Black Background Mini Sessions
Black background portraits are the perfect way to showcase your horse's best features. This timeless studio-like portrait is created using only natural light, along with careful positioning of your horse in either a stable or barn door.
Photographs from this shoot will be fully edited and displayed in your own private online gallery for you to order. There are a variety of different sizes and types of print for you to choose from. You will receive a unique PIN, which will enable you to download three high resolution digitals from your gallery.
A non-refundable 20% retention fee is required upon booking, paid by easy bank transfer, to secure your chosen session date. Payment also confirms that you are agreeing to the terms and conditions, which will be sent to you via the email address you have provided upon booking.
For more information on what to expect, please have a read through the FAQ's at the bottom of this page.
Pricing
The black background portrait mini sessions are priced per horse, starting at £50 for one horse. Discounted group rates may be available if booked at the same location on the same shoot date. This is perfect for owners with multiple horses, or owners from the same yard who'd like to chip in together for a fun-filled day of photos.
The price includes 3 high resolution digital downloads from your gallery per horse. Additional digitals, prints or products can be purchased separately.
FAQ
How do you get the black background?
Does my horse have to wear a headcollar or bridle?
Can I have my horses together in one shot?
How should my horse be turned out?
FAQ
How do you get the black background?
In order to achieve a black background portrait, I will need access to an entrance way that is in the shade at the time of the shoot and a source of natural light.
Your horse will be positioned in the doorway of a barn, stable or indoor space so that the light falls on them while the background behind them drops into darkness. Black background portraits are largely achieved in camera using natural light and careful camera exposure.
It is always helpful to have a second pair of hands so that while you are holding your horse, your helper can be stood to the side or behind me getting your horse's attention. This will be a great help in getting the horse looking in the direction I need for the shot and for getting those all-important ears forward.
Does my horse have to wear a headcollar or bridle?
I don't usually recommend a horse have nothing on as they are unpredictable by nature and this could potentially put others at risk. However, I have "photoshop halters" that can be used so that you can have a hold of your horse during the shoot and these can be removed afterwards in post-production to achieve the "naked" look.
Can I have my horses together in one shot?
It is usually easier to photograph horses separately and then compose them together in Photoshop afterwards. This way we can focus on getting the perfect image of each horse without worrying which direction they're looking or whether or not they both have their ears forward.
How should my horse be turned out?
They should be clean and well groomed to a showing standard. Plaiting is completely optional and down to personal preference - either plaited or natural is fine. Don't forget to give your horse's eyes and nose a wipe over to get rid of any snot, dribble or gunk. I recommend having a sponge or baby wipes at hand during the shoot too.
Tack should also be cleaned prior to the shoot, including bits if a bridle is to be worn. A smart, minimal look works best for these portraits. I recommend using a simple leather headcollar rather than a coloured nylon one, and a simple bridle that doesn't obscure too much of the horse's head or distract the eye.