How can I improve my horse pics?

[Jessica Rabbit]

I want to start taking some nice photos of horses since Im fortunate enough to own some and work at a barn where I have a nice selection.
If anyone has tips they are SO VERY MUCH appreciated and respected!
I use a simple Canon A80 and really have alot to learn.
Also, if anyone knows some good positions and angles to go with a nice horse photo please share if you don't mind.
Thank you so much!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/ninja_ratty/g.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/ninja_ratty/g2.jpg
This third one really isnt my favourite but I wanted to post it too. I realized a few things. I cannot see his neck, and the lighting is off + there are shadows.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/ninja_ratty/g1.jpg

[Spearin]

Pretty nice shots :) I think the black and white ones though need some more contrast through post-processing to try and bring out the details a bit more.

[dod]

I've had that same problem trying to take shots for the wife, decided that a slightly different take on them was needed. Don't want to mess up your thread so I'll just post mostly links.

http://www.hardmuirstables.co.uk/pictures/Trigger/disco1.jpg

http://www.hardmuirstables.co.uk/pictures/Trigger/trigger1.jpg

http://www.hardmuirstables.co.uk/pictures/Trigger/trigger2.jpg

http://www.hardmuirstables.co.uk/pictures/Trigger/trigger3.jpg

[liza]

I like the second image very much, though I think it would also be pretty in color. The first one, while probably better left in b&W, needs some sharpness (as Spearin mentioned).

Though I'm not a pro by any means, here are links to a few of mine that were reasonably well received.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liza_11/25857800/in/set-566866/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liza_11/24953106/in/set-566866/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/liza_11/24804699/in/set-566866/

Hope this is helpful. :)

[Kaydee]

Jessica,

If you are looking for interesting angles and enjoy a little abstraction I can suggest an exercise you might try.

This one photograph of a horse always stands out in my mind. A professor showed the photo in a slide show in one of my first photography classes. A previous student of hers had taken the photo for an abstract assignment.

The photo was a close crop of a horses back and the sky. (The horse was perpendicular to the picture plane.) At first glace, the "line" of the horses back looked like a mountain range or a landscape and the photographer had cropped at the horizon line. Look again and you realized it was a hairy landscape if that and then, "Oh, it's an animal? A horse!". :)

I wish I could just post an example, but maybe I have explained myself. If you try it maybe try your largest and smallest apertures to play with the depth of field.

Shoot and shoot some more!:D

[Kaydee]

Jessica,

The photograph I was just posting about was a black and white image as all were in class. I should have mentioned that because if the image was a color image you're eye would not be as easily fooled into questioning the subject matter. :)

mmmkay, then.

[Jim_T]

I'm no horse expert, but I don't think I have to be to tell that those are all great shots. :)

[Alnath]

I use a simple Canon A80

Dont dis the A80, it is one of Canons finest cameras ever made, it was not called the Baby G for nowt! This was taken on my A80 http://alnath.fotopic.net/p6224662.html and i think your photos are smashing

[herderdog]

Jessica,
I think your photos are just great! Keep shooting---you have style and lots of creativity and your shots will only get better with time.
Learn as much as you can about all the technical points (exposure, focus etc) and the rest will come.
I just posted a horse portrait--but it is just an ordinary shot--that is what the owners wanted. But if I had my choice, I would have turned him loose and spent some time with him.

[Stephen Stephen]

Hi Jessica,

I really like the first two pictures. I'll echo the comment re. the need for a bit more contrast in photo 1. Also in photo 1 consider giving the horse a bit more space to the right. It's almost as if its going to bump it's face. On the third shot you use an interesting angle but watch out for bright hi-lights. I find the sunlight on the fore and hindquarters distracting from the horse's face which is what I "think" you wanted to focus on. Keep up the good work!

[stoneylonesome]

I really like the first 2 I do agree about the contrast, I think the angle you took is very interesting. the 3rd one seems a little out of focus, maybe you were a little to close. over all nice job.

[courtknee202]

I started out with an A80 and it took great horse shots as long as I was in good light and mastered the autofocus. I practiced a ton and looked at other pro equine photographers pictures to hone my own skills

If you go to my equine album the second row of three shots starting with "Hero" were all taken with an A80! http://mygallery.cc/courtney/album01