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It is an exciting time of year with the winter Olympics in full swing. I empathize and appreciate all the hard work of the athletes. Working as a sports photographer, every competitor exhibits the characteristics of preparation, execution and release. All of these areas give the sports photographer opportunities to capture the emotions of the athlete. While I am only able to view the Olympic coverage on television, I am currently in Wellington, Florida surrounded by the best equestrians in the world at The Winter Equestrian Festival. Saturday night was the $375,000 FEI Grand Prix. It was an exciting class with forty five competitors, six being called back for the jump-off over a shortened course. It gave me lots of opportunity to photograph the preparation, execution and release.

1. Preparation

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of Excellence

Anticipation for Nice De Prissey with Brianne Goutal, Balance and concentration for Ursula XII and Scott Brash.

2. Execution

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of Excellence

Special Lux with Jonathan McCrea, With Wings and Karen Polle, Mic Mac Du Tillard with David Will.

For equestrians, the rider and the horse are skilled athletes. They must work as a team. I love the different expressions of concentration of the horse and rider as they approach and jump these huge fences.

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of Excellence

Kent Farrington and Willow

The course must be completed in a certain amount of time. The rider must move along. When it’s a jump off, the rider needs to gallop as fast as safely possible. In the end, the jumps have to stay up.

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of Excellence

Jessicia Springstein and Vindicat W, Charlie Jayne and Chill R Z

The course designer builds problems into the course testing the horse and rider’s versatility. Sometimes it’s the number of possible strides between jumps. It may be the size and shape of the jump. The horse and rider have to answer every question with a clean jump.

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of Excellence

Tim Gredley and Unex Chamberlain Z, Scott Brash and Ursula XII

The determination in horse and rider is inspiring!

 

3. Release

Photographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of ExcellencePhotographing Athletes: In Pursuit Of ExcellenceBen Maher on Cella winners of the $375,000 Grand Prix

As these athletes pursue excellence, I to strive to photograph their stories to the best of my abilities!! I hope you enjoy these photographs.

 

 

 
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For all those who have had the good fortune to own a horse knows there is great value in having equestrian portraits taken throughout their horse’s career. Important moments could include a portrait at the farm, in the pasture, competing in a horse show, a championship ribbon pinning and more. Besides being a horse photographer, I am also a horse owner and understand the connection between the horse and rider very well.

My show jumper Adam had a tremendously successful career from 2001-2007. He stopped show jumping in 2008 and in 2011, at the age of 23, he had an injury and could no longer be ridden. My son and I recently took a trip to visit him in Virginia at a beautiful retirement farm. Also at the farm is my former horse, Unique. Below are some photographs of both of my horses; Adam and Unique.

Equestrian Portraits
Unique

 

Equestrian Portraits
Adam

You and your horse can be photographed anywhere, anytime in any location. The photographs are treasured memories of times spent together with “the love of your life”, your horse. Please check out my other blog pieces on equestrian photography http://blog.deborahkalasphotography.com/horse-photography-a-guide-to-exquisite-equestrian-portraits/.
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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.