The Equine Art of Debbie Goldring

Photo Tips

These tips will help you get the best quality photos of your animals, for your commissioned portrait or for you to enjoy.

Camera & Film

A 35 mm or digital camera with a telephoto lens, on proper settings for the conditions or on automatic or program mode is ideal.
The telephoto lens will allow you to stand back from the animal, and not distract him.
A point & shoot camera will produce acceptable photos if you follow these tips
100 ASA film or ISO100 setting on digital is all you will require – if using film, have a few rolls on hand
Using a flash is optional on a sunny day but it will eliminate shadows, put a shine on the coat and a gleam in the eye
A flash is a must for a dull day
Digital photos are acceptable, please follow the tips below

Conditions

A sunny day, early morning or late afternoon sun, as the sun is lower in the sky. It won’t cast heavy noon day shadows.
A lightly overcast, bright day is ideal
If it cannot be avoided, shooting on a dull or rainy day, inside or at noon be sure to use a flash
ALWAYS have the sun behind you (the photographer), shining towards the subject.

Preparation

Have 3 people, the photographer, one to hold the horse and one person to get the horses attention
Have things available to get and keep his attention, treats are not a good idea as the horse will keep moving towards them
Have the horse groomed and the tack clean

Examples: Unacceptable Photos

Pose

Try for an uncluttered background, but for a photo to be used for a portrait, this is not critical.
For a standard head study, position the horse perpendicular to you as in Example #1. Have the horse’s head turned slightly towards you so the bulge of the opposite eye is visible.
For a full body pose, be sure to have the horse on level ground, with his head position the same as above. Be sure his legs are straight and separated just enough to see all 4.
For any other pose be sure that the angles are okay so you don’t end up with distortion, eg. a skinny neck, a face that is too long, nose too large, etc.

Taking the Picture

Now, get as close as you can, have the image you want, filling the frame. This is important! You may feel you are too close, but I assure you, you are not.

Note: For smaller animals ensure that you are always at eye level.

Example #1: