About Us And Our Approach To Equine Photography

 We are experienced and life long horse owners as well as being one of the UK’s top portrait and wedding photographers (our ‘day’ job). Horses and equine photography is our passion.

We are Andy & Sharon, both full time professional photographers with a background in the ‘social’ areas of the photographic industry. This means we have always worked with photographing people and animals and know how to capture them at thier best, how to relax nervous subjects and to make our equine photography sessions simply the best experience and the most enjoyable too!

Where we differ from other equine photographers…

Our background is in portrait photography and wedding photography. We believe this gives us an advantage when it comes to equine photography. As portrait photographers we are highy skilled at making sure you look the best you can be, relaxed and happy. As wedding photographers our skills include working quickly when necessary, working outdoors, working with less than ideal locations and making them look great and being instantly adaptable to situations if they change at the last minute. We achieve all of this whilst still adding that extra depth to your images – emotion. Be it your horses kind eye, his excitement, his curiosity or his love and dedication to you as his owner we ensure we portray this in the images we create for you.

 

Equine Photography Creation – The Muddy Bit!

During a equine photography creation session the welfare and safety of your horse and anyone in the vicinity is our primary concern. We always allow enough time to let your horse get to trust us a little and to let them used to our equipment and the the way we work. During one of our equine photography portrait sessions, we will never compromise the safety of your horse or others for the sake of a few minutes longer getting your horse acclimatized and conditioned to us and our working methods. Please take the time to read the ‘Bespoke‘ page for more tips on how to help us run a safe session for all concerned.

 

 

 

Equestrian Photography Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common questions we get asked about our equestrian photography, if you have any other burning questions please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Q: What If My Horse Doesn’t Get Used To The Flash Or The Camera ?

A: We do occasionally come across a horse that gets spooked by the flash, but we find that out before the photography starts whilst we are gently acclimatizing your horse to us, the camera and the flash. Our first priority is the safety of your horse and everyone around him, so we ALWAYS take the time to gain your horses trust. We will adapt the way we work with your horse if they are unhappy or nervous about any aspect of the ‘getting to know us’ part of the process. You will still get great photographs, just taken in a slightly different way to ensure your horse is relaxed and happy.

Q: What If It Rains On The Day Of The Photo-shoot ?

A: If it rains, it rains! On the morning of the creative portrait we will contact you to ascertain what the weather is like in your area and at this point take a decision with you as to whether we are going to continue that day or re-schedule. If you would prefer to postpone your creation session, that’s perfectly OK, and you will incur no penalties of any kind. If it’s just a shower, we have no problem waiting it out and stormy skies lend themselves to some dramatic pictures. If it looks like it’s set in for the day, heavy rain then for a number of reasons re-scheduling would be the best option. We are very flexible with this and appreciate you flexibility and co-operation in this also.

Q: How Long Does The Photo-shoot Take ?

A: Whilst each horse and owner is different, it usually takes around 1 – 2 hours per horse for our creative portraits.

Q: How Do We See The Pictures You Have Taken After The Photo-shoot ?

A: Where possible we will return to your home for a viewing of your creative portraits. Where possible we like to either project your images so you can see the full detail in them or link to your T.V. screen – again so you can see the minutest detail within the images. We will ascertain the best option for you during the design consultation and advise accordingly.

Q: How Many Images Do You Take And Show To Us ?

A: Our equestrian photography is such that we will take around 500 – 700 photographs during your creative portrait photo-shoot. From these we will select the very best and most stunning images to present to you during the viewing appointment – typically around 20 – 30 images per horse.

Q: What If I Don’t Like The Photos ?

A: That’s what the design consultation is for. We show you examples of what we do, what’s possible and what isn’t, find out what style of images you would prefer and we guarantee you will be delighted with the results – or YOUR MONEY BACK!. No quibble, no fuss. Can’t say fairer that that now can we?.

Q: How Far Are You Prepared To Travel To Photograph My Horse ?

A: Although we are based in the heart of North Yorkshire we travel all over the UK and beyond. If your location means it is not feasible for us to return home in the same day then accommodation will be charged on top of our usual rate. We can provide a bespoke quotation for you. We undertake commissions abroad subject to any visa requirements of the country concerned.

Q: I Love Your Equestrian Photography – I’d Like To Commission You – What Is The Next Step ?

A: Please use one of the methods mentioned on the “Contact Us” page to get in touch.

Equestrian Photography – Ask Us A Question of Your Own!

Whilst we think we have covered the main questions we often get asked, there’s always going to be something we haven’t thought of so please email us your question to: sharon@thehorsephotographers.co.uk and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our equestrian photography.

A Few Favourites From Recent Equine Photography Portraits

Below is a short slide show of a few favourites from recent equine photography portraits we have undertaken.  You can also see some of our favourites on our home page. During our equine photography portraits we always aim to capture the character of the horse – such as the Welsh Cob in this slideshow where we focussed in to some degree on his moustache – which was quite a talking point amongst the family who own him.  We believe that taking the time to carefully plan your horse portraits during our design consultation meeting results in exceptional equine photography.

Kind Words About Our Equestrian Photography…

Of course we all like to hear good things said about what we do – it’s a massive motivator! We are fortunate that our equestrian photography puts us in touch with some of the nicest people and horses, the following is just a small selection of comments received by us recently:

“Wow! I’ve never seen equestrian photography like this before – your horse pictures are just amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you Andy and Sharon for doing so a great job of capturing the spirit of Gilly.”

Angela Beard.

“The canvas of Mia and Steelie is a real “show stopper”….everyone who visits us comments on it. We have no hesitation in recommending you to our friends. We will be back in touch when Misty’s foal is born.”

Mr & Mrs I R Gregory

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the extent to which Andy went to photograph Frankie & Johnny – your laundry bill must be massive! I can honestly say we are thrilled to bits with the photographs. I wish we had found you sooner – when the children were younger with their Shetland ponies. These are the most creative horse portraits I have ever seen. Thank you for creating such beautiful imagery of our children does not seem adequate.” Mrs Rupert Webb

We had never considered equestrian photography before until we saw the portraits you created for our friends. We are so glad we found you! Sharon has a natural connection with the horses – you can see straight away how at ease they are with her and Andy – the things you do with a camera and some creative lighting are amazing. Thank you once more.”Mr & Mrs David Shepherd.

We are passionate about our equestrian photography in the same way that we are passionate about horses and photography on their own. There are no half measures for us – the images we create for you of your horses and your family are designed to represent the very best equestrian photography in the UK today. We are also happy to accept equestrian photography commissions from clients in Europe and beyond. Our business also includes international equestrian photography.