Monthly Archives: July 2012

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 Equestrian Portrait, Equestrian Photography, Horse Portrait, Horse Photography

Being a photographer and equestrian, photographing horses and their riders is not only one of my portrait specialties; it is also one of my passions. I recognize that every horse is unique and I look for the personal connection between horse and rider.

Whether you want to record the memory of a show, capture the excitement of a win, or to simply memorialize the splendor and beauty of your horse. Here is my list of expert tips to ensure you have the perfect equestrian portrait session.

How to Prepare Your Horse For Your Portrait Session

  • Make sure your horse is bathed, dry, and well groomed. Its whiskers & ears are carefully trimmed, and it is FED. A full horse is a happy horse. Wet the mane over and paint the feet with hoof paint right before we begin you session.
  • It’s important to have someone on hand to help get the horse’s attention during the session- please have available your groom, a friend, or a family member.
  • Bring a towel with you, in case we need to wipe your horse’s mouth or eyes.
  • During fly season, make certain to apply fly spray on your horse.
  • You should also bring some treats your horse likes: peppermints, cookies, and sugar cubes: whatever will help keep its attention and maintain cooperation.

How to Prepare Yourself for Your Equestrian Photography Session

  • You can dress in riding clothes, casual clothes, or something very dressy. Wear something that makes you feel good. Lighter clothes are better than darker. Avoid stripes, patterns and large logos. I want the viewer to concentrate on you and your horse’s expressions.
  • I will be taking a variety of shots: full-length, ¾, and close-up. Make sure you can sit comfortably in the clothing you have decided to wear. If in doubt, bring what you love and we can decide together before we start.
  • If it is supposed to windy, think about something for your hair. Be prepared with a tie, a ribbon, a broach, or hairspray if need be.
  • Most important: just relax and I will take care of everything else.

 
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Note and Holiday Cards

In this age of email, texting and Social Media, it’s really wonderful to receive a holiday card by regular mail. It’s very popular for people in the Hamptons to use family portraits on their holiday cards. They have their family portraits made over the summer and then select either a photograph of the whole family, part of the family, or just the kids, for their cards.

If you think you may want to your family portrait on a holiday card, here are 6 things to think about during the planning stage of the photography session:

1. Do you want the photograph to be of the whole family or just the children?

2. If you have a pet, do you want to include them as well?

3. How many cards to get: If you sent cards last year, did you have enough?

4. Who to send them to: Some clients have business and personal clients that get the cards. In these cases, it’s important to include the family name. Other clients send them to the teachers at school or sport coaches as well as family and friends.

5. Some cards have the photograph printed right on the paper. The photograph is part of the texture of the paper. Other times the photograph is attached. It’s your choice.

6. Sometimes it’s nice to include a thoughtful quotation. Some quotes that my clients have used in the past are:

“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments” – Anne Morrow Lindberg

“The path is best that leads you back to those you love” – which is a nice touch with the right photograph.

We offer many beautiful and unique cards to choose from. And just think – selecting your holiday card during your summer family portrait session takes off the pressure of getting it done at the last minute!