I believe that a great photographer (equine or otherwise) has the ability to answer most of your questions before you ask them, but it is easy when we do this amazing job every day to forget that this experience isn’t something everyone gets to do regularly. So I have put together my 5 top questions to ask your equine photographer so you can get the most out of your equine photoshoot:
1. What’s included in the photoshoot?
You have found a photographer whose work you love and now you want to book them. Each photographer will offer something different in their shoot fee or packages, so it is important you have an outline of what is initially included in your session.
I have designed a full experience from start to finish to ensure each session is bespoke to you and your horse. There are no hidden extras, no limits on outfit changes or number of horses/people etc. My session fee includes 2hrs of shoot time, which I find leaves us plenty of time to create a varied and stunning collection of images.
I am with you every step of the way from booking to the arrival of your chosen products. I like to include a big 16in bespoke framed print from our session because your memories deserve to be printed and enjoyed for a lifetime.
Read more about what is included in my photoshoot experiences on my website here.
2. What should I wear?
A photoshoot is as good of an excuse to dress up as any and these images will be displayed proudly in your home and treasured for years to come. You want your outfits to compliment you and your horse, enhance the image but not distract from the moment and be a true reflection of your style and personality.
Each of my clients receives a seasonal style guide, welcome brochure and in-depth styling advice call prior to the photoshoot so all my clients are fully prepared ahead of the shoot. I also have tones of resources to inspire you on my blog. There are no limits on outfit changes on my shoots – I generally recommend at least 3 to ensure you get plenty of variety in your images.
3. What is your equine experience?
Horses are unpredictable and not always compliant when asked to stand and pose for an extended period of time. A photographer with an understanding of equine behaviour and can read when a horse is reaching it’s limit is essential for a happy equine photoshoot for all!
I have been around horses from a young age and have had the privilege of seeing how horses and humans can learn to wordlessly speak to each other. Before your shoot I get to know about your horse, if you think they might need a bit of careful handling and maybe a bit of exercise prior to the shoot to take the edge off.
We can time the shoot to fit in with their routine so they don’t get upset, making sure they are fed as normal (no-one likes to be hangry!) and we are mindful of their unique quirks! I will never force a pose that might be dangerous to you or your horse and I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve to get beautiful shots whilst keeping your horse calm and relaxed.
4. What products do you offer?
After your shoot you will be left with a collection of beautiful images, but how should you display them? One of my favourite parts of your shoot experience is building your artwork together during our in-person viewing session. I have carefully chosen high quality products from my trusted suppliers that will last for a lifetime, from beautiful, bespoke frames to suit everyone’s personal style and home decor, to luxury matted albums with personalised details. Of course, I offer high resolution digitals from your session in colour and black and white so you can print and enjoy your images forever.
I also say to all my clients that if there is something you want that isn’t on my price list, I can source it for you.
Want to know if I am the equine photographer for you? Let’s chat! Get in touch today by emailing info@jossridley.co.uk or call 07788282126.
