Two Bits

In part 2 of the horse photography series, we’ll learn that it’s all about the horse!

When you position your horse for his portrait you want to make sure that you are able to get the best shot of your American Quarter Horse possible. These rules apply whether a horse is photographed with a rider or not:

• All four legs should be visible.
• In a profile shot, the two legs nearest the camera should be farther apart than the other two.
• Both ears should show and should be pricked.
• The tail should hang straight or drape slightly over the hock nearest the camera.
• If there’s a slight slope, face your horse uphill.
• Face him out of the wind, which may make him put his ears back.
• If there’s somethings interesting going on, face him toward that; it’ll help get a pretty expression, and keep him from craning his neck to look the other way.
• Be flexible- and do what the pros do. Burn a lot of film. Take a lot pf pictures, more than you think you need, from different positions and angles.
• When photographing the head, you should still follow the rule to “show all parts.”

Crazy about horses? Test your knowledge with AQHA’s Junior Master Horseman program. You can even earn certificates!

Don’t be afraid to try different shots from different angles too! Be creative and try to think out of the box, but remember your taking a picture of the horse, so make sure you get the best angle of your equine friend possible!

Just think, if you keep practicing, maybe you’ll end up on the cover of America’s Horse just like Lynda Harris!