Posing tips to help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera

Did you know the number one reason people won’t book a photoshoot is that they don’t like posing for the camera? Of all the reasons not to book a photography session with your beautiful horse, this should not be one of them. I believe that a photo shoot should be all about the connection between you and your horse. So, I decided to put together a list of my top 5 posing tips for your equine photoshoot. I’ll show you how natural posing with your horse can be!

1: Take Action

The easiest way to relax into a photo shoot with your horse is to do something together, like a walk. I’ll guide you to walk towards me and away from me a few times, so you’ll be concentrating on the action rather than me taking your photograph.

Movement allows for natural interactions between you and your four-legged friend. While you’re focusing on moving together, I’ll be capturing beautiful, natural photographs.

2: You Don’t Have To Look At The Camera

Having to look at the camera can be unnerving for most people! Luckily you’re not alone in these photographs. You’ll have your horse to focus on so gaze at them lovingly instead. The bonus is you can even hide a little behind your horse until you get more confident.  

This is a great time to enjoy being with your horse. I can step back and grab some wider shots while you spend some time together. This makes for some great photographs too! Mostly your photo shoot is about keeping things fun and relaxing with lots of horse cuddles.

3: Take A Moment

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a photo shoot and let it all pass by you in a bit of a whirlwind. But the quiet moments make for some lovely photographs, so remember to pause if you feel like things are speeding by. 

Shut the world out, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Snuggle in close with your beloved horse and be in the moment. Nothing else matters other than you and your best friend, and that’s part of the experience of your photo shoot, too.

4: What To Do With Your Hands

Aren’t hands a pain? We suddenly realise we have these things dangling from us and have no idea what to do with them! But you’ve got the perfect thing to help with that… your horse, of course! Cuddle them, stroke them, hold the reins. These are all things you can do with your hands to keep them looking natural and relaxed in your photographs. 

If you start to feel your hands getting tense, though, give them a stretch and a shake before you carry on.

5: Lean Back And Relax

Having something to lean on or sit down on helps you to relax your body and, in turn, you! So, if there’s a spot with a wall or favourite tree you can lean up against, let me know. You can also use fences, benches, fallen logs and so on. And use the leaning or sitting action as a way for your horse to interact with you too. 

A couple of things to remember

Your equine photo shoot should be a fun experience. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that happens, of course. But it helps if you go into it with the same expectation as well. 

Be guided by your horse. If they don’t want to do something, we won’t force them! Instead, we’ll try another pose or a walkabout or take a few minutes to relax. Don’t worry if that happens; it’s all part of the experience. 

Ultimately, your time with your horse is a moment to be treasured, adored, captured and remembered. And I can’t think of any better way to do that than through beautiful, classic photographs of the two of you together.