© 2011 Panetta Photography

Techniques and Tips on How to Photograph Two Horses and Their Owner

1) Extra hands
It is vital to have at least two assistants. One person will need to encourage horses to point their ears forward, another to assist with the needs of the person.

2) Several posing locations
As is the case with most portrait sessions, utilize more than one posing site at the stable or ranch you are located. This helps ensure you are obtaining your best backgrounds, best lighting and best angles.

© 2011 Panetta Photography

3) Props
In order to get horses attention towards the camera, have an assistant behind you with a squeaky toy or piece of fabric to throw in the air.

4) Mix up horse’s positions
Positioning of the two horses is critical. They can be positioned facing their owner, along side their owner, or diagonally. Capture all the positions you can because you never know which will look the most pleasing on a composition.

As I set out on this quest as a portrait photographer, I am discovery that there is a wide range of ideas. Some of my clients want to be shown in the glory of their ride in the saddle and shown in their best attire. While others would prefer to net be in the image at all. Another wants their horse depicted on a black background, enhancing their best features in dramatic lighting.

Being a lifelong horse lover myself, I am enjoying creating any photographic session that includes a horse. This blog includes a glimpse of some of my latest work.

My conclusion, horses are amazing animals. I enjoy bringing out their best features in my wall portraiture. In turn, they bring out the best in me. The following images show a glimpse of what some horse admires want.