Blog: sessions, travel, education and more
Equine Photography Tips; Photographing Different Types of Horse Breeds
As equine photographers we have a tendency to have the majority of clients in one breed or disciplines, So what do we do when we get a client with horses out of our comfort zone. Here are some of the steps I take when I photograph a new breed or discipline.
Be honest about your level of experience of what they are needing. More than likely they have seen your work and picked you for a reason so do not be afraid of being honest.
Research the breed or discipline for the ideal shots. I like to look at high level event photos. I will Google World or National shows for XXX breed. You can also Google photos, but to get ideal I go to the top level.
Practice. Do a model call similar to your upcoming shoot. If it is a uncommon horse breed or discipline, photograph your practice shoot as you would the one intended.
When photographing different horse breeds, understanding their unique characteristics and behaviors can significantly enhance the quality of your images. Here’s what to know about some common breeds:
1. Arabian Horses
Characteristics: Known for their elegant, refined features, high tail carriage, and distinctive head shape.
Photography Tips: Highlight their arched necks and expressive eyes and nostrils. Capture their graceful movement in action shots, particularly in trot or canter.
2. Thoroughbred Horses
Characteristics: Athletic, tall, and slim, Thoroughbreds are bred for speed and agility.
Photography Tips: Focus on their muscular build and powerful stride.
3. Quarter Horses
Characteristics: Stocky, muscular, and versatile, known for their calm temperament and powerful hindquarters.
Photography Tips: Emphasize their muscular build and wide chest. Capture them in
environments or during the many activities displaying their versatility
4. Friesian Horses
Characteristics: Black, with a flowing mane and tail, and a strong, compact build.
Photography Tips: Highlight their luxurious manes and the contrast of their black coat against a lighter background. Portraits that capture their proud stance are especially striking.
5. Draft Horses
Characteristics: Large, heavy draft horses, many with distinctive feathering on their legs.
Photography Tips: Capture their imposing size and the detail of their feathered legs. Photos of them working or pulling a carriage can evoke their historical roles. Many are broke to ride so show their gentle demeanor.
6. Warmbloods
Characteristics: A versatile breed often used in dressage, show jumping, and eventing, known for their balance and athleticism.
Photography Tips: Highlight their elegance and strength, especially in motion. Shots of them during dressage or jumping showcase their skill and poise.
7. Mustangs
Characteristics: Wild horses with varied physical traits, known for their spirit and resilience.
Photography Tips: Capture them in their natural habitat to emphasize their wild nature. Focus on the freedom and untamed beauty they represent.
8. Ponies (e.g., Shetland, Welsh)
Characteristics: Smaller stature, often with sturdy builds and strong personalities.
Photography Tips: Capture their playful, curious nature, especially in interactions with people or other animals. Close-up shots can highlight their expressive faces.
9. Appaloosa& Paint Horses
Characteristics: Distinctive coat patterns.
Photography Tips: Emphasize their unique coat patterns, using natural light to bring out the contrast in their markings. Action shots can show off their agility and spirit.
General Tips:
Research the Breed: Before the shoot, learn about the specific breed’s temperament, strengths, and typical poses.
Use the Right Lighting: Natural light is often best, but consider how different light angles highlight specific features of each breed.
Environment Matters: Choose locations that complement the horses coloring.
Patience is Key: Some breeds may be more sensitive or skittish, so be patient and allow time for the horse to relax.
Photographing different horse breeds with attention to their unique qualities will not only enhance the beauty of your images but also show your understanding and respect for each breed.
horse sale photography
equine photography course
conformation horse photography
professional horse sale photos
equine conformation photography
how to photograph horses for sale
best angles for horse photography
horse conformation photo tips
lighting for horse sale photos
preparing a horse for photography
backgrounds for horse photography
photographing horses for marketing
equine photography tips for beginners
Model Calls: Why I do them and what other reasons to do them.
Photographers; Why you should do model calls
What are some of the reasons why photographers do model calls?
I do a lot of model calls, especially during my slower months. I want to talk about why I do them and why other photographers do them. They can benefit both the you and the models involved. Here are some key reasons why other photographers and why I do model calls:
Portfolio Building: Model calls can provide you with opportunities to expand their portfolios. By working with a variety of models, you can showcase your versatility and skills across different styles and genres of photography. Remember to photograph what you want to shoot. If you want to photograph equestrians, don’t use families or bridals for example (unless they include a horse of course) in your model calls.
Not always but I do prefer to use model call images on my marketing materials.
Skill Enhancement: Working with different models challenges you to adapt your techniques and skills. You can learn new posing, lighting, and composition strategies, which ultimately improves their overall proficiency as a photographer. I prefer to use my models to try and develop different poses. Do use different body types and don’t limit to only female.
Creative Exploration: Model calls encourage you to explore new concepts, themes, and ideas. You can experiment with different looks, moods, and settings, pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
Skill Exchange: Model calls can be a platform for skill exchange and mutual learning. You can share their knowledge and expertise with models, while models can provide insights and feedback from their perspective. If you are working with an experienced model, they can provide you with an easy session where you can pick up some great poses. If you see something you. like, ask them to breakdown the pose.
Marketing and Promotion: Model calls can be used as marketing tools to promote a your work. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, final images, and testimonials from models can attract potential clients and increase visibility. You can even use your models to promote you. Listen to this podcast on one of my methods.
Some photographers use model calls to make money through various strategies and approaches. Here are some ideas to help you monetize model calls. Although I know longer do this, I did use a model program as I talked about in the podcast for Seniors to promote my business. I also did another program to make money. My model team was require not only to promote me to earn images, they could also pay for their images. I much rather them to earn them.
Now the main reasons I personally do model calls
Practice. Never stop practicing. especially after slow months. Helps you get back into shooting shape. I almost always do a model call after a slow period.
I am traveling to a beautiful location and want to do a shoot.
Trying new poses. I do not want to experiment with a client. I want to test it out and tweak it as necessary. I may try the same pose with different body types, some poses do not work for all.
I need models for mentor sessions and styled shoots. When I did workshops I needed them for those as well.
I do several commercial shoots a year and need models.
As i get older, I am moving more to passive income and am building a large library of stock images and so model calls to get subjects.
Where do I get models from?
I have a page on my website for model applications, in fact it is the most popular page when it comes to internet searches. Occasionally I will make a post on social media to get more applications, I also have the link in my link in bio on Instagram. After they fill out the application I invite them to my private Facebook group. At the moment I am just shy of 200 models.
Do I need to pay models, or should they pay me?
I personally do not charge even if they lack experience and all my models sign releases. I do give social media images. The amount depends on how much effort they go into prep or how much work. Getting a horse ready is no small task and if they have to haul to a location, that is not cheap. In some case where theyhave to band or braid, I will give a high res image in exchange.
A contract is also a good idea so models know what is expected of them, what they get, what they can do with the images and so forth.
Photographing the Solar Eclipse
Photography tips for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Honestly I am not an expert, but as rare as solar eclipse are, I know of no experts. But I am planning a shoot during the eclipse with an epic silhouette, so I have done my research. Here are a few tips.
Photographing a solar eclipse can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you capture this celestial event safely and effectively:
Use a Solar Filter:
Never look directly at the sun through your camera's viewfinder or with your naked eye. Use a solar filter to protect your eyes and camera sensor.
A solar filter specifically designed for photography or solar viewing glasses can be placed over the camera lens. I have the one I have listed on my Amazon Store Front
Choose the Right Equipment:
Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings for better control over exposure.
Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during the long exposures required for eclipse photography.
A telephoto lens will help you get a closer shot of the sun. The ideal focal length will depend on your preferences and the available gear, but a lens in the range of 200mm to 400mm is a good starting point. This will also more compression if you have a subject in the foreground.
With a proper filter you can use your iphone for some great behind the scenes photos and video.
Manual Settings:
Set your camera to manual mode to have control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Use a narrow aperture (high f-stop number) to reduce the amount of light entering the camera.
Start with an ISO setting of 100 to minimize noise in your images.
Exposure Settings:
Experiment with different shutter speeds to find the right exposure. Start with faster shutter speeds and adjust as needed.
Bracket your shots by taking multiple exposures at different settings to ensure you capture the eclipse's various phases.
Focus:
Focus your lens manually on the sun if your camera cannot lock on. Use live view mode if available to zoom in and achieve precise focus.
You can use tape the focus ring down once you have achieved the correct focus to avoid accidental changes.
Compose Your Shot:
Plan your composition in advance, considering the landscape or other elements you want to include in your photos. Don’t just take a photo of the eclipse; there will be plenty of those. Add some elements to the foreground and make it stand out.
Use the eclipse glasses or solar filter to compose your shot before totality, as looking through the camera's viewfinder may damage your eyes.
Be Prepared for Changing Lighting Conditions:
The lighting conditions will change rapidly during the eclipse. Be ready to adjust your settings accordingly to capture the different phases.
Test Your Setup in Advance:
Practice setting up your equipment and capturing the sun before the actual eclipse. This will help you familiarize yourself with your gear and ensure everything is working correctly.
Remember to prioritize safety when photographing a solar eclipse. Protect your eyes and your camera equipment by using appropriate filters and precautions.
I already have a model and location, and will also do a trial run at the around the same time the eclipse is happening. Start planning now. Find your secondary subject and a location that has some higher ground. Remember the sun will be high, so you will need to be much lower than your subject to get both in frame.
Visit my Amazon Store for items to help with your eclipse photos.
Behind the Scenes | My Assistants
Good equine photography doesn’t just happen “most” of the time. It really takes a team. I have several assistants that I work with regularly and it makes my job so much easier. I can do sessions without an assistant if I need to, but everything is smoother and less stressful with a photography assistant. Sometimes I gain an additional assistant from the client’s trainer, assistant trainer, friend or family member.
My assistants wear many hats; getting ears up and horse’s attention, touch up of models, holding and leading horses, setting up equipment, getting supplies, behind the scene video and photos and so much more. Helping with my workshop, keeping me organized and even cooking. My appreciation for them is limitless!! Many many thanks!
If you are interested in becoming a TCP assistant in the North Texas area and have horse experience ask to join my assistant pool via private Facebook Group.
Photographer Model Calls | Why I do them.
I do a lot of model calls and have large group of models I work with. In fact I have a Facebook Group for model calls. I have over 100 members of the group, most in the North Texas area, but others from all over in case I want to do a model call when I travel too.
Why do I have them?
Some photographers use this as a way to boost their income. I have done this in the past, but not something I like to do. That is not my main focus of model calls. Yes some of my models do book a regular session later or buy photos from the model shoot, but they do get discounts off the sessions they book and the products.they buy. They can also earn products with my referral program with points system and purchase products with their points.
So what is my referral program? It’s a points earning system, the more they post on social media the more points they get. Refer someone to me and the get points. They need to keep track of their points, I recommend they develop their own hashtag to keep track of post.
What type of model calls do I do?
Equestrian; Were the focus is on the equestrian with their horse. Some call it horse & rider sessions, but I prefer equestrian sessions as not all equestrians are riders. I will also call them horse and humans sessions. It all depends on your definition of equestrian. These can be range from casual portraits, action under saddle or lifestyle.
Equine; Horses of all breeds. Can be conformation, liberty, headshots, pasture and more.
Model; Only a person or couple or even a family, no horses.
Reasons I do model calls.
Practice: Even though I have been doing this for many years, you can never have too much practice. Especially during slow seasons. I will admit that I loose motivation when I am not busy, so this is a way to get the motivation back. Also keeps me sharp and in “shooting” shape.
Example: After the lock-down last spring, I realized not shooting sessions for almost 2 months I lost the stamina to do a long session. I did a practice session with my daughter when the announced that we would be able to open up again soon and glad I did.
Stock Images: I sell a lot of stock images and their are certain type of images that don’t happen during photo sessions so I will do a model call for these.
Example: I visited a local equine vet and photographed a few procedures.
Need stock images visit my stock image site.
Creative outlet: Sometime I want to try something a little different for my own personal project. Usually involves some sort of props.
Example: Did a July 4th shoot with smoke bombs, earlier in the year-lots and lots of glitter. Every Halloween on of my assistants comes up a great shoot, which is more her creativity, I just find creative ways to photograph it.
Marketing & Social Media; I might need models for an event or other marketing material. Also when I post on my business page for a model call it gets so much interaction it always helps my social media algorithms.
Example: I have family mini sessions planned at a new location and needed images for my website and Facebook event page. I also did a promo video earlier this year.
Want to learn more on social media marketing visit my class on EPN.
Photography education/styled shoots: I do a yearly 3 day workshop and need numerous models. I also need models for mentor sessions, classes and video recordings for webinars. Styled shoots as well require models.
Example: Having a model for a mentor session so I can explain posing, using light is much better than just describing the methods.
Interested in equine photography education, visit my website.
Area I notice I am not getting a response from: I live in areas where there are more horse saturated than other areas. Those more saturated areas I have plenty of clients and get referrals from them. When I notice I am not getting referrals from certain location I will find some one in that area and reach out to them.
Example: My own hometown I have noticed a drastic drop in Senior sessions . I my kids where my referral system, but they graduated awhile back and I haven’t followed up on getting sessions here. I reached out to someone looking on my town’s Facebook group and have them scheduled for a model shoot soon.
My website: I have a style closet that I offer clients to borrow from and need photos of the items. I also want images of locations I shoot at.
Visit my Style Closet.
For fun: I enjoy what I do and love to shoot with other photographers that have the same passion as me. If I have a photographer friend coming into town and wants to shoot, I am glad a I have some great models to call on to set something up.
All the images on this blog where from recent model calls
