“Same As Dad”
HORSES SEEN DIFFERENTLY FOR UNIQUE KEEPSAKES!
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By Josée Talbot, MPA I HAVE BEEN AROUND HORSES FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I’VE BEEN RIDING HORSES FROM THE AGE OF 12, HOWEVER, PHOTOGRAPHY CAME MUCH LATER, WHEN I WAS STUDYING PRESENTATION DESIGN AT CÉGEP DE SAINTE-FOY. IT WAS THEN WITH COMPLETELY MANUAL FILM CAMERAS AND WE WERE DOING OUR DEVELOPMENT IN A DARKROOM. THEN CAME DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN 2007. IT IS OF COURSE HORSES THAT WERE MY FAVORITE SUBJECTS AT THAT TIME. On the other hand, there are a lot of equine photographers and it is sometimes a challenge to stand out. For my part, I like to photograph horses from different angles, so as to obtain unique and appreciated portraits. First of all, I work in natural light. I am not very comfortable with flashes, and so far I get the desired effect using reflectors. Surely one day, I will get started and work with lighting. I am particularly fond of working indoors, which allows dramatic lighting, chiaroscuro, that highlight certain parts of the body or the head and neck of the horse. I always take the time to familiarize myself with the animal I have to photograph. The more he trusts me, the better the session will go. It must be remembered that the horse is basically prey and that it can sometimes have strong reactions to things that may seem very trivial to us. Some horses are quite jaded and do not easily put their ears pointed forward, or have their eyes half closed. Each horse involves certain challenges. Knowing them well is a plus in my humble opinion. Know their reactions, their behavior, the best angles, etc.
TIPS TO GET THEIR ATTENTION For a portrait, you want to ideally have their ears pointed forward. To get the horse’s attention, the ideal is to have someone behind us, with a carrot that they will crack. Otherwise, a small aluminum plate with which to make noise or reflect sunlight. The assistant can also have an umbrella in hand and gently open it a few times. There are also smartphone apps that make neighing sounds. Some horses react strongly so you have to go sparingly, especially with stallions. Regardless of the trick used, avoid repeated use because in the long run, the horse will no longer care. The important thing is to be calm so as not to irritate them. In an ideal world, you will need 2 to 3 people to hold the horse, get its attention and make sure it does not step on the photographer! A 600 kilo beast that is afraid can hurt a lot!
