When it comes to scheduling professional portraits with your horses and/or dogs, it is extremely important to be open and honest about boundaries. Whether it is your horse’s, your dog’s or your own boundaries, being open and honest with your photographer will ensure a safe and fun portrait experience. Here are a few topics I always suggest chatting about when preparing for your upcoming portraits!
Bareback Portraits
We always love seeing those dreamy portraits of the girl in the long flowing dress draped over her horse while she is riding bareback. It is always important to know yours and your horse’s limitations in situations like that. Knowing your boundaries when it comes to your horse means knowing whether or not you are fully comfortable riding bareback. As we all are very aware, horses have the ability to sense when someone is tensing up, in turn causing tension within the horse. Some horses may spook having a dress draping over them which is not an ideal situation for anyone involved. Communicating what you do and do not want to do throughout your portraits allows a smooth and successful experience.
Anxiety
Some animals may struggle with anxiety in a variety of different ways- separation and social are most commonly found in horses and dogs. When scheduling your portraits with your horses and dogs, please be sure to note any forms of anxiety they may struggle with.
If your horse has separation anxiety from a pasture pal, we may need to take that into consideration when we plan out where we create your portraits. The last thing we need is an image of your horse galloping all the way back to the barn in the middle of your portraits. Some horses struggle from general anxiety, this may mean they are sensitive to noises, sights or sounds that your photographer may use during your portraits, it is important to be upfront and honest about where your horse’s boundaries are.
Maybe you have a dog with anxiety in high traffic locations such as a park, it is very important to communicate with your photographer any social anxieties your dog may struggle with. Although your pet may not have an aggressive personality, they may become unpredictable in a location they are unfamiliar with. This is extremely important to bring up when planning your portraits, we can easily find a familiar and more secluded location to bring out your dog’s personality best!
Insecurities
We have talked about communicating with your photographer about your horses and dogs, now we are going to focus on you. I would be lying if I told you I do not have insecurities about myself, and I am sure you may have something too. When planning your portraits, please be open with your photographer about anything you may be uncomfortable showing in photographs. While you may be insecure about something, your photographer may not see it the same way and continue shooting your session. I am a firm believer that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way, if there is something you are self conscious about, please don’t hesitate to let me know so that I can ensure you feel confident in every portrait!
Whether it is your horse, your dog or yourself, always keep in mind that it is your photographer’s job to create portraits you will love and cherish for generations. Keeping open communication on boundaries and insecurities will ensure that everyone enjoys their portrait experience before, during and after! Make sure you head on over to https://bit.ly/2TONzwB to begin your custom portrait journey with me today!
