Photo of Laura Jeanne taken during Flo Knoyle’s Equine Photography Workshop at Eastwell Manor "Country Couture"
With my first booked horse photoshoot session of the year about to take place, I thought it would be a great time to share a little guide to preparing for your equine photoshoot, capturing that special connection you have with your horse and celebrating the unique partnership you have built over the years.
We’ll start by having a chat well in advance of your day so that I can understand the kind of photographs you'd love to create. We'll chat about your ideas; what vibe you'd like to go for, what you'd really love to wear, what the location you'd like to use is like and everything in between.
Since horses can be a bit unpredictable, it's also crucial to understand the proactive steps you may need to make to ensure you are set up for success during your photo session so that everyone has fun and stays safe, allowing us to get the very best out of your experience.
Choose your wardrobe
It is ideal if you are able to pick what you want to wear during your session ahead of time and to discuss the look you are wanting to go for with me in advance.
It’s up to you whether you wear just one outfit for the entire shoot or you change into a few (I'd recommend no more than three outfit changes in a 2 hour session), but it's important you feel confident and comfortable in all your outfit choices. I also recommend choosing outfits which you wouldn’t normally wear around your horse as I guarantee you'll already have lots of photos of yourself in your normal riding gear and choosing something a little different makes the whole session a bit more special, so dig out your favourite top, dress or even cosplay outfit.
Don't worry if you don't think you have anything suitable in your wardrobe, I have several dresses, skirts and tops available in various sizes that you can borrow ahead of your shoot (examples pictured) to allow you to practice ahead of your day and let your horse get used to anything you'd like to wear for your photos.
If you plan on wearing clothing your horse is not used to, or if you plan on riding your horse bareback during the session (wearing shorts underneath a dress is a must, trust me on this), it's very important that you practice getting your horse used to your outfits well in advance of your photoshoot and for as many times as it takes to get your horse used to anything you might want to use. If your horse is worried about something this will come across in images, as will your own tension if you're not sure how your horse will react. The most important thing is to feel comfortable throughout your session, you’re far more likely to feel confident if that’s the case!
Clean your horse
Make sure your horse is groomed and clean, as if you were preparing to take your horse to a competition.
I always recommend bathing your horse the day before your photoshoot as this allows their coat time to dry so it has a glossy appearance on the day of your shoot. However, if it's more convenient for you, try and bath the morning of the session, ensuring you allow enough time for your horse to dry completely as if their coat hasn’t dried in time wet spots tend to be very noticeable in photographs!
Clean any tack you intend on using and gather everything together
Camera lenses are super sensitive and are designed to notice every little detail. Giving your tack a really good clean will make sure you and your horse shine.
If you can, gather all the necessary accessories that you think you’ll need for your equine photoshoot and keep them in one place ready to use. This could be a small grooming kit to allow for any last minute touch ups, your saddle and bridle, numnahs, special rugs, head collars, lead ropes or any other items you'd like to incorporate.
Location, Location, Location
The location and backdrop is obviously important. Most of people choose to have their photoshoot at the yard their horse is stabled at. Don't worry if you don't think your yard is picturesque, there's always somewhere we can create something beautiful and you will be amazed what can be done in an edit!
But if you have somewhere else in mind, I'm always happy to discuss travelling with you to your favourite place, maybe a nearby woodland, favourite bridleway or nearby flower meadow – we'd just need to ensure we have the prior authorisation from the landowner to undertake a shoot at your favourite local place.
Relax and have fun
Throughout the process, I’ll ensure that you and your horse are comfortable. Nothing is ever rushed with plenty of time allowed for any outfit changes and moving to different locations so we capture images that you'll love!
Your photoshoot is all about you and your horse. We will work in short bursts with as many breaks in between photos as you and your horse need. The more you enjoy the session, the more your horse will too.
If you feel that your horse is getting upset by anything at any time, just tell me and we will stop and take as much time as necessary for you and your horse to once again feel comfortable and relaxed. I will never push you or your horse to do something you don't feel happy with. If your horse doesn't want to settle in a certain location that's absolutely fine, we'll just move on and try again somewhere else.
Having fun really is the "secret sauce" to having an amazing session that will result in beautiful natural portraits which will be enjoyed for years to come.