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!
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
