Horses In The Studio
The first time I stood a horse in front of large flash lights I was quietly praying to myself. (Ex racing now hunter!) My initial concerns were of course for safety. The comfort and well being of the horses is paramount. Besides, like people, a wound up horse is not going to shoot well anyway! On all occasions the horse governs the final work and how the day goes.
It generally takes just a few minutes to allow the horse to take in these new surroundings and settle. I have found that they are always curious about the camera and after a sniff; I have a process that works up to the first test with a flash head. Flash lights spooking horses has proven so far to be a complete fallacy. Horses dont see light in the same way that we do and it didnt take long to realise that the first flinch is caused as much by the gentle pop of a flash head as the light. After that, as far as the horse is concerned, "Shoot away darling, I am ready for my public!"
Its not long before they are oblivious to the lights, realising they are the centre of attention and on many occasions owners have said the horse has come out more relaxed than when it came in.
Having spent a lot of time on and around a multitude of horses recently I have found something of an affinity with them.
Whilst I am a photographer at heart, I like to think that I am becoming a horse person who happens to be a photographer. In the same way one photographs people, a horses tiniest nuances tell you when the moment to shoot is, one hopes to capture not just a likeness but also, something of the spirit of the animal.
I will bring the studio to you and most horses seem to be happy putting up with me for half an hour or so. Out of every shoot I hope for one exceptional fine art print. Anything else is a bonus. Photographing around the day, owners, grooms and the odd yard dog intent on getting in on the action, inevitably means that there are a lot more than one image wanted. I have found a reasonable way of including the best of these in a book, which has proved popular. Once the studio is up I have shot up to ten horses in a day and anything up to six together. If things go well and there is time it's just as satisfying to shoot in natural light outdoors as well. The day just evolves.