Equine Photographer for Foals

Emma

Photographing foals can be a challenging experience for any equine photographer. Their innocence, curiosity, and playful nature make them irresistible subjects. However, capturing those perfect shots requires patience, skill, and understanding of these young horses’ behavior. Emma made photographing her easy! Her mom, Amy, has already spent a lot of time with her working on her manners. She was a super star in front of the camera and I’m excited to continue photographing her as she gets older.

Here are some tips to photographing foals this spring:

1. Understand Foal Behavior:

Foals are naturally curious and energetic creatures. They love to explore their surroundings and can be easily distracted. Understanding their behavior is crucial for anticipating their movements and capturing candid shots. Spend some time observing foals before you start shooting to get a sense of their personalities and habits.

2. Use a Telephoto Lens:

Foals can be skittish around strangers and too much activity, so it’s essential to maintain a safe distance while photographing them. I find it best to have handlers who are familiar with the foal pose them. A telephoto lens will allow you to capture close-up shots without getting too close and causing the foal to become nervous or agitated. A lens with a focal length of 70-200mm is ideal for capturing intimate moments without disturbing the foal.

3. Get Down to Their Level:

To capture compelling and intimate portraits of foals, get down to their eye level. This perspective will create a stronger connection between the viewer and the foal, making the images more engaging and emotive. Be prepared to kneel, sit, or lie on the ground to achieve the perfect angle.

4. Be Patient and Flexible:

Photographing foals requires patience and flexibility. They are unpredictable creatures, and you may need to wait for the right moment to capture the perfect shot. Be prepared to adapt to their movements and behavior, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions. One of my favorite photos of Emma is actually her taking a step forward; it shows her curiosity and her cute, lengthy baby legs!

Photographing foals is a fun experience that requires a combination of patience, skill, and creativity. By understanding their behavior, choosing the right equipment and settings, and being patient and flexible, you can capture stunning images that showcase the beauty and charm of these young horses.