If you’re like me and love capturing the beauty of horses through photography, then you’re in the right place. I’ve spent countless hours in the field, camera in hand, learning what works best when it comes to photographing these majestic creatures. In this article, I will share my ultimate horse photography checklist with you. From the gear I always pack in my bag to some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way, consider this your go-to guide for mastering equine photography.
Time to read:5 minutes
Main Camera and Lenses:
At the heart of my gear arsenal is my trusty Canon 6D paired with the versatile 70-200mm Canon lens. My gear may not be super new, but it has gotten me through a lot of photoshoots, and I trust it implicitly. My primary lens is the 70-200mm f2.8—it’s a little heavy, but it’s the perfect lens for horse photography. I can stand on the arena’s edge and still capture some pretty close-up shots. The long focal length is perfect for capturing running horses and eliminating distortion in portraits that shorter focal lengths can cause. The background can get very creamy with this aperture, especially at sunsets, but sometimes I do tend to adjust it a little bit in post-processing.
Now, here’s a little secret: while the long focal length is great for avoiding distortion, especially when shooting horses, sometimes I use my Sigma 35mmF1.4 Art lens to get more artistic pictures. Close-ups with pretty bokeh and an overall different style. That’s what I love about photography—you can experiment and bend the rules to suit your style. I’ll insert pictures taken with different lenses so you can see the difference.
Lastly, I sometimes take along my newest addition— FujiFilm X-T30 II camera. I’ll delve into more detail about this camera in another article, but in short, it offers a pretty unique vibe. It’s very film-like, and you can get a different feel from this camera compared to the Canon.
Backpack:
My favorite backpack for carrying all my gear is from WANDRD – This one. It’s got lots of different compartments, which keeps all my stuff very secure. I even packed for a whole weekend trip with just this bag and my camera once! I love it so much. The design is super modern, and it’s very durable, plus it cleans easily. I’ve had it for over 4 years now, and it still looks brand new. It’s also super comfy to wear, which is important when I’m walking longer distances with a heavy camera bag.
Accessories and Gadgets:
- Tripod: The camera with the lens can get pretty heavy after hours of shooting, so I sometimes bring along my tripod. It gives my arms a much-needed break, especially during long shoots.
- Chargers: To avoid missing out on capturing that perfect moment due to a dead battery, I always carry chargers for my cameras and electronic devices, ensuring that I stay powered up throughout the day.
- Memory Cards: A spare memory card is always a must-have! Trust me, you can never have enough of these.
- iPad: Whether it’s for reviewing images on the go or quickly transferring files, my iPad is an invaluable tool that allows me to streamline my workflow and stay organized.
- iPhone: My phone is a crucial part of my gear, for obvious reasons. But it’s not just for calls and texts—I love using it to capture videos too. After all, sometimes a video can capture a moment in a way a photo just can’t. Plus, I can quickly turn those clips into reels, which my clients absolutely love.
- Horse Treats: It’s super important to build a good connection with the horses I’m photographing. I always bring along a bunch of horse treats in my pocket. They’re like magic—they help the horses cooperate and focus those ears and eyes on me.
Personal Essentials:
- Lip Balm: Long hours spent outdoors can take a toll on my lips, so I always keep lip balm handy to keep them moisturized and protected.
- Wallet: Whether it’s for grabbing a quick snack or paying for parking, having my wallet on hand ensures that I’m prepared for any unexpected expenses that may arise during my photo shoots.
- Sunblock: Spending hours under the sun can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage, so I always apply sunscreen generously before heading out for a photo shoot.
- Deodorant: A quick swipe of deodorant helps me stay comfortable and confident throughout the day.
- Hydration: Last but certainly not least, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy and focus during long hours of shooting. I always carry a refillable water bottle to keep myself hydrated and ready to capture that perfect shot.
In conclusion, packing the right gear is essential for a successful and enjoyable horse photography session. By ensuring that my bag is stocked with everything from cameras and lenses to personal care items and snacks, I can focus on what I do best – capturing the beauty and spirit of these magnificent creatures through my lens.
If you need any ideas for your next photoshoot, check out this article.
