arabian.

I love the last two action photos. Very nice. I've been posting on horse forums looking for 'models' and haven't gotten much of a response, shockingly. I mean geez if I still had my equines and someone wanted to take pictures of me for virtually nothing, I'd jump at the chance. Good grief.

05-12-2010, 04:51 PM	#1
Naturenut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northeast USA Posts: 273	Equine photography So I'm very interested (as a former equestrian) in equine related photography. Have any of you dabbled in this realm and if so, what tips can you share with a beginner?

05-13-2010, 02:33 AM	#2
opfor Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Oxford, UK Photos: Albums Posts: 276	There is all ready a thread here some where. You may want to try the search function. Two basic rules that seem to keep getting repeated, no flash and be careful of the background behind the subject. Brown in front of brown doesn't stand out too well. Found one; https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography/55024-shooting-horse-jumping.html Last edited by opfor; 05-13-2010 at 02:36 AM. Reason: info added

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05-18-2010, 03:35 PM	#3
hillerby Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sherman Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 224	Living in TEXAS, I've done a fair amount of this! Equine Photography covers a lot of ground, so there is no simple answer to you question. For example, shooting a Rodeo, Cutting Horse Competion, Barrel Racing, or Calf Roping ... they all present their own unique set of difficulties. Shootin' a horse that's just standing there is simply a matter of composition, exposure, focus, et. I guess it would help if ya' gave me a little more information with which to work. As I said, I've done a helluva lot of this stuff, but there are lots of differences.

05-20-2010, 01:07 AM	#4
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,819	I can remember years ago doing a piece for a local paper and being very surprised just how long a face a horse has, when trying to do a frame filling potrait with the whole face in sharp forcus. Not much help I'm afraid but an observation anyway, enjoy your photography.

05-22-2010, 09:06 AM	#5
Naturenut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northeast USA Posts: 273 Original Poster	Originally posted by hillerby Living in TEXAS, I've done a fair amount of this! Equine Photography covers a lot of ground, so there is no simple answer to you question. For example, shooting a Rodeo, Cutting Horse Competion, Barrel Racing, or Calf Roping ... they all present their own unique set of difficulties. Shootin' a horse that's just standing there is simply a matter of composition, exposure, focus, et. I guess it would help if ya' gave me a little more information with which to work. As I said, I've done a helluva lot of this stuff, but there are lots of differences.

05-22-2010, 09:07 AM	#6
Naturenut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northeast USA Posts: 273 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown I can remember years ago doing a piece for a local paper and being very surprised just how long a face a horse has, when trying to do a frame filling potrait with the whole face in sharp forcus. Not much help I'm afraid but an observation anyway, enjoy your photography.

05-22-2010, 09:29 AM	#7
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	I want to get out more and shoot some more halter classes myself. Not too bad when they are standing still ... but when the handler is out in the ring (and sometimes indoor arena lighting is really poor as well) working the horse ... trying to get "that" perfect motion shot is not easy. If I was doing it professionally ... I'd be getting a body that shoots high ISO well ... and the fastest lens possible ... usually at a longer focal length. I have only really had a chance to shoot outdoors on a bright day ... luckily. Panning and getting the right shutter speed is fun as well ... I still haven't mastered this yet ... I need more practice. In those above images I was only using my cheapy Pentax FA-J 75-300mm lens ... one of the worst available really ... and I was only a newbie at the time.

05-22-2010, 09:33 AM	#8
hillerby Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sherman Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 224	I've never shot any "equine portraits" like you've described here. All of them I've ever done were shot outside w/existing light using either the sky or foilage as a natural background. Most of my better shots were normally what I'd call a 3/4 front as opposed to full profile or full front angles. When trying to get the entire animal in the shot, I'd normally use the smallest aperture setting possible in order to maximize the depth of field. What you're wanting isn't really too difficult if you practice, practice, practice! I'd suggest spending a day getting some shots from various angles, views, etc. Then go back to the computer and view each and every shot as critically as possible. If you're shooting digital, all the exposure, shutter speed, etc. will be recorded; so you can figure out which angle, exposure, etc. seems to work best. Try to be aware of your background as that can change the overall look of the shot. A background that works for say, a "Palomino" may not look good if your shooting a "Paint"

05-22-2010, 09:35 AM	#9
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	If you are after equine portraiture ... have a look at this link: EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY by SUZANNE, Inc. And check out the Gallery section ... there's some good images/ideas you can use just be looking here.

05-22-2010, 09:37 AM	#10
hillerby Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sherman Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 224	I just remembered something that's pretty important when working with horses. A horse usually makes a better portrait if they have their head and neck "UP". There can be exceptions, but you usually want to get the shot when their head is up and their ears forward. Sometimes I would make a soft whistle, or other non threatening sound to get the animal to bring the head and ears into the desired position.

05-22-2010, 09:40 AM	#11
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	Originally posted by hillerby I just remembered something that's pretty important when working with horses. A horse usually makes a better portrait if they have their head and neck "UP". There can be exceptions, but you usually want to get the shot when their head is up and their ears forward. Sometimes I would make a soft whistle, or other non threatening sound to get the animal to bring the head and ears into the desired position. Just trying to get a horse to get it's ears forward is fun enough at times ... especially at halter. There is a trick if the horse is trained though ... it to hold a crop/whip ... handle straight up ... and the horse usually will reach it's muzzle forward to sniff at the crop handle. ... in turn arching it's neck and getting the desired reach and look you may be after. In the link above ... most of those shots will be of something similar ... just the crop is either off-shot ... or edited out.

05-22-2010, 09:46 AM	#12
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	I forgot to add ... I find my Tamron 90mm Macro lens can come in handy ... even in closer encounters for a crop shot. Our young Arabian Gelding is pretty quite and inquisitive luckily And here's one of my young brood mare who passed 12 months ago from a perforated bowel ... very unfortunately ... another gentle little Arabian as well.

05-22-2010, 01:13 PM	#13
Shibby3.8 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 81	I managed to get some shots of our horse the other day. My wife (she's the horse lover) is trying to show me the correct poses you want for equine photography. Shes a 2 year old half arabian.

05-22-2010, 01:17 PM	#14
Mechan1k Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,891	It's hard getting them on the move ... but if you can get her in a nice floating extended trot (like the top image i posted ... which i was very lucky to actually get I might add) ... which is similar to your third shot ... that's where the Arabians really show their presence with their movement. My wife has grown up with horses and shows them .... I was only introduced to them just over 6 years ago when i met her. It has been a big learning curve for me ... but a fun one at that.

05-22-2010, 01:51 PM	#15
Naturenut Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: northeast USA Posts: 273 Original Poster	Originally posted by Shibby3.8 I managed to get some shots of our horse the other day. My wife (she's the horse lover) is trying to show me the correct poses you want for equine photography. Shes a 2 year old half arabian. I love the last two action photos. Very nice. I've been posting on horse forums looking for 'models' and haven't gotten much of a response, shockingly. I mean geez if I still had my equines and someone wanted to take pictures of me for virtually nothing, I'd jump at the chance. Good grief.