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I recently put my money where my mouth is and booked a shoot with Texas-based equine photographer Kirstie Marie. I “needed” new shots of me with my camera for my website, and I “wanted” some beautiful photos of me and my heart horse together.
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Here are six things I learned during my quick journey to the other side of the camera:
Gather Your Dream Team. Photographer Kirstie brought an assistant to help with ears up, and I had fantastic help in the form of my trainer Jess. The four of us got the job done just fine, but there were a couple times I wished I had brought one more friend along… like when I realized my shoes somehow managed to migrate 30 yards away through a patch of sticky brush, or when I couldn’t zip my dress by myself, or I wanted a second opinion on a mid-shoot lipstick change. It never hurts to have an extra friend or two come to your shoot!
Horse Preparation Is Essential. My mare Aria is less spooky than most, but I know that a photo shoot is a whole other thing for a horse. Since I’m an equine photographer myself I would have been sooooo embarrassed if my horse ended up being a problem child! So I took her to the locations I had in mind 3-4 times the week before the shoot to make sure she was totally comfortable there. She also got a solid trainer ride the morning of the shoot.
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You Won’t Regret Professional Hair and Makeup. I have the skills of a toddler when it comes to hair and makeup, so a professional blowout and styling plus on-location makeup was a must for me. The simple truth is that if you love how you look on shoot day, you’ll love your pictures. While it may feel a little awkward getting your makeup done in the barn aisle, the results are worth it.
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If You Want Something Special You Have to Plan for It. I had a very specific dream in mind: my horse looking like she had no bridle or halter on while I rode her in a ballgown-style dress. This took some planning including making sure the photographer was comfortable with it and that I had a handler to hold the horse off to the side with a “naked halter.” I also had to desensitize Aria to the feeling of a dress across her back and rump – some horses can be terrified of this. Aria took it like a champ especially after trainer Jess rode her around with a tarp on. Even with all the preparation, when it came down to it I was sightly nervous to hop on with no reins, bareback, in a dress. It turned out perfect but I would never recommend doing this without preparing! Same thing if you want to gallop bareback or use a different bridle than usual: there’s no such thing as over-preparation for something special like that! If in doubt, ask your trainer for his/her help or recommendations.
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At Least One of Your Plans Will Get Ruined, But That’s Okay. I did my photos at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA and there is a beautiful shaded pond that I wanted to take pictures next to. But when it came time to shoot, there was a wedding happening there! So we had to cross that spot off the list completely. And then I had planned to take pics in front of the start gate on the racetrack, but at shoot time the gate had been moved from the spot I intended! SOMETHING is going to happen to change the plan, but as long as you roll with it and keep a positive attitude, the pictures will turn out great anyway!
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No Such Thing As Too Dressed Up. We equestrians spend most of our time in breeches and boots and ponytails. Those things make sense for a normal barn day. I also like shooting casual outfits and “equestrian glam” outfits (i.e. breeches, boots, a fun top, and beautiful hair and makeup). But if you’re up for it, a gown and high heels can make for truly stunning and unique horse & rider photographs!
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I am SO glad I put myself in my clients’ shoes and did this shoot. My final gallery 100% made me bawl like a baby when I received it… it’s just emotional seeing me and my best equine friend looking so happy and beautiful together. The memories are truly priceless.
Let’s chat about your dream horse & rider session! See the packages here, and contact me here to get started!