How can you prepare your horse for your black background session?

Preparing your horse for a black background session can be daunting! We are here to ease some of your worries and concerns. In this blog you will find lots of useful tips and tricks to better prepare yourself, and your horse for session day.


What is a black background fine-art session?

Fine-art portraits are imitated studio portraits done right in your barn aisle. Depending on the location, sometimes we will need to set up a backdrop, or use an off-camera flash, but for the most part these are done in natural light. The end result is a breath-taking art piece that will grow in value over time, because we all know that memories like these never depreciate. These images are also wonderful for those sell horses. Taking away everything distracting in the image and just leaving the horse. This guarantees the only thing the potential buyer is looking at is the horse.


PREPARING YOURSELF FOR A BLACK BACKGROUND SESSION

If you are in the pictures with your horses.


  • Give yourself and your horse plenty of time to get ready, a few hours at the least, and a day or so at the most.
  • Outfits! You should have a couple if not a few outfits ready to be worn. Just in case you get there, and you ruin an outfit, or you end up not 100% happy with your outfit choice. We want you to be able to change into something that will build your confidence and just make you feel more comfortable.
  • If you plan on having your hair and makeup done for your session, be sure you set those appointments times several hours before your scheduled session time. You want to ensure you have plenty of time for you to get dressed and make sure your horse is clean and picture ready.
  • It's smart to have a friend, family member or barn staff on standby to help you get yourself and your horse ready for your session.
  • Be sure to have all of your accessories like jewelry, hats and belts laid out, ready to go the day of your session.

PREPARING YOUR HORSE FOR A BLACK BACKGROUND SESSION


  • A good rule of thumb is to always be show ready on pony picture days! This means bathe them very well, make sure they have plenty of time to fully dry. Shine their hooves, brush them very well, apply some show shien, and braid or don't (that's a personal preference). Clean your tack, and your boots and anything that will be in the images.
  • Work your horse very well before your session, this ensures they will be calm and relaxed and most importantly stress free. Make sure you have enough time to ride, bathe, brush, shine and prep your horse. I know it's a lot but trust me, the end result will be worth it!
  • For horses with any white spot, or socks use baby powder to make them pop.
  • For stubborn loose dirt or hay, or even just dust use a used dryer sheet! Works wonders.
  • If your horse will be missing breakfast or dinner be sure to feed them before your session, so they are full and happy and not worried about grain being poured in the distance.
  • If it's hot and the bugs are out load them up with fly spray. Maybe even spritz yourself with some, to avoid any mild, anger filled outburst.
  • Clipping, if you want to clip your horse whether it be just a quick bridle path, muzzle touch up or a full body clip. Be sure to handle that about a week before your session.