Hello and thank you for choosing me to be your photographer and trusting me to photograph you and your equine friend(s)!
I hope that we will be able to capture unforgettable memories of the bond between you and your horse in the most authentic way possible.
I’ve prepared this guide for you to give you more information on what to expect and how best to prepare for your personalized photoshoot session!
Prior to your booking, I should have also sent over my Terms & Conditions, which I trust that you have taken the time to read through. As with this guide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions.
TIME & LOCATION
Photoshoots are done only in the mornings or late afternoons for the best lighting possible.
This also ensures that both horse & rider don’t overheat during the shoot.
Your session will be done at the stables of your choosing, if you’re adventurous and would like to shoot at a specific location outside of your stables or riding school, it can certainly be done under your own additional expense; You will also need to get approval from management if it is a private property.
I am familiar with most stables within the Selangor area, and will scout ahead of the photoshoot at new stables to ensure I get the most photogenic locations within the property.
Locations will be selected based on the theme or vibe of your session or your outfits; But if you have any preferences or favourite spots you’d like to shoot at, please let me know before your session so I may assess the lighting and conditions on the day.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOS WILL I GET?
Private shoots have the flexibility to include formal horse & rider portraits, ridden action shots, or just portraits of your horse or your horse moving at liberty (Lunging or moving in an open space), as well as videos.
The amount and type of photos will depend on the package tier you purchased.
PREPARING YOUR HORSE
✦ Have your horse ready 10 minutes before the session start time
✦ Ensure your horse is bathed, clean and well-groomed before your shoot
✦ Allow at least an hour for your horses’ coat to be completely dry if they will be showered before
✦ Clipping (If needed) should be done at least a week before the photoshoot,
this allows the coat to grow out slightly and allow clipping lines to blend more naturally
✦ Oil your horses’ hooves ;
Shine sprays for coats are recommended
✦ Clean the corners of your horses’ eyes, inner ears and nostrils ;
A bit of baby oil or Vaseline in their ears and on their noses will help them look less dusty
(Especially on darker horses)
✦ Natural mane or plaits? Is completely up to you!
Free flowing manes will result in more natural, casual photos,
and works best with breeds with thicker, longer manes.
If you’re aiming for a more professional, show-ready vibe,
you can consider plaiting your horse’s mane for a neater, more polished look
✦ Provide some feed prior to the session so your horses will be less irritable during the shoot
✦ Allow your horse some time in their stall to mentally decompress and defecate before the session
EQUIPMENT AND/OR TACK FOR YOUR HORSE
This will depend on the theme or vibe of the photoshoot,
whether you decide to do casual or equestrian portraits will determine what color and what kind of equipment to use.
WHAT TACK SHOULD I USE?
HEAD COLLARS
✦ Are a must for the photoshoot even for casual portraits
✦ Ensure your headcollars and lead ropes are clean and free of dirt and shavings, neutral coloured lead ropes or ones that match your horses’ coat will look better and less distracting in a photo
✦ (If you have any) Leather or rhinestone headcollars are a great addition and give off a very classy vibe
THE "NAKED" LOOK
ROPE HALTERS
✦ Are available if you’d like a “naked look” for your horse
✦ My rope halters are custom made and allows me to remove them from the photos easily during editing,
these are not suitable for “hot” horses and will only be offered to ones who display calm and safe behaviours during my evaluations before the shoot
BRIDLES & SADDLES
✦ A bridle with reins gives off a more elevated look,
this can go with both casual and riding outfits
✦ Saddling your horse is a good combination for riding outfits,
but may look too distracting for casual portraits
✦ You’re welcome to use any kind of saddle pad and/or boots,
but be conscious about color matching the items as any odd color out will be too distracting
✦ Ensure all equipment is clean before the photoshoot, wipe down and oil your bridles and saddles
ITEMS TO BRING ALONG FOR THE PHOTOSHOOT
✦ Fly spray (Very imporant!)
✦ Some of your horses’ favorite treats in bite-sized pieces
✦ Clean towel for yourself and refreshments
✦ Cleaning rag for your horse
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Both casual or riding outfits are welcome depending on whether you’re going for a more casual, relaxed shoot or a more professional equestrian look.
Your comfort and safety is my priority so please wear weather-appropriate and proper safety equipment for your session.
Most important thing is to choose colors and clothing pieces you are most confident and comfortable in!
✦ COLORS:
– You can refer to my color guide for matching your horses’ color and/or tack
– I personally do not recommend neons since they are very distracting, but small accessories or highlights in neon will not be too overpowering
✦ PATTERNS:
– Patterned outfits will go with plain colored horses, but will be too much if your horse also patterned (Such as paints and appaloosas)
– Limit yourself to only one patterned piece in your outfit, and avoid large complicated patterns, heavily branded clothing or ones with large texts, this will take away the focus of the photos
✦ RIDING GEAR:
– Ensure your riding gear such as helmets and boots are cleaned and polished
FOR THE LADIES:
✦ MAKEUP
– Some makeup to highlight your best features is suggested, keep it natural and avoid heavy colors in your makeup
– Your makeup will also definitely melt in hot weather, so try and use waterproof products and remember to bring them along for quick touch ups
✦ DRESSES
– Your dress should allow you to move freely and comfortably in.
Bodycon dresses or designs with low cuts and short skirts will limit your movement and your posing
– If you’d like mounted shots in a dress, make sure your skirt has enough flare or high slits so that
you’re able to ride and sit comfortably on your horse
– Desensitize your horse to large flowy dresses before the shoot, as fluttering fabric can cause
distress to hot horses who are not used to the material moving around them
✦ SANDALS OR GOING BAREFOOT
I understand not wanting to wear riding boots with a pretty dress,
so if you prefer to wear sandals or go barefoot, you may do so at your own risk.
– Do so only if you have complete trust in your horse!
Or if you’ll have a handler present during the shoot, so that someone will be able to assist in case of unforeseen circumstances
– Be aware of the location and terrain we will be shooting in, I wouldn’t want you to injure your feet!
CAN I BRING A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER/GROOM/TRAINER ALONG?
Yes, please do! A friend/groom or trainer who your horse is familiar with being present at the shoot is HIGHLY recommended!
You will be very focused on posing during the session so a handler who knows your horse will be extremely helpful in positioning the horse, keeping them calm, and ensuring everyone’s safety especially if your horse tends to grow anxious and hot.
Having someone familiar present during the shoot also allows the models to be more relaxed.
The more relaxed you are, the more authentic the photos will turn out!
Having your trainer present to guide you under saddle if you’re booked for a ridden session is also really helpful and provides you with something to focus on as opposed to just self-riding; It’s totally fine if you decide to do a lesson for this part of the shoot.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY PHOTOS?
You can expect to receive your final photos and videos within 1-2 weeks after the shoot.
(In cases that I have a full booking or if your shoot coincides with show weekends, the delivery time may take longer, but I will inform you beforehand.)
Final deliverables will be sent via a Google drive link; This folder will be kept active for 1 week, so please download your files onto a laptop within this time to ensure you’re getting the full resolution files.
I usually personally handle final photo selections and go straight to editing, to save my clients time in selecting photos themselves. If you’d prefer to select your final photos for editing, please let me know beforehand and I will send the full gallery for you to preview before I move onto final editing.
Further editing on extra photos can be provided at an additional fee.
Copyright Natalie Ong (2024), All Rights Reserved.
Any theft or usage of photos beyond copyright terms will be considered copyright infringement and will incur legal action.
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