Get Prepared
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Your checklist should include
- camera
- memory card (if you have a digital camera)
- treats for your pony
- something to attract your pony's attention, for example a plastic bag, small bell or baby's rattle
- grooming kit - even just a dandy brush and a mane comb would be okay
Check the weather
We have found that we take our best photos in sunshine - either in the morning or late afternoon. Around midday, the shadows can be a bit hard and can spoil an otherwise good photo.
Don't forget to check the weather forecast the day before you plan your photo shoot!
This photo of Digger was taken on a very dull day and there's no blue sky. Although its a nice horse picture, this one of Red is much better because the sun lightens the whole picture.
Take a friend
It's always more fun and it's definitely easier to take pictures of your pony if you have a friend with you. They can help get your pony to stand about 2-3 metres from you (and the camera). They can use the toys you have brought with you to get your pony to put his ears forward.
Getting your pony to stand away from you when you are taking photos on your own can be difficult - especially if you have treats in your pockets!
Groom first
You really don't need to do a full wash and brush up unless you are planning to take formal photos or you want to use them to sell your pony. But it is a good idea to brush your pony's face and give his mane a comb before you start. This one of Kira has some mud marks on her neck but it still looks stunning
Think about how you want to use your photos
Before you start snapping, have a think about what you want to use your photos for. Do you want to put them into photo frames to proudly display in your bedroom or around the house? Which kind of picture frame are you likely to use - square or rectangle? If its a rectangle, which way up will it be displayed - portrait or landscape? Is it a full body shot you want or a close up of your pony's head? Formal or casual? Or is it for sending over the web?
Deciding how you want your pony to pose is a lot easier when you know how you want to display your photo.
Take lots of photos
Even top photographers take loads of photos. That's so they can choose the very best one for an ad, book or magazine. So do make sure you take more than you think you will need. Also you'd be surprised at how often you take a photo at the exact moment your pony blinks!
Know your camera
It may seem boring but it really is worthwhile taking the time to read the instruction manual for your camera. Finding out what all the buttons do and what the different settings are for will make a big difference in the end results. So does practice, so take pics of your family, friends, pets and even favourite teddy's so that you really know your camera and which settings you like best. Don't forget to practice outside as well.
Use any editing software that came with your camera
Most digital cameras come with some software to download and display your photos on your computer. There are often some editing tools which you can use to crop your photos to get rid of excessive background. Have a look at yours and have fun experimenting!
Upload your photos into your Ponypics members gallery
If you are a member, simply go to Find A Photo and upload your own photos. You will need to have saved them as a Jpeg file. You will know if it is saved as a jpeg because when you save it in your computer, it will have a dot after the name and then say Jpeg. If it is saved as .tiff or anything else, go back into your software and resave it as a jpeg - then you can upload it!
If you aren't a member yet - what are you waiting for? Its free - so register now and get uploading and designing!