Photography Quarter Horses

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Hey folks ... I would like to share with you my experience in Photographing Highend QuarterHorses.

Front 3/4

The standard and most used pose for the Quarterhorse is the Front 3/4 because it shows the strength and muscular build of the animal.. Best lens choice would be a focal length over 135mm. For best DOF I would suggest 200mm for good compression if you have the room..

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/mar07/Imastylishdude.jpg

To get this perspective in the above image the camera must be low 3.5-4 feet and pointed directly into the scapula (shoulder area). All four legs should be showing and equa-distant from each other (this ensures proper angle). The Upper round of the far side rump should blend directly into the start of the mane (this ensure that your camera height is correct). If the camera is too high the rump line will fall short of the mane and if the camera is too low you begin to loose sight of the rump.

Side profile

Not prefered, however a horse breeder will request this perspective before purchasing a horse as it is very hard to hide flaws. Camera position should be slightly to the back at the side of the horse yet still shooting exactly 90 degrees towards the horse emphasising the rear quarters. Notice also that all four legs are showing and all legs are well up under the horse (this is also very important). Camera height again should be at the same height as in the Front 3/4 pose. Again using a 135mm + lens is neccessary.

http://jtphoto.ca/webimages/mar07/IMG_2327quarterhorse.jpg

Rear 3/4

For the Rear 3/4 pose same rules basically apply as front 3/4, but have head turned to the side for head profile.

[Joe F.N.]

I've seen that Quarterhorse shot before Jeff and if I saw it every week I wouldn't get tired of it. It's magnificent. It's much closer to a painting than to a photograph.

[Harv]

Great thread, Jeff. Now I have to commit this all to memory. Not an easy thing to do at my age. I hope I will be able to put this to good use. If I fall short, don't look for any posts from me.

Would the same principles apply to other breeds of horses, or would you be changing camera angles?

[Jeff JTPhoto]

The camera angles and rules basically stay the same with all breeds, however for different breeds they prefer a different pose for various reasons. For instance, Tennesse Walker breeders will prefer the side profile to show their "Park Stance". They are not a heavy built horse so the front 3/4 does nothing to enhance their look.
Anyone asked to photograph a Purebred horse should acquire a copy of the Breed Journal for that particular horse. There is a wealth of images one can look at in order to know what the owners will expect. Very much like Dog Breeders.

[Sheldon Bowles]

Jeff, Joe is so right about that first shot. The horse, the grass, those dramatic clouds behind all this and more combine to make a great photograph that really is like a paintng.

I suppose if I'd ever stopped to think about it, I'd have realized that in horse, dog, and even cattle photography there were certain specific shots that best showed the breed, but the penny had never dropped.

I don't know that I shall ever make use of this specific information, but I do thank you for posting. The next time I take a picture of a horse, I may not get it right, but I'll be more aware.

What a great idea and what a great gift to the rest of us. Thank you!

[David Cramer]

Everything works on that first one. Great animal to begin with!

[Keith]

Yep what Joe said, nicely done Jeff

[Rudi]

Yep. Horse people are VERY particular about how a horse photograph should look! VERY particular! :D I have photographed racehorses and thoroughbreds for sale in the past, and, well... you learn a lot about horse photography and the whole culture. :)

Thanks for sharing, Jeff.

[Kevin]

This is pretty cool. Thanks for sharing this info.

[paul weston]

That first shot is stunning!! WOW.

paul.

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Thank You Everyone.. I was asked about Horse Photography and so thought I would take the opportunity to pass on what I know on the subject. I hope some my find it useful in the future..

[Jerry]

Thank You Everyone.. I was asked about Horse Photography and so thought I would take the opportunity to pass on what I know on the subject. I hope some my find it useful in the future..

Thanks Jeff for a great tutorial, although I'm on a horse farm, like every other type of photography, there are guidelines that can give us better results and more eye-pleasing angles and views.
I'm just starting out in photography and this is a big help, thanks for sharing and taking the time. wonderful photos BTW

[ahockenberry]

Stunning shot....excellent results.. I will keep this in mind as horses are one of my favourite subjects!

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Thank you Jerry and Ashley.. Hope this info will come in handy for you some time..

[E.B. West]

Thanks for the tips Jeff. I'm in Marion County, Florida right now and have been asking some horse owners for the opportunity to practice some shots on their horses. This will help a lot.

[louis champan]

Jeff, beautiful shots. I love horse images. And thanks for the tips, I'm planning on shooting at the Ellensburg Rodeo this summer, which will be new for me.

Louie