Posted 2009-07-27 2:29 AM (#108581) Subject: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Member
Posts: 48
Location: Hooper, UT
I paid to get pictures made of my horse, $300 for less than 30 min that the photographer was at the barn. Then I was told that if I wanted any of the pictures it would be $45 and up for any of them. I about fell out...so I went I got a camera...I'm just learning how to use this digital camera, I think the photoshop is going to be even harder to learn but...at least I don't have to pay over a $1000 for pictures anymore. Oh, I was suppose to pay for the pictures before I saw them too? can you believe that....
I have often taken pictures at rides, shows, weddings and just give them to the people...I guess I'm in the wrong profession...?
Has any body else had photographer issues?
Thanks,
You can see more of Silent Impressive (pictures I took...not the photographer) at http://www.trailcorral.net/ or on my album
Posted 2009-07-27 7:31 AM (#108584 - in reply to #108581) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648
Location: Coconut Creek, FL
that's a high sitting fee. Horses can be difficult to photograph and unless they have alot of experience I would be careful who you hired.
If you take them from the wrong angle, the rpetties horse in the wolrd can look out of balance, ungangly, etc.
Look through horse magazines and you will see that they often photograph a horse from the side and slightly below. practice and more practice will improve your skills. Remember that you usually get more than is shown in the camera frame, head shots are best if a zoom is used to remove outside images. Also look at the background and have it as uncluttered as possible - no poles sticking out of their heads, backs, etc
square them up correctly - not stretched out or camped under, etc bathe and clip them, if they look great the photo will show that, if they look messy, unkept, etc the picture will show that as well
Posted 2009-07-27 10:24 AM (#108592 - in reply to #108584) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Gallatin, TN
Originally written by Dunoir on 2009-07-27 7:31 AM
... practice and more practice will improve your skills. Remember that you usually get more than is shown in the camera frame, head shots are best if a zoom is used to remove outside images. Also look at the background and have it as uncluttered as possible - no poles sticking out of their heads, backs, etc
Dunior you are so right! Really pay attention to what is in the background. You can end up with a mare that appears to be a stallion because of a tree branch or other item you didn't notice.
Posted 2009-07-27 11:16 AM (#108597 - in reply to #108581) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
You should have asked for and been shown a written contract, that established his fees and costs before he showed up. Photography is a competitive business, and just like any other group of people, you can have a bad apple in the batch.
On the better digital cameras, you have some adjustments of the various functions. You can blur the background by having a larger aperture at a closer range. This can be done by lowering the ISO camera setting, which will make the camera choose a larger aperture. This can also be accomplished by increasing the shutter speed, which again forces the camera to open the aperture.
With your digital camera, you can practise all day long at almost no expense. Shoot and practise. Review your photos on your TV where you can really see and critique your efforts. Learn your camera's capabilities, until its functions are second nature. Soon you too can be making beautiful shots.
Posted 2009-07-27 12:03 PM (#108601 - in reply to #108581) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Member
Posts: 48
Location: Hooper, UT
Thank you'll so much for your infomation...this person was referred by a friend, so there was some pressure there. She was a very nice to talk with, but I'm afraid I have to take the blame for being in a rush and not finding out all the details. She travels to country doing photo's...I guess, I was shocked to be told I had to buy them without seeing them.
I purchased a D90 Nikon, and hope to take some classes on all the things it can do.
Posted 2009-07-27 1:11 PM (#108603 - in reply to #108601) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Regular
Posts: 99
Location: New Mexico
Also check in to see if any high schoolers or 4-H'ers in your area that take pictures. I'm sure there is some kid that would like to have an opportunity to improve their skill with photography. My middle son, 14yrs, is involved in 4-H photography and has had two photos published, and has sold a couple of them. People are just starting to contact him for photos. Hes getting good at getting the type of picture I would like to see my horses in.
Posted 2009-07-27 1:17 PM (#108605 - in reply to #108603) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 326
Location: Gallatin, TN
Originally written by NM-Rider on 2009-07-27 1:11 PM
Also check in to see if any high schoolers or 4-H'ers in your area that take pictures. I'm sure there is some kid that would like to have an opportunity to improve their skill with photography. My middle son, 14yrs, is involved in 4-H photography and has had two photos published, and has sold a couple of them. People are just starting to contact him for photos. Hes getting good at getting the type of picture I would like to see my horses in.
Please post some of his pictures, I'd love to see them!
Posted 2009-07-27 6:59 PM (#108622 - in reply to #108581) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Brooksville, Fl
I have used photoshop and it is a little intimidating at first but lots of fun once you get going. The options are nearly limitless. There are plenty of great books out there to help you learn it if you decide to buy it. Good luck! I love taking photos, it's fun.
Posted 2009-07-28 2:03 PM (#108682 - in reply to #108665) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Regular
Posts: 99
Location: New Mexico
Thank you I will let him know. Thank God for digital cameras, I couldn't afford film camera with the amount of photo's he takes. Where ever he goes the camera is right there with him. Never know when a photo opp comes up. Have tons of photos showing horses foaling, a cow calving, chicken laying eggs. Landscapes and animals are the favorite subject. He's always thinking outside the box for different angles on photos.
Best advice is take hundreds of pictures, you can sort out later, delete the blurry, funky, etc pic's. You are off to a good start esp with the bareback rider in the meadow. Crop out some of the unnecessary grassy areas so that horse and rider take up most of that pic.
Posted 2009-07-28 6:49 PM (#108697 - in reply to #108614) Subject: RE: Horse Photographers? I paid $300 for pictures of SI...and didn't get a one
Expert
Posts: 2828
Location: Southern New Mexico
That last one was from this winter right? As much as I don't like being cold, I hope we get a bit of snow this year, down here not just on the mountians....