How to Master Horse Photography Location Scouting Without Leaving Home

Hey there, horse photographers!

Ever found yourself scrambling because you couldn’t visit a location before a portrait session? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like you show up late to a party, only to realize you didn’t even check your hair. Not cute.

I almost always make it a point to visit a location before the shoot. I like to meet the horse and check out the spot where I’ll be working my magic. But, let’s face it, sometimes that’s just not possible.

Most of the time, you could just show up early for your session. But, what if you are running late or the location isn’t exactly local for you? It happens. So what do I do when I don’t have the opportunity to scout my location in-person in advance? I rely on my computer and phone to do the legwork. Yup, I scout locations without leaving my couch. 

So, if this ever happens to you, here are a few tips for location scouting from the comfort of your home.

Determine Your Horse Photography Session Needs

Before you dive into your screen, take a moment to think about what you need for the session. What’s the vibe? Are you doing:

• Outdoor Portraits
• Classic Black or White Background Portraits
• Horses at Liberty

Each type of session demands a specific kind of location, and no, not just any place will do. You don’t want to be scrambling when you could’ve planned ahead. Trust me on that.

• Outdoor Portraits: You are looking for open shade, not just a sad little bush.
• Black or White Background Portraits: A barn with an aisle or similar structure works best here. Covered arenas can also work if you are using a backdrop. It’s all about that clean, classic backdrop.
• Horses at Liberty: A small, open field or pasture is your friend. Limited space to roam and move freely.

Now, the key is knowing how to find these features virtually.

Utilize Google Maps for Your Horse Photography Location Scouting

Let’s talk about Google Maps. Honestly, it’s like the secret weapon of photography location scouting. You don’t even need to leave your desk—just fire up Google Maps and get to work.

Here’s how I use it to my advantage:

Satellite View:

• Enter the farm’s address into Google Maps.
• Zoom in and look for trees. If you’re shooting in the evening, you want those trees on the west side for that beautiful golden hour light. If you’re an early bird, look for east-side trees to catch the morning glow.
• Check out the barns or any structures that could make great backgrounds.
• Look for things like fence lines or driveways that could give your images some depth.
• Study the layout of the property. Is it open or cluttered? Does it feel like the type of space you want for your session?

Google Street View:

• Get a good look at the barn and driveway from the road.
• Familiarize yourself with the entry points and the lay of the land. If you show up and don’t know where to park, you’re already behind the eight ball.

Use Specialized Programs and Apps for Your Horse Photography Location Scouting

Technology isn’t just about maps. There are a few other tools that will make your life easier, too.

SunCalc.org:

• This one’s best on a desktop or laptop.
• You just plug in your location and the date, then use the slider to figure out the sun’s angle at your shoot time.
• Heads up: SunCalc uses military time, so there’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get it, it’s easy.

SunTracker App:

• A handy mobile app for sun position data at specific times and locations. You’ll always know where the sun’s at, even if you’re not there in person.
• The Suntracker app has got both free and paid versions. But, if you’re serious about shooting in the best light, the paid version is worth it.

Adapting to Challenges

Okay, so maybe the location isn’t perfect. It happens. You might discover a random tree that’s in the way or a barn that’s not as cute as you thought. It’s fine—don’t panic.

Take the Next Step

You don’t have to fly across the country or drive for hours to do your next round of horse photography location scouting. With the right tools, you can plan everything from your desk. Feeling ready to crush your next photography session? Then get to it!

Betsy Bird, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, TPM, TSD, of Ride the Sky Equine Photography, spends her days doing insane things to make animals look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or acting like a total goofball, she’s hanging with Derby—the puppy currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as a legitimate job skill).

Betsy has earned both her Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She also holds the CPP, TPM, and TSD designations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of both the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and the Tennessee Professional Photographers Assocation (TNPPA).

An award-winning photographer, Betsy is also a published author, national presenter, and frequent podcast guest. Her book, Equine & Equestrian Photography Poses that Sell, has become a resource for photographers, and she’s been featured on The Profitable Photographer Podcast, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras Podcast, The Focal Points Podcast, and more.

Through her digital tools, courses, and mentoring programs, Betsy teaches photographers how to build profitable businesses without the overwhelm. She is an expert in her field (which isn’t that surprising given how much time she actually spends outstanding in a field… get it?).