One of the most common questions I get asked is what happens if my horse photoshoot date has rain scheduled? Do we shoot it anyway or do we reschedule?
This is a super common question among horse owners who have scheduled horse photography sessions with Ride the Sky Equine Photography. Most likely because the southeastern Tennessee/North Georgia area is well known for very rainy springs and even a fair amount of rain during winter. Unfortunately, no beautiful snowy white images here. Just rain and gray skies.
Can we have a Horse Photoshoot in the Rain?
Like with any photography session that is shot outdoors, it is true that the weather definitely holds us hostage. When scheduling horse photography sessions, I specifically space them out with a few days around each session that I keep available in case we have to move the shoot due to weather.
If I am being totally honest, I personally would much prefer to be snuggled on a couch with Nitro watching a bad movie on rainy days. I’m a sunny or cloudy and cool day kind of girl. But, photographing horses in the rain can produce some interesting images.
But, it should be noted, that sometimes it can be fun to shoot in the rain. Safe rain shoots do depend on several factors though. Not the least of which is your horse’s temperament and happiness factor when it comes to standing in the rain.
Important things to Know about Horse Photoshoots in the Rain
Here are a few things to consider about shooting in the rain.
First, health and safety always come first. This applies to the animal we are photographing, ourselves, and any gear involved.
With that in mind, thunder and lightning are hard passes. It’s never a good idea to be out in lightning with metal stands, tripods, and other metal equipment. That is just asking for trouble.
But, a gentle rainstorm is a different story. Horses have different reactions to rain. So, that’s the first question. How is your horse’s temperament? Does he or she enjoy the rain? Or are they annoyed that you are asking them to be getting wet when they could be snug in a stall?
Secondly, we need to be safe and healthy. We certainly don’t want anyone catching a cold at the end of this. Raincoats and boots that keep your feet dry at a minimum. I know from experience how annoying it can be to be standing around with wet feet – especially when it’s cold out like our Chattanooga winters.
And third, gear protection! Professional camera gear is extremely pricey so it’s important to take care of it. Because I am sometimes in situations that require me to shoot rain or shine, I do have protective gear for my cameras. But it’s definitely something to consider.
What Type of Images from a Horse Photoshoot can we get in Rain?
There are several different types of images that look great in the rain.
For example, macro photography! If you don’t know what macro photography is, here is a great article that explains it. Macro animal shots are always fun but when you add rain in, you can get fun shots like raindrops on whiskers and curly wet hair.
You can get fun reflection images in mud puddles and standing water. Of course, you always need to put the safety of yourself and your horse first. Never walk into the water if you don’t know how deep it is.
Splashing in the water is always a fun thing to shoot when it rains too. Don’t you remember how fun it was to splash in mud puddles as a kid? Imagine the fun you can have with your horse splashing alongside you.
Bright colors show up nicely against darkened skies – those bright-colored rain slickers and gear, as well as, bright spring flowers really pop against dark and angry skies.
Mist and fog are also always possiblities. If you are a dramatic or moody photo kind of girl, then this might be a great time to shoot for you.
And, last but not least, don’t forget rainbows! And who needs a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when you have your horse?
Interested in Getting on the Schedule?
Interested in learning more about rainy day horse photoshoots? Or just ready to get on the schedule and capture some beautiful images of your favorite horse? Reach out to Ride the Sky Equine Photography here.
Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make horses look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not celebrating the stories of the amazing horses in her clients’ lives, she invests time and energy into perfecting her equine photography skills and growing her business, hanging with her favorite rescue dog, Nitro, and planning her next big adventure. She also tries to spend some time educating and entertaining her fans and potential clients by blogging and posting on social media about whatever catches her fancy at the moment.
Betsy is a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with the organization Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The CPP designation is held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and is a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism. Ride the Sky specializes in on-location photography for equines. Ride the Sky also has the option of bringing the studio to the stable. Based in Chattanooga, TN, Ride the Sky Equine Photography works on location in Tennessee, North Georgia, and beyond.