5 of my tips for Photographing your horse

5 tips to get better pictures of your horse

Wisconsin Equine Photographer

In my opinion, professional equestrian photos are worth the investment when it comes to capturing your horse on camera. But sometimes, we just want to get a good snapshot ourselves. With a little practice and patience, I believe that anyone can learn how to take quality pictures of their horse. Photographing your horse is a great hobby. Not only will you learn additional photography skills, but it is a great way to spend time with your four-legged friend while also creating tangible memories you can cherish forever. Here are five of my favorite tips to keep in mind when giving your horse a photoshoot.

Simple noises to perk the ears!

Ears Up
Getting your horse to keep their ears up and pointed is essential if you want to convey an engaged and happy horse. You can try to shake a grain bucket to achieve this, but your horse may become pushy and begin to ignore your cues if they have food on their brain. 

I find that the app “All Ears Selfie” works wonders—if your horse is not one to spook easily, it is a fantastic option to catch your horse’s attention. It expels whinnies and neighs, making it quick and easy to snap the perfect shot.

Clean Bridle

Use Clean and Classic Tack
Tack in photos does not need to be flashy, but it should be clean and polished. A neat and straightforward leather halter or bridle will look timeless in your photos and will not distract from the star—your horse, of course! 

Shot at 135mm Focal Length

Use a Focal Length of Over 85mm (DLSR Camera)
If you are using a DSLR camera, I recommend using a focal length of over 85mm, which will prevent distortion. For example, you may notice that the head looks larger than the body when the horse is facing you—a focal length over 85mm will help you avoid this common issue.

Overcast skies

Overcast Days Are Your Friend
Good lighting is imperative for excellent photos, and it often comes from unexpected places. Overcast days or shaded areas keep the environment from looking too harsh and add softer tones to the photos. Just avoid stormy rain clouds—it won’t do you any favors, and there’s no need for you to get caught in the rain!

Clean and simple background

Avoid Distractions
Ensure that the area you will be photographing your horse is free of distractions in the background and otherwise. The camera will pick up items you may not have become accustomed to noticing, like a hose, a trash can, or parked vehicle. By ensuring the background is free of clutter and objects, the focus will irrefutably be on your horse. 

Taking pictures of my own horse is how I found my love of photography, and I hope that these simple tips help you take snapshots of your horse that you can cherish. Above all else, having photographs of your horse will ensure that you will have a tangible memory of them for years to come, which is something to treasure. When the time comes for you to invest in professional photos, I hope you will consider me to capture those precious moments between you and your horse. Remember, you can’t be in the picture if you are behind the camera!