5 Tips of what to wear for your equine photo shoot!

The most common question, photographers are being asked.

Here are my five TOP tips on what to wear for an equine photo shoot!

Let's be honest, outfits can make or break any photo shoot session, no matter how beautiful your horse and the location looks. It is really important to discuss the client's vision and overall look of the images, so together we can find the perfect outfits for your session.

1. Location of shoot

Most of the equine photo sessions will happen on pasture, on a dirt road, a barn area or somewhere in the woods. So, most likely there will be a LOT of different shades of green.

Knowing the "colors of the location" is always helpful for a photographer, so you can envision the colors that pop up in your background. I learned the hard way, and once had a client show up in a bright green shirt with no alternative options. Needless to say, the images turned out NOT the way I wanted them to be.

So, having outfits that stand out from the background is crucial. I always say, please wear NO green, unless it's an accent color. Same goes for red, unless you are going for a holiday theme.

2. Time of the year

Dress according to season, and bring different layers according to the weather, so you can take sweaters off or add them when it gets cold. Adding vests, jackets or scarves are a great way of adding color to the outfit.

Think about the bigger purpose of the images. For example, If the images are meant for holiday cards, dress in winter clothes. Summertime is great to show off your cute dresses.

3. Styling Guide

Pick outfits you feel comfortable in.

I can't stress this enough. There is nothing worse than new outfits, that are too tight and just don't fit right. Make sure, they are well ironed and free of wrinkle lines. All these small details will be visible on the final image. Prep them the day before, so you have one less thing to worry about.

Pick a style or two.

Do you love cowboy boots and jeans, or are you more comfortable in a hunter jumper outfit? Do you like wearing dresses? Make sure, you pick a style that represents you and your personality. You don't want to look "fake".

4. Matching color charts for you and your horse

Find a good color, that goes well with you and matches your horse's coat. Try to find your base color first, then add a highlight color with accessories and jewelry. Michelle, in my picture at the beginning is a great example.

Here are some color coordinating ideas that match your horse's coat color:

5. DONT'S!

Avoid small prints, logos and busy patterns unless it is a western pleasure show shirt with a lot of bling :). Keep the pattern to a minimum so they don't take away from your image and distract. If there is more than one person, I recommend you complement each other, but don't match. Lots of pure white is also best to avoid. Pure white is difficult to expose for and can distract from the people in the image.

Need more great ideas? Check out my beautiful Pinterest board "What to wear" for an equine photo shoot here: https://www.pinterest.com/creatememoriesbyanett/equestrian-lifestyle-what-to-wear/

I always recommend my clients to bring at least three or four options, so we can decide on location. Many times, I also have them send me pictures the day before to help with the decision. Don't forget, the most important thing is to have fun and to create beautiful memories!

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