What have you always wanted to know about booking an equine photoshoot?
When my clients book an equine photoshoot, I get asked a lot of questions about the experience and aim to answer all of them, sometimes before they even ask. I spend plenty of time walking you through the experience and preparing you fully ahead of the main event, so all you have to focus on is spending quality time with your horse while I freeze these moments for you to treasure forever.
To simplify everything, I have answered all of my FAQs in this blog!
Q: How many outfits can I bring?
There is no limit on the number or type of outfits you want to wear on an equine photoshoot. If you want to have a shot of you in a full ballgown against a dramatic backdrop, or have a cuddly moment with your horse in your favourite cashmere jumper – let’s do it!
Having different outfits gives variety to your images, so I recommend bringing at least 3 outfits: casual, smart casual and smart.
No idea where to start? Don’t worry, I have style guides to get you inspired and during our pre-shoot consultation we will talk about how to make the most of your personal style and existing wardrobe or inspire some shopping trips!
Q: How many horses and people can I have on my shoot?
The limit does not exist!
Want to have multiple horses on the shoot? My current record is 8 on one equine photoshoot. Would love some images of you and your family together? Invite them along! Want a photo with your other four legged family members? So far I have had dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and goats join in.
The 2hrs we are together on the shoot is your time; so invite the ones you love to join in if you wish. Photoshoots can also be shared with a friend if your horses are kept at the same yard. Just bear in mind that the more subjects in a shoot means less time for one to one shots with you and your horse.
Q: What happens if it rains?
As a UK photographer, I am well accustomed to having the weather rain on my parade, so to speak. I keep my diary flexible; if the weather forecast starts to look a bit ‘British’ we can always make a plan. Be it moving the shoot time to avoid a downpour, taking pauses during the shoot to avoid the odd drizzle or moving the shoot date all together. There is no charge for moving the shoot date: this is your moment of a lifetime and I want it to be perfect in every way.
Q: What if my horse misbehaves?
This is a concern for a lot of my clients, especially those with top competition horses whose sharpness makes them successful in the arena but not necessarily easy to handle on the ground. I take the shoot at you and your horse’s pace, keeping it relaxed at all times. If they are regularly stabled then often we will start the shoot there; somewhere familiar you spend together everyday. Or I will keep your horse moving, not staying in one location for too long. Some horses find the experience new and interesting so are very happy to pose all day, others will say they have had enough after a few minutes. I have dealt with the whole spectrum on shoots and as long as you keep smiling I can get tones of beautiful images!
Q: There are no nice backdrops for a shoot at my yard!
Not all of us have access to beautiful brick yards, long tree lined drives and sprawling country estates for a photoshoot. I have spent lots of time training my eye to spot hidden gems in seemingly ordinary locations, so you may see your yard in a totally different way.
Think about places you might have close access to, is there a stubble field next to the yard you could use (check with the farmer first!), a tree lined road just outside the yard, or a local hacking route that leads to a beautiful view?
If you really think there is no possibilities where your horse is kept, could you box your horse to a local beauty spot? Me and my camera will meet you there.
Ultimately, the shoot isn’t about the background, it’s about the special moments between you and your horse and that is what I will be focusing in on.
Q: My horse is lame/I’m sick on the day of the shoot
Despite our best planning, horses and humans can get injured and sick. So don’t worry – we will just reschedule your shoot when everyone is back on their feet!
Q: I am not local to you, how far will you travel for a shoot?
Me and my camera will go via plane, train or automobile to get beautiful images of you and your horse – there is no limit, nationally or internationally, to where I will travel. So don’t let distance put you off booking a shoot.
