- Lighting tips for photographing a miniature horse.
“You light up my life
Location, location, location? Nope, It’s really more about lighting.
Photography isn’t about location, expensive equipment or perfect poses. It is really all about lighting. Beautiful photographs of your animals can be created anywhere, indoors or out. Because the most important element in either setting is finding the right light. “
Some photographers enjoy morning light and some the golden hour just before sunset. My preference is also the latter. I love the evening light and the glow that is revealed on the subject just as the sun is setting.
2. Directional tips for photographing a miniature horse.
Be prepared to lay on the ground or at least to be kneeling most of the time. Perhaps a few lunges or deep knee bends in advance to prepare for the shoot. Definitely wear clothing that you’re okay with getting dirty as you will likely be laying on the ground when photographing miniature horses.
3. Avoid distracting backgrounds
One of the most difficult things about not working in a photo studio is your backdrop. While you are laying on the ground photographing these minis you may be able to use the sky as your backdrop or perhaps a solid fence or even the back and side of another miniature horse. Look for and avoid trees shooting out of unusual places and clutter around barns and corrals. You may even want to zoom in and get very close so you have no background at all.
4. Which lens to use when photographing miniature horses
I typically photograph any horse or animal with my 70-200mm lens. It’s a 2.8 Nikon lens: it’s fast and I enjoy the range that it gives me without distorting the horse. Just for fun, I have photographed mini horses with my 19mm wide angle lens and come us with some interest and abstract results.
5. Above all be patient and have fun!
The best part for me about photographing horses- full size or miniature is just being around them. I receive so much joy when they nuzzle up next to me or move in for a closer look at me and my camera. I even continue shooting while they are in close.
If you want to see more of the minis and horses at Double H Equine Sanctuary in Sedona, Arizona check out the Gallery below.
REMEMBER that each purchase of artwork of the miniature horses or full grown horses allows me to donate a portion back to their care.
Jody L. Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Van Gogh’s Ear Gallery in Prescott, Arizona , The Phippen Art Museum, Hart of AZ Gallery and Dragonfly Arts in Old Town Cottonwood, Sedona Artist Market and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch.