Horses and strobes
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
OK..I am trying to learn so much in a short time. Learning to photograph Arabian horses in a way that looks professional and appeals to Arabian Horse owners is very hard. It is easy to take a pretty picture of a pretty horse, but to make an owner think it complements their animal is a whole other issue. So I have been studying and practicing....but of course that is not enough for me...I also have to ad an element that makes it even harder...strobes.
This is my first (besides school) image of a horse with a strobe...it looks nothing like what I had in mind ha ha. At first in my mind this image was a total failure.
Then I realized the importance of me taking this picture. It is that I did it. If felt uncomfortable, I had worries, I was trying to figure it all out before I got there. Fretting stressing wondering what to do...I kind of didn't want to do it..because of all those things. But I want to and will make it happen, so I did it anyway, it felt good after I was done..except it looked nothing like what I wanted it to.
Because I did it, next time will be easier...I will be calmer...and able to think about what I am doing and how to get the horse to do what I want. This was the fist step.
It's been a year now since 2008 graduated..I want to ask all my classmates is there a first step you have not taken because of uncomfortable feelings? Or anyone for that matter...let go of expectations and find your success in the fact that you are moving forward...the rest will follow. Sit still...and nothing will happen 100% guaranteed.
posted by Jacquie Van Tichelt @ 9:23 PM,
2 Comments:
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At August 7, 2009 7:50 AM,
Heather Bell said...
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Hi Jacki, i think it is very dramatic and knowing arab folks, i would think they would like it. how did the owner like it? maybe a bit to much "ears" and could use more eye on your next try, but i am impressed, this isnt easy with an animal, so please take that constructively! I have just moved to colorado, so just getting back into the photography (also have full time biologist job), so it will be slow going. Have you tried EPnet for comments? best wishes, h
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At August 7, 2009 1:03 PM,
Jacquie Van Tichelt said...
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Heather!!! Hi!! Miss ya bunches. I think this turned out ok.
The problem is I get an image in my mind that I want to create. Which is great when I am experienced in getting that image.
But when I am just learning and I don't get what I set out to do I get frustrated. I have to remember it is still a valuable shoot because I learned and gained more experience.
This is just a brood mare and the owner was letting me practice on her after I photographed her baby. The owner didn't really need pictures of her. She liked it and now wants me to shoot her foundation mare this way.
Arab folks are very picky about certain things, and since these pictures are meant for marketing it is important for me to learn as much as possible about the breed, and to figure out how to manipulate a huge (hot blooded) horse to do what I want. For some reason they don't respond well when I tell them to stand there...look over here... get an intense look on your face...hold your ears up...arch your neck...smile..they just look at me like I am crazy.
I am learning and am so thankful to a trainer/breeder I am working with. She wants me to succeed at this and is willing to spend hours grooming horses and teaching me about Arabians. Of course she also will gain from me getting better so it is not just one sided. But still it is helpful to have someone on the inside helping me. And in time promoting me to her contacts.
I am trying to go with what I know, which is all thing agricultural related, and sports..strange combination but it is working better than the other things I have tried. Guess it comes more natural to me.
Hope you are well and liking it in Colorado!
