Hey there, fellow horse photographers!
Ever found yourself in a bind because you couldn’t visit a location before a portrait session? Haven’t we all?!
I almost always visit a location before a session. I like to hold my pre-session consultations there so I can meet the horse and see the location where I will be working.
BUT…sometimes that’s just not possible.
You could show up early to your session, but then you’re rushed and panicked, which isn’t fun.
Me? I prefer having a game plan in advance.
But, sometimes, photographing clients who are several states away doesn’t allow for an in-person scout.
When that happens, I rely on my computer and phone to check out the site. Knowing how to do this is invaluable. It lets you show up prepared and ready to go, with your client none the wiser.
Here are a few ideas for you.
Determine your Horse Photography Session Needs
Before diving into the tech, consider what you need for your session. For example, will you be photographing:
- Outdoor Portraits
- Classic Black Background Portraits or White Background Portraits
- Horses at Liberty
Each session type requires different things from your location.
Outdoor portraits need trees for shade. Black or white background portraits need a barn or structure. Horses at liberty need a small field or pasture.
For outdoor portraits, look for trees on the west or east side of the property. Westside trees can give you open shade in that lovely golden hour evening light, while eastside trees can give you open shade in the morning light.
Utilize Google Maps for your Horse Photography Location Scouting
Google Maps is an underrated tool for scouting locations.
Satellite View:
- Enter the farm’s address.
- Look for trees on the west side if you want evening light, or on the east side for morning light.
- Identify any barns or structures.
- Look for leading lines like fence lines or drives.
- Check the property’s overall layout.
Google Street View:
- Check the appearance of the barn from the road.
- Familiarize yourself with the driveway and entry points.
Use Specialized Programs and Apps for your Horse Photography Location Scouting
Here are a few other programs and apps I like to use:
- Use on your Desktop/Laptop
- Enter the location and date
- Use the slider to see the sun’s angle at your shooting time
- Note: SunCalc does use Military time so there is a bit of a learning curve
SunTracker App:
- Mobile App
- Provides sun position data for specific times and locations
- Free and Paid Versions Available
Adapting to Challenges
What should you do if the location isn’t ideal? Consider these options:
Adjust the Time: Propose a morning shoot if the east side has better tree cover, even if you prefer evenings.
Swap the Type of Session: If there are no trees for outdoor portraits, try classic black background portraits instead.
Change the Location: This is a rare move. Horses are most comfortable at familiar places. If the horse goes off-property frequently, a venue change might work. Otherwise, try to make it work where they’re comfortable.
Take the Next Step
Horse photography location scouting from home is not only possible but can save you time and headaches.
By using these tools and techniques, you can ensure your sessions are successful without ever leaving your desk.
Ready to elevate your photography game? Join the Ride the Sky mentorship program for more tips and personalized guidance.
Are you a photographer who wants to learn from Betsy?
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Betsy Bird, Cr. Photog., CPP, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. Outside of acting like a total goofball, she invests in growing her business, mentoring photographers, dealing with her teenagers' angst, and hanging with Nitro, the best dog ever. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining aspiring photographers by teaching and blogging about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.
Betsy has earned her Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) which honors photographers who contribute to the photographic industry through speaking, mentoring, and publishing. Betsy is also a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with PPA. The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism.
Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). She is also a professional member of the Equine Photographers Network (EPN).
Betsy's award-winning work has been featured in a variety of publications and is found throughout homes and stables in the United States. She is also the co-author of the book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Posing Horses & Humans. She has also been featured on Scenic Trend, the Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Chatter Magazine, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the Chattanoogan, and the Focal Points Podcast to name a few.
Ride the Sky Equine Photography is based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, brand building, goal setting, time management, and business workflows, Betsy is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field...get it?)