5 Things to Consider when Photographing Your Horse

5 Tips for photographing your horse

Have you ever wanted to take a picture of your horse that went beyond what a camera phone can do? I think that everyone should feel equipped to confidently take pictures of their own horses, and in my career as an equestrian photographer, I have picked up a number of tips that have really helped me, like the following five.

Make sure legs are positioned correctly for the breed.

Consider The Breed
Every horse has a different conformation, and every breed has features that they are specifically recognized for. Before taking their picture, you’ll want to ensure that they are standing in a way that highlights their best features. For example, stock breeds like American Quarter Horses, American Paints, and Appaloosa’s should be squared and their legs should be positioned in a well-balanced manner.

Be Mindful of the Camera Lens
If you don’t have a lens that is longer than 100mm in focal length, you will want to stick to side profiles and avoid shooting the horse head-on—doing so will distort their head. 

Ears up always look pretty!

Get Those Ears Up
You want your horse’s ears to be alert and attentive as you take their picture. Use a prop to grab their attention or an app that mimics sounds guaranteed to perk those ears up. I like the All Ears Selfie app.

Make Sure Your Horses are Clean
It may seem like common sense, but even things that don’t seem like a big deal can really pop in camera. Spots, stains, and a tangled mane can distract from a horse’s best features, and a dusty or dirty horse could ruin an otherwise great picture.

Ask a Friend for Help
Having an assistant during a photoshoot can take a photoshoot from stressful to stress-free. You can concentrate your efforts on getting the perfect shot while your assistant can use props or noises to capture your horse’s attention and get those ears perky. They can also hold and lead your horse for you while you focus on taking the best picture. 

If your first attempts taking a picture of your horse don’t turn out exactly how you’d like, don’t be discouraged—remember, practice really does make perfect. And in the meantime, you can always hire a professional photographer to snag some gorgeous shots of your horse while you perfect your skills—that way, you get the best of both worlds! 

An assistant can be helpful in getting the perfect photo!

Best poses when photographing horses if you do not have a telephoto lens.

Make sure you clean your horses good before the photoshoot!