Horse photography on the pasture doesn't have to be boring or dull. In fact, the pasture is one of my absolute favorite locations. A tall, fenced meadow with a great view of the sunrise or sunset makes every photographer's heart beat faster. Even if a shoot on the heath or on the beach always sounds spectacular, the local meadow definitely has its advantages.
A shoot in the pasture offers the horse a familiar environment in which it can be who it really is, relaxed and without too much stress. The pasture also allows the horses to move freely and show their true personality.
It's about building trust and creating an atmosphere in which horse and owner feel comfortable, and this is usually best achieved during a shoot in the pasture. This way you can concentrate on the horse in peace and quiet without the distraction of new surroundings. This creates authentic horse pictures that reflect the incomparable bond between human and animal. While an unfamiliar environment and a trip there in a horse trailer always mean stress, this of course often affects the horse's mood and composure. I have often observed that the attention span of horses that are photographed in their own stable and on their own pasture is considerably longer than that of horses that I have in front of the camera in unfamiliar surroundings. They can concentrate for longer and stand still for longer, are less overwhelmed and the shoot is therefore usually more relaxed for the human. Overall, I always want a relaxed and calm atmosphere for my shoots. Because both humans and animals should have a good time. With a shoot in the pasture, this can be done without any excitement. The secure environment and the familiar sounds and
horse photography on the pasture
What should you look for when shooting a horse on the Pay special attention to the pasture ?
Safety: Find out in advance whether it is permitted to take photos on the pasture you want to go to. Is the ground OK (or too slippery, for example, or has it been freshly fertilized), and is the fence intact if the horse is to run free.
Use natural light: Plan the shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon to make the most of natural light and avoid harsh shadows. The golden hour offers soft light for atmospheric images.
Direction of view and background: Pay attention to the positioning of the horse and rider in relation to the sun. Also choose a background that is free of distracting elements. Try to choose a pasture where your photography direction has as few fences in the background as possible.
Create a relaxed atmosphere: A relaxed horse and a relaxed rider lead to more natural and expressive pictures. Take your time so that everyone involved can get used to the environment and feel comfortable. Offer the horse treats as an alternative to grass so that it doesn't become too frustrated with the food. Don't forget: A horse doesn't understand the meaning behind the pictures. It's completely normal for its head to land in the grass every now and then. If you want it to stand well on a lush pasture, you need to provide the right motivation and distraction.