In the latest episode of On The Rail Podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Kirstie Marie Jones, an exceptional equine portrait photographer. Kirstie shared invaluable advice on preparing for a photoshoot, from selecting the perfect tack to posing with your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned showman or a novice, her tips will help you capture stunning photographs that highlight the bond between you and your horse.
Preparing for the Perfect Photoshoot
Setting the Scene
Kirstie emphasizes the importance of familiarizing your horse with the location where the photoshoot will take place. "Logistics are crucial," she explains, advocating for prep work that includes ensuring that all necessary equipment, props, and accessories are ready to go, and the space is prepared. If you plan to include complex setups like riding bareback or wearing elaborate outfits, practice beforehand to help your horse acclimate.
Keeping Your Horse Calm
Adding a horse to a photoshoot introduces a new level of complexity. Kirstie advises lunging your horse beforehand to reduce stress and ensure they have an easier time staying still during the shoot. She also recommends applying plenty of fly spray and ensuring your horse is well-fed before the session to minimize agitation.
Tack and Accessories
Selecting the Right Equipment
When it comes to tack, personal preference plays a significant role. Kirstie recommends choosing tack that you and your horse are comfortable with and aligns with the theme of your photoshoot. It’s also important to avoid using black grease on photo day, opting instead for clear or baby oil to avoid messy transfers to your outfit.
Presentation is Key
Kirstie suggests following a similar prep routine to a show day. Clean tack and equipment, minor grooming details like ensuring white areas have grown back a bit to eliminate clipper lines, and only using as much face grease as necessary to highlight features without clumping.
Styling for the Camera
Choosing the Right Outfit
Confidence is key. Kirstie encourages wearing outfits that make you feel comfortable and express your personal style, whether that means something casual like a favorite T-shirt and jeans or a more extravagant, fashionable choice. If you have a specific end-use for your photos, such as matching a home decor color palette or using them in an advertisement, select colors and styles accordingly. Matching or complementing your horse's color is also a practical tip to achieve a cohesive look.
Hair and Makeup Tips
Kirstie recommends going heavier on makeup than usual, especially with foundation and adding extra blush and contour. This approach compensates for the camera's tendency to wash out colors, making you look more vibrant in the final photos.
Capturing Genuine Moments
Staying Natural in Posed Shots
Kirstie's approach is all about balance. She advises not to freeze in posed shots—small movements, shifting weight, and interacting naturally with the horse can create more authentic, beautiful images.
Handling Horse Behavior
Disciplining the horse as necessary is important to maintain control during the shoot. However, don’t nitpick minor movements; instead, address significant misbehaviors swiftly to ensure a smoother experience for both you and the photographer.
The Photographer's Perspective
Planning and Execution
For every photoshoot, Kirstie begins with selecting the best location and time of day—usually sunrise or sunset for optimal natural lighting. She recommends keeping shoots at familiar places for the horse to reduce stress and focusing on locations with good light over exotic backdrops.
Post-Photoshoot Process
Kirstie's editing involves a thorough process of culling photos to select the best, followed by meticulous color correction and retouching. The aim is to deliver a polished gallery that clients will cherish.
Kirstie Marie Jones' expert advice offers a comprehensive guide to preparing for and executing a successful equine photoshoot. Whether it's selecting the right tack, grooming, styling, or handling logistics, her insights can significantly enhance the quality and enjoyment of capturing these precious moments.
For more information, you can visit Kirstie's website and follow her on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. If you're an aspiring equine photographer, Kirstie also offers extensive educational resources on KMPLearn.
Join us for our next episode of the On The Rail Podcast as we continue to explore the world of equine passion and expertise.
WANT TO BE A SPONSOR FOR OTR?
Are you looking to connect with a passionate and engaged audience in the stock horse show industry? Sponsoring On The Rail Podcast offers a unique opportunity to showcase your brand to dedicated equestrians, top competitors, and industry professionals. Our podcast delivers in-depth discussions, exclusive interviews, and valuable insights that resonate with listeners who are deeply invested in the world of stock horse shows. By becoming a sponsor, you align your brand with quality content and gain access to a niche market eager to discover products and services that enhance their equestrian experience. Reach out to us today to explore how we can partner to elevate your brand and engage with our dynamic audience!
Comments