First impressions carry a lot of clout. The photographs you take of your horse can make or break a great sale within the first few seconds. Sparking the interest of a buyer you know will take good care of your horse will help you feel more comfortable with your decision to sell.
Give your horse the opportunity to put its best foot forward from its most attractive angle. Here is some tried and true advice:
1. Groom
Give your horse a full bath and brush. Comb out the mane, forelock and tail. Trim where necessary. Shine the hooves. Braid if appropriate for your breed. Have your rider or handler dress appropriately. The rider's appearance matters just as much as the horse's.
2. Natural Light
The best time of day to take pictures is late afternoon or about 3 hours before the sun sets. Middle of the day light is too harsh and will cast unattractive shadows on your horse. The morning light is nice, but too fickle; it changes quickly into the harsh light of midday. If it is too cloudy for you to see your own shadow, leave the photography session for another day. The sun should be at your back, and make sure your own shadow is not in the picture. If you can adjust your shutter speed, make it 1/1000. An ideal ISO is 400.
3. Angles
Similar to the horse's vision, the best angle for its photograph is from the side. Taking a snapshot from the front or rear will distort the body. A frontal view gives the horse a large head and a small body; whereas, a rear view emphasizes the hindquarters and minimizes the head. Aim for the center of the horse's side or back. If your view is too high, your horse will appear to have short legs. If you are trying for a head shot, aim for the horse's eye. The ground should be flat to avoid the horse having to adjust its posture to any uneven ground.
Give your horse the opportunity to put its best foot forward from its most attractive angle. Here is some tried and true advice:
1. Groom
Give your horse a full bath and brush. Comb out the mane, forelock and tail. Trim where necessary. Shine the hooves. Braid if appropriate for your breed. Have your rider or handler dress appropriately. The rider's appearance matters just as much as the horse's.
2. Natural Light
The best time of day to take pictures is late afternoon or about 3 hours before the sun sets. Middle of the day light is too harsh and will cast unattractive shadows on your horse. The morning light is nice, but too fickle; it changes quickly into the harsh light of midday. If it is too cloudy for you to see your own shadow, leave the photography session for another day. The sun should be at your back, and make sure your own shadow is not in the picture. If you can adjust your shutter speed, make it 1/1000. An ideal ISO is 400.
3. Angles
Similar to the horse's vision, the best angle for its photograph is from the side. Taking a snapshot from the front or rear will distort the body. A frontal view gives the horse a large head and a small body; whereas, a rear view emphasizes the hindquarters and minimizes the head. Aim for the center of the horse's side or back. If your view is too high, your horse will appear to have short legs. If you are trying for a head shot, aim for the horse's eye. The ground should be flat to avoid the horse having to adjust its posture to any uneven ground.
