Equine Photography Ideas
Photography Ideas With Your Horse
Photo Shoot Preparation
To take better photos, preparation is the first step. Take your time to make a list of the things you need before, during, and after the shooting. When we are doing product shoots at Equestroom, we also like to ensure that we create a shot list. We write down the poses we want to shoot so that in the hustle and bustle we won’t miss any of them. Before arriving at the barn, prepare the equipment you need to take with you and clean the lenses of your camera and make sure you have lots of battery power left! Before starting the shooting, remember to give your horse a good grooming session to get his coat shiny and clean your tack if you want to use any tack in the shooting.
9 Equine Photography Ideas
Now that you are all set up and prepared it is time to dive in. Let’s get into the shooting ideas from our favorite influencers and photographers on Instagram!
1. Horse Portraits
Shooting horse portraits are a common way to show off the beautiful face details of your horse. Especially if your horse has facial markings, you should definitely consider taking photos of that gorgeous face.
When shooting portraits, you can also create a dark background by using a dimmer area behind the horse. If you want to take the photos outside, use the portrait mode to highlight the horse’s face and blur the background. You can do the same with the rider.
This gorgeous photo shows the importance of well kept tack that compliments the horse. This stylish browband any many more can be found in our matching saddle pad sets or purchased on their own to really make your portraits stand out!
2. Equine Action Photography
Amber and J’adore clearing another jump
Modeling: @amber_steenackers Photography: @paardenfotografie_helena_massa
Taking photos in motion is quite tricky but when it comes to horses, that is the best way to reveal their elegance in motion and get some great shots. You can either let your horse run free in the pasture and take photos or find someone to take your photos while you are riding. For showjumpers, jumping shoots are the best action shots. For dressage riders, extended trot, pirouette, or collected canter can provide wonderful imagery.
Laura and Sweet Gentle trotting in style
Modeling: @laura_degraeve - Photography: @marylineverstraetenphotography
If you decide to take action photos while riding, pay attention to your posture, and determine from which angle you want the photos to be taken. You can take photos of the motion from left or right, front or back. Consider which angle will make the action look more vivid in the photo.
3. Background
Andrea and Hamster looking just perfect in green
Modeling: @horse_glam - Photography: @shannensmythphotography
4. Detail Shoot
Horses are walking wonders and each detail of their body has another magical effect. Photographers love to take photos of hooves, ears, tail, mane, muzzle, and eyes. You can give a try to each different detail and see how it looks.
Solo’s ears and eyes giving him an innocent look
Modeling: @nicolabyamcook - Photograph: @sophielefevrephotography
Besides, trying to take photos of the tack details is another idea in equine photography. Stirrups, browband, boots, and the saddle pad can be creative detail shots.
Valeria in black and Agata in lavender
Photo by: @v_equinelife
5. Lower Angle
Taking photos from a lower angle can make the horse look bigger and the rider more confident. The photographer can kneel down to keep the camera lower and catch the best shot while the rider looks up in a confident position in the saddle. With a good light on the model rider and horse, the result can be splendid!
You can try this shooting while standing:
Valeria and Agata, the confident girls!
Photo by: @v_equinelife
Or in motion:
Lotte and Cambaron cantering like the wind
Modeling: @lottexcami - Photography: @amberkleianfotografie
6. Walking Side by Side
Horses are our teammates that carry us to success. They do great work carrying us and giving us their best, but we should also learn how to walk side by side with them.
Naomi and Storm walking together
Modeling: @haflinger_storm_naomi - Photography: @alinaniemaphotography
Taking some pictures of you walking side by side with your horse can demonstrate your bond and make some cute memories to keep in an album.
7. Look Back
Astrid and Sofia Hit smiling at Helena’s camera
Modeling: @astrid_rombaut - Photography: @paardenfotografie_helena_massa
We always say “Never look back!”, but you should definitely look back to pose to the camera! If the photographer can catch good light and angle, photos taken from the behind of the horse and rider will turn into brilliant shots for your collection.
8. Hugs & Love & Affection
The most effective way to show your bond with your horse in a photo is maybe by taking lifeful hugging photos together. We all love giving hugs to our loyal giant-hearted friends. If you can catch a good angle, make sure to get some photos of yourself hugging or kissing your horse.
Naomi and Storm giving some poses full of love
Modeling: @haflinger_storm_naomi - Photography: @alinaniemaphotography
9. Matching Style
When you decide to take photos of yourself with your horse, dressing matchy gives the photo a different harmony and makes it look even. You can select a saddle pad set that matches your horse’s coat color and get dressed in a matching color yourself.
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