Many moons ago I got into photography, and at first I was quite bad as most people are at trying new hobbies, but I quickly figured out what looks good, and what doesn’t. Let me start off by saying you don’t need to have a fancy camera or phone to be able to take a nice photo, it’s how you use that device and the environment around you. So lets get into it 😊
Tip 1
If you’re in the sun, try and move your body so your back’s to the sun, or the sun is behind you. This movement in itself eliminates the sun spot rays in your photo; see example below. As you can see on the photo on the left, it has a white streak down the middle (that’s the sun), and it makes the photo unappealing, and distorts the colours. The photo on the right, I moved myself back, angled my body around, and crouched low to get a better angle.
Tip 2
Try and use a nice background. Some examples are grass fields, trees behind the horse, having a horse in a stable, a pond etc. By having one or multiple of these, you will be getting your subject popping out of the photo. Having a busy background won’t make your subject stand out, so give them all the shiny light they need to display their awesomeness.
Tip 3
Always remember, they are animals and may need breaks like us people, so incorporate a break or two into your photo session, walk them around, play with them, or reward them for their good behaviour whether that be verbal or in food.
Tip 4
Have fun! I love playing around with my pony, and I did tune my camera skills during COVID-19. I have fun with photography yes, it’s a job on occasion, but it’s a fun and wonderful thing to do. I don’t have the best equipment in the world, most of my stuff was bought second hand, but I make it work!!! I’m very lucky that my photography has been able to open bigger doors to meet new and wonderful people, as well as go to some big events here in NSW.
I hope to see some of you out there competing soon, and enjoying the sport and horses we all love.
Feature Image and Article Images courtesy of A and H Photography ©
– Amylie May Hines Guest Blogger and Photographer at A & H Photography.