The most important lesson I ever learned is to NOT be underprepared! I remember when I turned up to one of my first shoots, and halfway through my battery died….but I had NOT packed a spare!! Embarrassingly, I had to borrow a camera off one of the guests at the party… I have never forgotten this, and it taught me to be over-prepared, if anything!
Before you leave for a shoot, make sure all your kit works- this may seem like a REALLY obvious thing- but if you turn up and your cards/batteries/ lenses are not working- you will be the ONLY person responsible!
Stay consistent with your kit and camera settings- one camera, one lens, minimal changes, camera settings. A 70-200mm lens is a must have in our eyes.
Always have a box of tricks. You’ll need an assistant… mainly to help with organisation, but also to help get the horse’s ears pricked. This is a key element on an equine shoot. The best tools we’ve found to get a horse’s attention is tupperware full of gravel, polos, a noisy crisp packet, and a bucket of nuts- what is in your box of tricks?
Always have a creative notebook- when you arrive at your location, take a walk and note any locations you see that stand out. A notebook is also handy for writing down names of your client’s horses…and the 5 dogs, 4 cousins and group of friends that turn up and want to get involved in the shoot!
There are so many bits and bobs I HAVE to take with me when I turn up for a shoot on location. Do you struggle to plan for shoots? Feel like you are underprepared? Let us walk you through the planning process and ensure you are always prepared and confident for your equine photoshoots- check out our awesome Foundations of Equine Photography Course