You’ve seen them: the stunning photos of a bride with her horse, or of an engaged pair mounted on horseback. The photos themselves are breathtaking, and you can only imagine the memories that went into their creation. When horses are a major part of your life, it’s natural to want to incorporate them into your wedding or engagement photos. Here are some tips to help you do that successfully.

Make Sure the Barn is Clean

If your photos will be taken at or near the barn, then spend some time making sure that the barn itself and its surroundings are clean and tidy. A neatly raked or swept barn aisle, blankets hung on blanket racks, tidy stall fronts, and clean barn windows will make a big difference in any photos that you take.

Prepare the outside of the barn, too. Wash the windows of the barn doors, mow grass and trim bushes around the barn, repair any fencing, and mow or rake paddocks for a neat and tidy appearance. The larger the area that you prepare for the photo shoot, the greater the variety of photos that you will be able to take.

Schedule the Shoot During a Quiet Time

Just when you schedule the shoot can greatly affect its success. For the best results, schedule the shoot during a time when the barn will be quiet or empty. The photographer may have suggestions based on when the light will be best. Many photographers prefer to shoot in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden and not as harsh as it is during the middle of the day. Keep your horse’s schedule in mind, too – if he will be relaxed after his breakfast, then a morning shoot may be best.

Have Your Horse Bathed or Groomed Beforehand

Prepare your horse for the shoot in the same way that you would get him ready for a show. Have him bathed or groomed, and pay attention to the little details that will show in photos, like untrimmed whiskers or a runny nose. Make sure that the tack that your horse will be wearing is also cleaned.

Prepare Your Horse for Cameras and Outfits

If a photo shoot will involve a dress, especially one as large and flowing as a wedding dress, then take some time to acclimate your horse to such a dress well before the shoot. If you will be riding your horse in the dress, multiple training sessions may be necessary.

You should also spend some time acclimating your horse to photography. If your horse has been shown, then he’s probably used to cameras, but it never hurts to hold a refresher course. Bring your own camera to the barn and take some photos of your horse in preparation.

Be Flexible

It’s so important to be flexible during photo shoots, especially when horses are involved. The light may change, the weather may not cooperate, and your horse may be having an off day. You can never know what to expect, so be flexible and try to go with the flow.

Holding an engagement or wedding photo shoot at your barn is a great way to share the special day with your horses. It’s sure to be a day that you will never forget.

Photo source: http://www.ingimage.com/imagedetails/34068613_extInt0/02E22603-Ingi...

Original source: How to Take Great Engagement and Wedding Photos At the Barn