Horse & Rider Photoshoot: Mane Event Must-Knows for Pacific Northwest Equestrians!
As an equine photographer I love when my clients ask me for my suggestion on what to wear to their photoshoot. After all, my goal is for you to look stunning and your outfit does make a difference in the final look of your portraits. So Im going to spill the grain on getting both you and your horse camera-ready, from planning the perfect look to achieving a show-stopping shine for your PNW Horse Photoshoot.
Glam or Country? Choose Your Adventure!
The first step? Decide on the vibe you’re after. Full glam with a sleek braid and polished hooves? Or a more “been-there, done-that” working cowhorse with a flowing mane and rugged charm? It’s all about capturing your horse’s unique personality, so don’t feel pressured to go Hollywood if that’s not your style! Although, I will say that a gorgeous girl in a gorgeous gown next to a gorgeous horse in a gorgeous field is always going to be…. gorgeous, just in case you cant decide which way to go.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait till the last minute! Choosing your look is like picking a wedding outfit – plan ahead to ensure it reflects the image you want to capture. Also, consider where your finished portraits are going to hang, make sure that what you wear works with the room they are going to be living in. AND dont be afraid to be too much or too bold. A professional photoshoot is about self expression, so let it all out! Try looks you may otherwise not try on the day to day.
Practice Makes Perfect Photos (and Less Stressed Horses!)
Braiding your horse’s mane for the first time? Avoid last-minute tangles! Give it a practice run beforehand. The same goes for new tack – introduce your horse to it a day or two before the shoot to avoid any on-set surprises.
Bath Time!
A good bath can do wonders for your horse’s coat, but remember – horse skin is sensitive! Skip any new shampoos and opt for something specifically formulated for equines. For our gray or paint horse friends, whitening shampoos can work wonders. As a grey horse owner I will say cowboy magic is definitely magic and offers a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, and follow it up with conditioner mixed with white vinegar always works wonders for PNW horse photoshoot.
Use a soft curry comb to really work in the shampoo, and consider HandsOn Gloves for a mess-free lather. Rinse thoroughly – the water should run clear! Then, use a sweat scraper to remove any hidden suds.
Pro Tip: Please allow enough time for your horse to dry if your choosing to bath them the day of your photoshoot. Personally I prefer to photograph a dirty horse over a wet one, I clean up dirt in photoshop but its next to impossible to dry wet hair in editing.
So there you have it! With a little planning and some grooming know-how, you and your horse will be ready to shine in your photoshoot. Dont wait until your ready for your photoshoot to schedule with me, the closer we get to your desired date; the fuller my schedule will be! https://beyondthestablesphotography.com/contact
