A couple of equine shots

[momo3boys]

A great day to shoot horses in the pasture last week. I am really looking to get into more equine photography so your C&C is welcome.
1. A very old Shetland pony

2. A horse tail before a show

 

[momo3boys]

Are they really that bad? I am hoping that there are at least a few people that shoot horses or maybe pets that could give me a few pointers. I've been to a few equine photography sites but they are as stuck up as a lot of the horse world can be so I would rather post here. I spent an hour in the field that day and the first pic was the only one I really liked. I think composition is my biggest problem, so ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[e.rose]

They're not all that visually exciting.

I don't know anything about equine photography specifically, but my opinion on the first one is that it may have been better as a horizontal shot. As it stands right now the focus of the image is the horse's face, but he's pretty much centered which makes for a boring composition. Maybe if you had taken the shot horizontally to include more of his body, his face wouldn't be centered and the crop wouldn't feel as cramped.

I kind of feel the same way about the second.

Horses are "long" animals... so in my mind it just makes sense to shoot them horizontally as opposed to people who are "vertical." I guess.

 

[mishele]

The shots don't seem to have a lot of thought behind them.
Take a look at this site and try again....=)
Bob's Photography Tips - HorseChannel.com
3 Tips for Improved Horse Photography
Photos of Horses: Photography Tips, Secrets, and Best “How To” Help
Can't wait to see what you come up w/!!!
Keep shooting!!

 

[momo3boys]

Thank you thank you thank you!! That's exactly what I need. I'm hoping to get back this week. I'll let you know if I get anything good.

 

[MSnowy]

I looked at Bobs Photography tips from above and I would say you were close to his suggestions. I don't know anything about equine photography so I wont make a donkey of myself and add suggestions. So just kept learning and shooting

 

[dxqcanada1]

I used to take a lot of images of horses as I had access to someones farm.

Can you show me other images that you took ?

If you plan to take pictures of horses ... get to know them, and they will get to know you ... you can get some great images once everyone settles in.
Try to avoid wide angle lenses. I tended to use a focal length of about 50-150mm.
Be aware of light and shadows ... don't cut off the legs ... avoid the nose in the lens shots ... utilize panning to get some nice action shots.
As you probably are aware of ... horses graze a lot, so don't waste your time with those shots.

 

[momo3boys]

Haha! My biggest problem is that they are too used to me and did nothing but graze! I think I'm going to bring my trainer out next time and get them stirred up to get more interesting shots. I also had quite a few nose in the lens shots from one horse that thinks I'm only there to pet her... Thanks everyone, I appreciate it.

 

[dxqcanada1]

Yes, that would be good to get them active for a shot ... or catch them when they are playing, usually when they are first let out (if they stay in a barn/stables).

When they are not grazing, and not active, try to get shots of them and the surroundings.

Not the greatest shot ... but you get the idea.

http://www.oyamaphotography.com/DSC00129.jpg