Thursday, 11 December 2014

Capturing the moment! A few helpful tips and tricks!

Hello all! I have been so unorganised with keeping my blog up to date - apologies!
A few people have asked me for tips on equine photography.
Here's a little background info! I started working as a live music photographer, my first paid job was when I was 14. I loved it. I was exposed (no pun intended!) to a huge variety of music and artists, got to travel a lot and met some great people! But after 7 years I decided I needed a change.
A friend asked me to accompany her to a show she was competing at - and, by chance, I took my camera. Although I don't do it as often as I used to, I do it as much as I can!

Here are my top 10 tips for those of you who, like me, like taking photos of your horse or anything horse related!





10 Tips

1. Practice! - It seems obvious, but it's so underrated! I taught myself how to use my camera and it's only through constantly practicing that I learned how to get the best possible photo! Practice taking photos of your pets - whether you are lucky enough to have your own horse or if you ride at a barn/stables - ask people if they would mind if you took some photos from them! (You might even get a few clients!) With animals, you need to be quick, accurate and safe (e.g not using a really bright flash!) Take your camera / phone everywhere - you never know what you might capture!













2. Capture the moments that are often overlooked - simply meaning, some of the best photos aren't set up or posed. If you're taking photos at a show, capturing expressions etc look so much better when they're real!
















3. Know your speed! - Make sure you know the shutter speed of your device! If it's slow, make sure you're prepared otherwise you might miss the moment!















4. Patience pays! - If there are horses in a field, have your camera ready and watch and wait. (Not only is it fascinating to watch horses being, well, horses, but you also capture things that you can't create!)











5. Perspective - Try things from different perspectives. It keeps things interesting!











6.  Capture relationships - Whether it's between horse and horse or horse and rider, there's something special about capturing relationships.














7. Think Outside The Box (Screen!) - This links in with number 2. When i've been asked to photograph someone's day at a show, their favourite photos are often the unusual ones. Try taking photos of tack, or boots, or even a portrait style photo of a rider!








8. Take as many as you can! - I found out the hard way, you can never take too many photos! Sometimes I look back and think "I wish I had ONE more like this" especially if you are taking action shots, keep your finger on the button! You can always delete the ones that are no good!












9. Smile! - If you're taking photos for someone, don't be afraid to get them to move about or change their position (or smile!) 
















10. It's not all about the camera! - If you don't have a camera, don't worry! I almost always shoot in colour - you can always make a photo black and white, but you can't make a black and white photo colour! If you are taking photos for someone else, it is always better to give them their photos in black and white and colour - different people prefer different styles! 















Let me know if you find this post helpful!
Happy snapping!
Beth





Monday, 15 September 2014

It's Been A While! Injuries, moving...stress!

Hello! Hope everyone is well.

It has been a while since I have posted - a lot has happened in a short space of time!

Injuries, moving...stress!

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I decided to move the boys to a new yard in which we've been at for a week now.
They have both settled in well and I feel for the first time in a long time I can sleep well at night knowing they will be well looked after and cared for!



Sunday, 27 July 2014

Jaw Dropping. An unlucky month indeed!

I am lucky enough to have found a trainer who works well for me and my horses.
The improvement in Bentley in particular is unbelievable. 

This week (Well, month), however, proved to be a very unlucky one for me.
What with shoulder injuries, a car accident and a (what seems to be) an endless list of other things, I managed to lose half a tooth, and fracture part of my jaw mid-training.

A total accident. (An unfortunate one at that!)
To summarise - came round to a jump on a bad stride, Aragorn (bless his heart) thought he'd have a go, then thought better of it, his head - my jaw...ouch!

A screenshot from the video!


I am now glued together, most of my teeth still intact and, today I was able to "eat" a muffin.
I also gave the boys a little ride - all is well.

What did you and your four-legged friend/s get up to this weekend?

Thankfully, it's nearly August - here's to a luckier month!

Beth


Thursday, 24 July 2014

A quick update!

I haven't posted on here in a while!

Bentley had his final back treatment and his ulcers have now completely cleared which is fantastic news!

Both of the boys had their feet done today by our wonderful farrier, Jodhi Bheard - If anyone in the Essex area is on the lookout for a farrier, I cannot recommend her enough!

After months of hard work I have decided to pull out of Hickstead this weekend.
I am absolutely gutted (to say the least!) - It has always been a dream of mine to compete there but due to a badly timed shoulder injury, I haven't been able to ride as much/as well/keep Aragorn fit and ready, so the best option (the only option) was to pull out.
Who knows, maybe next year I will take both!

I will still be going to cheer all the other riders on - is anyone else attending/competing?



Friday, 4 July 2014

The Weekend is here!



The weekend is here at long last!
Do you have any shows/events planned? Or are you looking forward to a nice, chilled out weekend with your horse?
Let me know!
Enjoy your weekend!



Sunday, 29 June 2014

The grass is always greener...

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine! Here's a question - what living arrangements work best for your horse? I am lucky enough to have turnout everyday which I have found to be very beneficial both physically and mentally to the horses. I have only recently moved yards and the change in both horses is unbelievable. What arrangements work best for your horse?

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Let's Get The Introductions Out Of The Way!

Hi! I'm Beth and welcome to my blog! Here I will be posting about all things...you've guessed it! Equestrian! We equestrians eat, sleep and breathe horses. I am to provide and share reviews of products (new and old!) From hoof oil to browbands! As well as some news and updates on my lovely boys! I am 22, and have been riding for as long as I can remember... I have just completed a 4 year long degree in Psychology and have decided to take a "year out" before beginning a full-time career to pursue my equestrian dream a little longer! I am lucky enough to have 3 lovely boys!
On the left is the newest addition to the family! His name is Bentley and I've only had him since December - he is a sensitive soul who has only recently started to show his personality - he is very cheeky! And on the right is Aragorn (or Jigsaw) who I have had a little over a year now! They both have 4 legs and that is where the similarities end! And here is my lovely boy Edd, who is now retired and living the dream in Devon! I try to see him at least twice a year (although I'm sure he doesn't miss me one bit!)
So, that's the introductions out of the way! I hope everyone is enjoying the lovely weather! Does anyone have any competitions coming up? Happy Reading, Beth