Whether you're wanting to see what type of preparation is needed before booking a session or if you have a session booked and are trying to plan your time before the session, this guide will help you plan for all the things and time you may need for your session!
For Your Horse
GROOMING/BATHING
If your horse is grey, palomino, or any other light color coat that is prone to manure/clay stains, I would recommend bathing your horse the day of with a mild soap and allowing enough time for them to dry completely before your session.
If your horse is bay, chestnut, black, or any other coat color that conceals more, I’d recommend gently hosing the day of or simply grooming your horse. Some soaps can strip the hair of natural oil, so please choose a gentle soap that won’t strip the natural oils away. Tidy up the mane, ears, and bridle path if preferred, these are all personal preferences to the owner of the horse.
Right before the session please make sure your horse has been groomed (body and legs), mane and forelock brushed, lightly fly sprayed (your horse will thank you for this), hooves have been brushed off and oiled (if wanting a full body shot), and that your horse is dry. I cannot take pictures of a wet horse.
If you choose to use Showsheen: please use lightly and sparingly. Please no Vaseline or ShowGlow, as it creates a harsher shine and distracts from the horse.
Plaits, braids, or banding, are all welcome, however not required! Many owners choose to leave the mane natural for their photos. This is a personal preference and left to you to decide.
YOUR TACK
Your tack should be clean and conditioned/oiled before using in your photo session. Leather halters, bridles, and headstalls typically photograph better than their nylon counterparts, however, you’re more than welcome to use nylon halters/headstalls if that’s what you prefer!
If you want photos of horse without a halter or bridle, please close the barn aisle door behind or create a proper barrier so your horse doesn’t run loose. Andrea Webb Photography is not liable for your horse roaming loose and injuries that may happen from it. A thin rope “photo halter” can be provided and edited out, however, your horse must respect light pressure to use it, as it won’t help if your horse wants to bolt out of the aisle.
Saddles, polo wraps, and any other tack are welcome to be in the session, please just make sure it’s clean and ready to go!
TIDY UP THE BARN AISLE
If you want a full body shot in the barn aisle, hooves included, your barn aisle needs to be free of hay, dirt piles, or anything else that would be distracting in a photo. A barn with a flat, clean, surface (such as black mats, a cement floor, brick floor, or something equivalent) is preferred for full body shots.
LITTLE THINGS THAT MAY HELP THE DAY OF
A clean rag to wipe the horses face if your horse gets dirt in their nostrils or eyes, a lint roller if you’re in the session too, a fan if your horse is easily bothered by bugs, and a tidy barn aisle or carport area makes for the best lighting for your black background session.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO KEEP YOUR HORSE HAPPY
Your horse is a member of your family. Being mentally prepared to have a good photoshoot is important to them. Just like young children, they have the ability to frustrate you during a session if uncooperative or having a tantrum. If you have a younger horse or a horse that fidgets, adding some light exercise in before your session may help burn off some extra energy. Make sure to offer water and grazing breaks if your grooming/prep process takes longer than expected. If feeding time is near the session time, please feed your horse early or make sure they have something in their stomachs, they’ll appreciate that and be much more willing to stand during the session.
EARS UP!
I typically bring an assortment of items to use to get your horse’s ears up! Before we start the session I will ask you if there's anything that bothers your horse or if he’s particularly “spooky”. I do not want to stress your horse out during this session! I’ll typically bring a plastic grocery bag to crinkle, a feathered cat toy, a horse-sound app, a toy car, essential oils, and whatever else is in my arsenal at the time. The goal is to have your horse look attentive, not fearful or disinterested.
For Dogs:
Please practice your "sit" and "stay" commands before the session, this can make the session go much easier and makes poses go smoothly.
For grooming, professional grooming is not required! Just be sure there aren't any mats or dirt in their fur.
For the Rider or Dog Owner:
WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?
If you’re not in the photos, then whatever you feel comfortable with! I do recommend a grooming apron or tote, especially if you have a horse that needs its face wiped frequently, needs extra help to get his ears up, or needs extra accessories on hand. Mostly so you don’t have to keep running to your tack box when you need something during the session.
If you’re in the photos, think about what you want conveyed in your photos. If your goal is for soft, morning light portraits, then wear something soft in color and pattern, and what you would feel comfortable with. If you want more of a glamor shoot, wearing something bolder may be in your favor! When you initially book the session, talk to me about what you’re envisioning, and I’d be happy to steer you in a direction and come up with some poses that would match. Without knowing what your vision is, I won’t be able to help much in wardrobe.
Common ideas to help you get started:
- Daily Rider Attire
- Show Rider Attire
- Casual Farm Wear (dark wash jeans, clean shirt, boots)
- Sundress
- Formal wear/gown
Also, please change into your attire AFTER grooming your horse, you’ll appreciate keeping your clothes clean for the session.
ACCESSORIZE!
The world is yours for accessories! Necklaces, bracelets, flower crowns, sunhats, riding gear, cowboy hats, and scarves, are all fun ideas to think about. Accessories are a great way to add a special personal touch that lets the viewer of your portraits learn a little bit more about you.