How difficult could it be to make a photograph of a horse, that majestic of four legged creatures, do the animal justice? Surely given the subject, not too difficult right, wrong! Armed with a lot of memory and a level of confidence that was supposed to have this creature doing exactly as I planned.
I arrived on location, props in hand, I was informed of the attention span of the subject being as I recall that of a three year old or was it a three month old, regardless it was not a period befitting the majestic beast that I would have guessed. Then it started, I ran through my arsenal of noise making props in next to no time. You may ask why the noise, in the somewhat demanding area of equestrian photo a shot that unless very specific, that is guarenteed the delete key is a photo with the ears back. Although acceptable for horse and rider, the horse is listening I am told, it is not desirable for portraits.
One uses these props to get their attention, and it is all about attention span, I would never have believed it had I not experienced it but the horse grows bored with each tool at an alarming rate. Well lucky for me I had a fairly large arsenal of noise makers.
In time one begins to get a sense of what works, only to find out afterwards there are a miriad of things that are not very sought after once the owner is viewing your proofs. Very quickly a mountain of pixels comes down to a select few. It was a wonderful experience none the less..
Now as I move out into the world of manes and leather I am warned my last subject was very tolerant by normal standards. Oh! Oh!, what am I setting myself up for I ask. Honestly how much harder can it be? Keep tuned to find out as I head off to my next farm call to challenge the magnificent horse. I feel a war cry coming on. Do you think they would respond to the positive confident eye behind the camera.
Stay tuned I will let you know.