Pictures of the Horse
The graceful, majestic creature that is the horse seems to have a natural attraction for photographers. It may seem like the equine photography world is full of professionals, but even amateurs can take good photos with a little practice and a few tips.
Equine photography can be a lot of fun. There are a lot of different types of images that can be taken, and most photographers specialize in one or more areas. The most basic equine photos are portraits of the horse, and there are several ways that they can be taken. A good way to start is to try a couple different angles and settings on your camera. Then you can see what works and what doesn’t.
When taking a picture of your horse, you want to make sure that it’s looking its best. Make sure that the horse is well-groomed, and that there is no mud or manure on its body or face. You also want to make sure that it’s not wearing a halter that is too large or otherwise unfitted, as this can alter the look of its head and neck.
Another thing to consider when taking a picture of your horse is the background. A busy, cluttered setting is distracting and can take the focus away from the horse. A simple, clean backdrop is best. For example, you might want to photograph your horse in a pasture with just some trees and green grass behind it. Alternatively, you might want to take the photo in an arena or indoor riding area, where there aren’t any distractions.
If you’re not a professional photographer, you might have some difficulty getting your horse to pose in the way that you want. Some horses are very cooperative, while others are a little more aloof. A great place to start is by grabbing the horse’s attention at the beginning of the shoot. You can try calling out to the horse, rustling a bag of treats, or shaking a dish of grain to get it to prick up its ears and look interested.
There are also certain times of the day that are better for equine photography. The golden light of sunrise and sunset tends to look much more flattering on the horse than harsh midday sunlight. You can also try catching your horse at the water hole, as they’re often more active around these times.
One of the most interesting equine photographs ever taken was by a railroad tycoon and horse aficionado named Eadweard Muybridge. He subscribed to the still-unproven theory that at some point during a horse’s stride, all four of its legs would leave the ground for a split second. Muybridge believed that if he could capture this moment in time on film, it would prove his theory.
For this reason, equine photography is one of the most popular types of photography. If you’re willing to put in the hours and work hard, you can get some truly beautiful pictures of your horse.