Taking the Perfect Horse Photo

As horse people, we really appreciate a great horse photo and know from taking happy snaps of our own equines, how difficult it is to capture the perfect picture!

So what does it take to capture a great horse photograph? Tripwire Magazine has investigated some of the main “ingredients” in capturing a great equine photo.

Firstly, you need to consider the framing. Because horses are so large, it is necessary to get back at least 15 or 20 feet, and a camera with a telephoto lens is a great help. Otherwise, keep your distance, and enlarge the prints if necessary. If you get too close, and say it’s a head-on shot, the animal’s nose and face will be huge, and the rest of the body will appear quite small. 

In looking for the best angle, do it from an angle of about 45 degrees, and position yourself so that all 4 legs are evenly spaced as you view them, rather than a set of hind legs, a big space, and then a set of front legs.

And lastly don’t forget to have someone to 'get the ears' - horses look best with their ears pricked, especially for a portrait shot. Anything from crackly paper or plastic to a squeaky toy can help with getting a horse's attention without scaring him.

Quick Link

• Check out Tripwire Magazine for more horse photography tips and to view '30 Amazing Examples of Equine Photography'