WHAT TO WEAR
Choosing the right attire for your photoshoot is crucial to ensure that you look great while staying comfortable and safe especially around horses.
Opt for well-fitted clothing that flatters your shape without being too tight. This ensures you look polished and comfortable during the shoot. I photograph clients from all angles during the shoot, so having something that fits properly from every angle helps. Whether you decided to wear a casual top and jeans or a casual dress or a long more formal style of dress, pick something that you can move around in as I often get you to walk, sit and interact with your animals.
Neutrals and earth tones like creams, tans, browns, khaki, olive or soft greys are ideal as these colours complement the natural environment, every horse colour and won't distract from the horse. Soft pastel are also very pretty.
If you dare to be different and aren't afraid of bright colours don't hesitate to wear, just remember to compliment the horse or dogs coat colours. Bold colours can add a lot to your images and will make you the centre attention in the images.
While selecting your colour to where do not forget about the location of your photoshoot. You want to make sure the colour tones you wear are a good fit with the environment.
Unsure what colour, you can never go wrong with classic, timeless black or white.
What to avoid: neon colours, large prints, busy patterns, wording and logos.
Depending on the season, don't be afraid to wear a cute jacket. It can be worn and taken off to create two different looks. Hats can also add to a look. Simply accessorise can add to an overall look in a big way.
Closed in shoes are preferred to help protect your toes when photographing horse and rider photo sessions.
Remember, comfort and safety should be your top priorities. When you're at ease, it's easier to capture those beautiful moments with your equine or canine friend.
COLOUR IDEAS
Red coats - Rust and earth tones look amazing to compliment your pet. Bolder colours that with suit are green tones (like an Emerald colour), pink tones (like Coral Pink/Watermelon Pink colours) and purple tones (like a Plum colour).
Bay coats - Rust, earth tones, neutrals and some bold colours work amazing with this coat colour.
Dark and black coats - So many choices. Choose from pastels, earth tones or bold colours. Some bold colours are Red, Pink, Blue and Green. If you have a black pet it is best to not where black as you can blend in with your pet. If you are wanting to go close to back, consider a dark grey.
Yellow coats - Rust, stronger Pastels, neutrals and bolder earth tones.
White/Grey coats - Soft and stronger Pastels, black, neutrals, earth tones and bolder colours look stunning with white/grey coats.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY PET
For the best images your pet should be clean as possible. Dogs should have a nice collar on them that compliments their coat colour and should not where an old worn out collar. For horses, images will be mostly taken in a bridle but if you have a nice leather halter and chain, that can be used. I do not recommend using rope halters in our photoshoot.
Recommendations for dogs:-
- Entire body brushed and dirt free
- Nails trimmed (do this about 4 days prior)
- Muzzle and eyes wiped clean
- If your dog has certain dietary requirements - bring treats
- Bring a toy that they like to chase
Recommendations for horses:-
- Entire body brushed and dirt free
- Hooves trimmed recently (don't book a photoshoot when they are long and due)
- If possible paint hooves (black or clear). Don't forget to pick out their hooves.
- I recommend no makeup when doing rider and horse photoshoots. If it is just the horse, I recommend them to be show-ring ready.
- Bridle, bit, reins or halter and lead wiped down and clean. I recommend using a simple snaffle bit or a simple western bit.
- Braided or banded looks absolutely stunning, however a well trimmed mane looks amazing as well.
- Nose, mouth and eyes wiped cleaned
I highly recommend that a second person be there. I don't have an assistant and having a second person to help to get your pets attention is highly advised to make a shoot go a lot smoother.
