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.
• 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

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, as it casts a soft light
• If it cannot be avoided, shooting on a dull or rainy day, inside or at noon be sure to use a flash or adjust your camera settings accordingly.
• ALWAYS have the sun behind you (the photographer), shining towards the subject.
• Focus on the eye, and keep at eye level, especially for small animals

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

Pose

• Try for an uncluttered background, but for a photo to be used for your 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.

Be patient and have fun!