Preparation
To conduct a photo shoot, you can rent a horse by contacting any equestrian club, which exists even in such megacities as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The rental price depends on the club itself, the duration of the walk and photo session, as well as the breed of the horse.
Usually, calm and well-groomed animals that treat people well are provided for filming. They are trained in commands such as bowing or even holding a candle position under the rider.
But for many city residents who have never had contact with horses and know about equestrian sport only by hearsay, the first meeting can be very exciting. A tall and strong horse often causes concern, so it is necessary to prepare for a photo shoot.
It is very important to have the right mindset when communicating with your horse. These smart animals perfectly understand a person’s mood and feel all the worries and fears. Before starting a photo shoot with a horse, you need to calm down; an experienced instructor will conduct an introductory lesson on how to behave.
When getting to know horses, you should take into account some of the characteristics of these animals and avoid mistakes. Horses have a space in front of their nose and behind them called blind spots. This means that she practically cannot see a person who is standing close to her face, so she should never approach her from behind either.
Photographers: Another Look Studio.
It is necessary to approach the animal in such a way that the unfamiliar person is clearly visible and does not cause any fear. Horses show aggression extremely rarely and only in cases of improper behavior of a person.
Seasons for photo shoots with horses
All seasons are perfect for communicating with horses.
Photographers: Another Look Studio.
Photos with these animals taken at any time of the year will be beautiful and mesmerizing in their own way.
Summer
To conduct a summer photo shoot, you do not need any artificial scenery; a natural background of fresh green trees, lush grass and leaves of bushes is suitable for shooting. Dressed in original costumes, you can go for a walk along the alleys or surrounding city parks. A summer photo shoot with horses allows you to realize any creative idea.
Photographers: Another Look Studio.
Shooting can be done not only during the day, but also in the evening at sunset or in the morning, in the rays of the rising sun. Try to relax and get into character so that the photographer can convey in the pictures all the beauty of nature, the grace of the horse, and the mood of the model.
Winter
You can take photos not only on horseback: with the arrival of winter, don’t miss the opportunity to capture sleigh rides on snow-covered roads. To do this, you can choose images in folk style. Put on fur hats and muffs, take a bunch of bagels and a large samovar, and all your photos will take on a bright and rich color. And also in winter, horses become more fluffy and radiate special warmth and kindness.
Photographer: Denis Kurenkov.
The sun's rays on a frosty day are reflected in every snowflake, creating a fabulous atmosphere in every photo.
Autumn
Autumn has its own charm and charm - these are the bright falling leaves, the yellowing grass, and the foggy haze over the water. Having gone through another life cycle, nature is preparing for sleep. For people, this is also a reason to reflect on their lives, reassess values and reconsider relationships with loved ones.
For a couple in love, this is an excellent excuse to move to a new stage in their relationship or at least arrange a romantic photo shoot with horses. To become even closer to each other, you should choose clothes in the same style (jeans, sweaters in the same color scheme, etc.). Late fall is great for gothic photography, which we'll talk about shortly.
Spring
Everyone's favorite spring time, when the snow has not yet melted everywhere, falls during the Maslenitsa festivities. These traditional events are always very fun and on a grand scale.
Photographer: Yulia Yashina.
At this spring time, you can choose beautiful horse-drawn sleighs, pancakes and bagels, as well as a stuffed animal of the passing winter. In spring, nature awakens from a long winter hibernation. It's getting warmer every day, which means it's time to go horseback riding.
Photo session on horseback riding for two. Description of how it works using an example of a real order
A horse ride for two is our idea of a romantic getaway. Usually, if they talk about horse riding, then we are talking about riding in large groups, in shifts. The number of which can be quite large, and you need to go somewhere far to get to the stables. This is not the case with us. Our horse rides are by appointment, which means as many people as you sign up will participate. In particular, we can organize a horseback ride for two, which has now become popular, as it allows you to implement an interesting idea for a romantic getaway with your loved one. We have extensive experience in organizing such walks. Around 2011, at the suggestion of our guests, we realized that such horseback riding can satisfy the need for a new and original holiday with a loved one. Since then we have had a horse ride for two. Thanks to our guests, this service is constantly developing and improving. Its current format is described on the page horseback riding for two. Also based on it, we implement other interesting romantic ideas for loved ones: a date and marriage proposal on a horse, celebrating a Wedding anniversary. There are other interesting ideas that we have implemented. More horse riding and more. And now we will describe another idea: horseback riding for two with a photo shoot. And as an illustration, we will show a real walk that a couple booked in order to celebrate their Wedding date. They decided not just to ride horses, but to capture this moment in the form of photographs, for which they invited a photographer who took pictures during the walk. This is exactly what we call photography while riding a horse along our equestrian routes on the photo shoot with horses page. Therefore, if you want to ride with your loved one and take beautiful photos, then watch how it goes. As the story progresses, you will see how to dress to be comfortable on a horse, you will see what the route in the forest looks like, and we will point out some nuances that should be taken into account to make the photo shoot great.
A couple who booked a horseback riding trip for two with a photo shoot
Their story of how they ended up in our stable is typical. Having never sat in the saddle before, we decided to give it a try, found our website, called and signed up. Indeed, if you have never ridden a horse before, this is not a problem. In Moscow, walks take place in steps. An experienced trainer accompanies the walk, and before the start, instructions on how to control the horse at a walk (starting movement, turning, stopping). Taking this opportunity and a successful photo of our guests, we will answer the frequently asked question “How to dress for a horse ride.” The way the couple is dressed in the photo is quite normal. Boots without unnecessary accessories, jeans without rough internal seams (so that your feet don’t chafe), weather-appropriate clothing (for example, in this case, comfortable jackets that must be fastened in the front) and our pair without hats, but we recommend wearing them as the walk takes place in the forest, also in this case a girl with short hair, and if you have long hair, you will need to collect it before mounting the horse.
Our forest route. You can ride along it if you book a horse ride at the stables in Moscow, Strogino
In the photo you can see how the walk technically takes place. This is the most typical option. Riders independently control the horse, and the trainer-instructor simply walks nearby, naturally, if anything happens, he will help. We especially note that if you suddenly, as sometimes in a conversation on the phone, feel justified, of course, skepticism that there is a forest in Moscow, then this photograph was taken in the very forest where our equestrian routes pass: Moscow, Strogino Troitse- Lykovo. It is in this northwestern region of Moscow that our stable is located. It was on this route that the photographer conducted the photo shoot in question. He took pictures from different angles and positions. This is how the photographs turned out.
One of the photographs taken in the forest
The girl sits on a white horse, Giselle, and the man sits on a red horse, Lilac. In this case, the couple decided to distribute the horses this way, but in general the man could have been seated on Giselle. Then it would be a prince on a white horse. It must be said regarding the choice of horses that at the stables, when you arrive at the appointed time, you will not be able to choose horses, since ready-saddled ones will be waiting for you. Therefore, if the color (suit) of the horse and other parameters are important to you, then they need to be discussed in advance before placing orders by phone with the administrator. Any wishes are welcome and taken into account! And a few words about the photograph itself. The purpose of the photo shoot was to take a photo for my family album. The photo turned out to be of high quality and satisfies the content for the purposes of shooting. However, due to the fact that the photo was taken during a walk, and the couple did not take training at the training ground to learn how to pose a horse beautifully for the camera, they were unable to show the horses in a model manner, so they just walked and stood up. But this always happens when a person first sits in the saddle. Natural fear and lack of skills do not allow you to control a horse skillfully. Therefore, before a photo shoot, it is worth taking a training session on the basics of horse riding in order to learn how to hold your horse beautifully in front of the camera. However, our couple got used to it during the walk and subsequent shots turned out better.
Our couple is slowly getting used to the saddle
Along the equestrian route we have picturesque corners in which participants of the ride take photographs. The horses know these places because we give them treats after taking photos, so they stop there with pleasure. We even have episodes when a photo shoot is not booked, the horses still stop along the way in well-fed places, so to speak, and wait for treats.
The horses know the route well, so they stand well while photographing
The presence of these places allows even riders who have not previously sat in the saddle to pose well in the frame and even have such romantic moments.
He and she on a horse...
There is a spectacular shot. Go ahead. We are already returning to the stables.
The final shot on horseback riding
It can be seen that during the walk people got a little used to it. They smile. The example of these two photographs clearly shows the nuance mentioned above, the essence of which is that the horse is not a model, and not every person is a rider. In other words, if the riders have never sat in the saddle before, then it is unlikely that they will be able to get good shots right away. This problem can be solved either by training on our training ground or, as in this case, a photographer accompanied the walk and “caught” the shots. Here is an example of how a photo shoot with training on the training ground turned out. In general, such training is quite important for a successful photo shoot, as there is a misconception. Usually, when they want to order a photo shoot on horses, a person thinks that he will simply sit on the horse, and it will stand under him. But not like that! You also need to be able to stand on a horse while sitting in the saddle. This is a very common misconception about horse riding among photo shoot clients, so it is worth considering some general recommendations that we gave in the article about the features of renting horses for a photo shoot. It must be said that the case used here of accompanying a walk with a photographer is one of the most successful and budget options for a photo shoot. In general, not every photographer can cope with the task of a photo shoot with horses. And on this score, we also encountered a number of misconceptions, but among photographers, which led to not very successful shootings. For example, when they order horses for a wedding photo shoot, the photographer of the newlyweds naively believes that as soon as he asks the newlyweds to stand, they will stand up, or he simply thinks which angle is good for a person, the same is suitable for a person on a horse, but this is absolutely not So. You will only succeed in a good photo shoot with horses if the photographer knows not only the portrait genre of photography, but also knows the features of the animal and landscape genres. And we explained the nuance here in the article: for a photo shoot with horses, it is better to use the services of our photographer.
In this case, the photographer was not ours. The couple did not take riding lessons. But the walk was enough time for the riders to get used to it, and for the photographer to capture the moments. Around this shot, this horse ride for two with a photo shoot ended. We want to believe that we have shown that this idea can be an interesting holiday option when you want to capture important moments in life, such as a Wedding Anniversary, Valentine's Day, beautifully, romantically and symbolically...
... And of course, all our walks end at the stables, where you can chat with our pets. Feeding the horses is no less exciting part of the booked walk than the ride itself. Bring their favorite treats with you: carrots, apples, lump sugar.
At the stables after a walk
Giselle clearly knows that if it’s a bag, then it contains something delicious. He will definitely ask...
Ideas for a photo shoot with horses
Classic look
Taking pictures while riding a horse is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Classic photography has many features that must be taken into account.
Photographer: Vladimir Konnov.
Some tips on how to achieve perfect posture:
- The centers of gravity of the rider and the horse must coincide.
- The hands up to the rider's elbow should be an extension of the reins that come from the horse's mouth.
- Your elbows should be pressed towards your body.
- The spine should be curved in an S shape.
- The position of the rider's body must be such that a straight line can be drawn through his hip joint and heel.
I’ll tell you a secret that at the beginning of learning to ride a horse, it is recommended to slightly tilt your body forward; this is quite acceptable both when conducting a photo shoot and when riding a horse.
Photographer: Ilya Tsvetkov.
To summarize: if the model is simply sitting in the saddle on a horse, then her back should be straight and her posture should be ideal. If you plan to create the effect of fast riding, then you need to lean forward and press against the withers.
By the water
In the summer, you can choose any body of water as the shooting location. The sparkling droplets of water on the models’ bodies look very beautiful in the photographs.
For a photo shoot with horses, bright accessories (hat, umbrella, glasses) and a swimsuit are suitable. A good photographer will be able to suggest good poses to models.
Romantic image
All those who miss romantic deeds and noble knights have the opportunity to briefly travel back to medieval times. To conduct a photo shoot, you should rent clothes in the appropriate style, as well as a black stallion such as the Vladimir Heavy Draft or a Gray Percheron. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of romance while walking along the alleys of the city park.
Love Story
Before the photo shoot starts, you can ride horses a little, this will help you relax and get a charge of positive emotions. Take fruits, books, a bright blanket and other items as accessories. Please write in the comments about your ideas for filming “Love Story”. A photo shoot like this should be a breeze, since there is no need to play anything.
Young people came for a walk, they are in love with each other and are having a great time together. A girl can sit astride a horse, and a guy leads the horse by the bridle. It is better to take such shots against the backdrop of nature or rural landscapes.
Wedding procession
A wedding photo shoot in a carriage drawn by mighty stallions with braids and bells, which carries a young couple to their happy family life, will cause surprise and admiration at the same time. And if such a carriage is driven by a real coachman in a beautiful livery, then this is already a reason for real delight. Similar portraits taken during a wedding photo shoot with horses will become a real decoration of the album, for example:
- The newlyweds are walking and leading a couple of horses by the bridle.
- The groom leads a horse, on which his young wife sits.
- The girl peers into the distance, and her young man gallops towards her.
The bride will not always be able to pose on horseback: there are various reasons for this.
Photographer: Yulia Yashina.
In such cases, you can triple the shooting in a beautiful carriage. This environment will help any young lady feel like a real princess.
Horse riding
The most extreme and fearless young people can afford to have a photo shoot while riding a horse. This look requires a lot of courage and excellent physical fitness, so it is not suitable for everyone. The photographer's task is complicated by the fact that he will have to shoot while moving.
Photos in which a horse takes an obstacle or stands on its hind legs, while the rider remains in the saddle at the same time, turn out to be especially emotional and cause sincere delight among others. But such tricks require special skill, so only experienced riders can perform them.
Creative image
This image is suitable for people of creative professions: poets, artists, musicians. You can choose a shallow body of water as the location for the photo shoot.
Photographer: Maria Kiriyenko.
Excellent shots can be taken when a rider on horseback enters the water or leads the horse by the bridle along the shore. Taking this opportunity, you can have a picnic on the shore of a reservoir and take a few shots in such a natural setting. If the shooting takes place in the evening, closer to night, be sure to light a fire. Photos taken by the fire always turn out very romantic.
Cowboy style
A hot horse and a cowboy hat will allow you to transform into a fearless American macho. This look is suitable for young guys, as well as brave girls who are not afraid of experiments. Little children will also love the image of a real cowboy and will be happy to take part in a photo shoot with horses.
Images from the Middle Ages
You can plunge into the traditions of the Middle Ages, and also become a participant in a brave knightly tournament during a costume photo shoot in the image of the Middle Ages. Women can wear capes or robes in bright red shades, or luxurious dresses with long sleeves or trains. You can also transform into a forest witch!
Photographer: Anna Sychovich.
For men, knightly armor or a long tunic and a bright cloak are suitable. You can read about male poses here. Such riders on horseback will look simply magnificent.
Traditional Russian image
It’s not at all difficult to bring this idea to life; just wear national costumes and rent a horse. You can take a few photos in the company of your friends by performing a traditional dance or round dance around a fire in front of the camera. For photography, you can weave beautiful wreaths or collect a pretty bouquet of wildflowers. You can also take a photo while walking through a field or meadow, and even look at a farm and invite a cow or goat into the frame.
Country theme
While shooting in this style, you can feel the original atmosphere of village life. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the magical singing of birds, feel the light breath of a fresh breeze, walk through a flowering meadow or green field, as well as a decorated area, taking a couple of horses with you for a walk.
Photographer: Vladimir Konnov.
At sunset, you can lie down in a haystack and admire the bright rays of the sun (I wrote about natural light here).
Family photo session
Even small children enjoy taking part in a photo shoot with horses. So this coming weekend, get your whole family together and go outdoors to add some great photos to your family album.
Children will be very happy about such a walk, because horses are very smart and friendly animals. During a walk together, the family will be able to escape from everyday worries and also have a good time together.
Photographer: Albina Sazhenyuk.
When going on a family photo shoot with horses, don’t miss such important details as:
- Helmet, high boots and gloves for children.
- Other accessories that children can hold in their hands.
- Unusual fairy-tale images for the youngest models.
If preschool children participate in the photo shoot, then it is better for them to choose the smallest representative of the horse tribe - a pony.
Gothic style
For such a photo shoot, you should rent a handsome black man. Models choose formal clothes in dark colors and go to the forest edge on a cloudy or rainy day.
Photographer: Liza Myalovskaya.
The background for photos in the Gothic style can be reed thickets or bare trees. Excellent shots can be taken near a pond, when the photo captures the reflection of a rider in a long cloak.
Treats
Horses are very fond of treats. Be sure to bring something tasty for them (apples, carrots or sugar cubes) and feed the animal as a token of gratitude for a great walk, as well as beautiful photos. If the photo shoot takes place in the forest, in the fresh air, then you yourself will want to have something to eat.
Photo session with a horse in a dress
When choosing a dress, you need to decide whether you will ride a horse or not. If you want to be photographed not only next to a horse, but also on horseback, then it is advisable to take a dress with a long and spacious skirt. This will look more aesthetically pleasing than a miniskirt pulled up to the waist. And in a tight skirt you simply cannot fit on a horse.
Dresses can have a long train. It looks quite nice, but you just have to be careful not to let the horse step on it, otherwise the fabric might get dirty and get holes from the shoes.
Winter photo shoot with a horse in a dress
Be sure to ask the groom to ensure that the saddle pad (the blanket placed under the saddle) matches the color of the dress or does not stand out too much from the background of the horse. We just had cases where this blanket was such incredibly bright blue, red and purple colors that then it had to be photoshopped in almost all the photos.
before
after
The bright saddle pad had to be “pacified.”
If a photo shoot with a horse in a dress is ordered from me, then my team and I take into account all these nuances. All you have to do is enjoy the photography process.
>> Find out the cost of a photo shoot <<
Sometimes riding a horse during a photo shoot is so addicting that models then start taking additional horse riding lessons.
Photo session with a horse in a dress in winter
Some tips
A photo shoot with horses requires good preparation. To avoid injury during shooting, it is necessary to use special equipment that will complement the image and help the rider control the horse. If horseback riding still causes concern, then you can lead the horse by the leash along the river bank or simply walk with it in beautiful places, taking excellent portraits.
Photographers: Another Look Studio.
During a photo shoot with a horse, you can take several individual photos in nature. A fairytale look with vintage accessories and medieval outfits is suitable for this. In any case, you will be left with incredible emotions from communicating with beautiful and extremely strong-willed animals, a rather pleasant pastime, a boost of energy and a lot of brilliant pictures as a keepsake.
That's all. Subscribe to my blog and leave comments - this is the best gratitude for your work!
Best regards, Maxim Izmailov.
What not to do when photographing with a horse
1. Swing your arms sharply near the horse and while riding it. 2. Do not let go of the horse until the instructor has picked it up. 3. Pull the horse with the reins. 4. Approach the horse from behind
Autumn photo shoot with a horse
I wish you beautiful photo shoots! One of the photo sets can be viewed in the portfolio
You can find out the cost and order a photo shoot by calling +79510999350 (Viber and WhatsApp are linked to this number)
