Hints for Taking Photographs

The Most important thing in achieving a "Treasured Portrait" of your animal is a photograph that captures their personality.

Here are a few hints to help.

A Helper: Try to have a friend help you. You will get a better shot if someone is there to hold animal and someone else is there to get the animals attention. For Dogs, a favorite treat or asking them to "go for a walk" or something they enjoy doing will often get you that "special" expression. For Horses dropping grain in a coffee can or wrinkling plastic can get an "ears up" attention. Experiment with different things.

Close Ups: For a good Portrait shot get as close as possible to the subject. Don't forget to turn camera for vertical picture.

Pose: When taking a "Head Shot" try to get a profile of the animal or with their head turned towards you, where the outside eye is just visable. Try not to take a "Head-On" shot, this will give the horse a "Big Head" look. Look at other photographs that are pleasing to you and try to get the same pose.

Backgrounds: Be aware of the background when taking your photographs. Try taking shots in front of a solid wall or in front of trees, etc. Try to have a dark horse in front of a lighter background and vice-versa for a Light colored Horse. Be aware of what the camera "sees".

Lighting: Choose a sunny day with the sun at your back. Good contrasts, lights and darks, are good but avoid overly harsh shadows. Bright, overcast days are a good time for photographs. Also, taking photographs just as the sun has gone down over the horizon, also known as "Sugar Light", will give a good overall contrast and a color balance to your photos. Be careful not to cast a shadow onto your photograph.

Equipment: A good 35mm camera. A tripod will help keep the camera steady and provide sharper images.

Choose a day where you will have plenty of time. Take LOTS of photographs. Remember to give your animal "break" times to keep him alert. Sometimes "un-posed" photographs will give us a pleasant surprise. So try both.

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