I had a great time making portraits for Lori Aman with her lovely horse Breezy at Dancing Horse Farm. We ended up having the session on Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm because we got rained out the night before.
On Saturday, Lori was concerned about how overcast the day was. But actually, I want everyone to know that the soft even light of an overcast day is ideal for portraits. When the sun is bright and intense it many times forms harsh bright spots in an image and at the same time deep dark shadows. On a bright day, we would have to find what I call open shade to take the portraits. In open shade, the light is less intense and more even. It helps the skin to look smooth and there are no dark shadows in the eyes. So, I’m saying this for those who read this blog to help everyone to understand that an overcast day, is like free open shade. You don’t have to look for open shade. It’s everywhere… PERFECT FOR PORTAITS!!! The light is also softer and friendlier in early morning (but, it’s hard to get up and everything is wet) and evening just before dusk (this is what I prefer to work with people and their horses).
While I was there I saw Sarah Wheeler who I had done senior portraits for several weeks back. She’s such a nice young lady and when she saw me she told me how delighted she was with all her potraits. “Cutting back on what I want from the shoot is soooooo difficult”, she explained, “but mom says I have too… I’d buy them all if I could.” Wow, that was a real ego boost, but really I am always so happy when people love their portraits. It’s exactly what I want from every client.
Anyway, we borrowed Sarah’s lead and I asked if she might help us with “ears up” for Lori’s portraits. She called her mom and explained that she would be late for dinner (if that was okay) she wanted to help me out and proceeded to get creative with her friend using treats, plastic bags and whatnot to get the horses ears perked up. She did a great job, just as her little sister had several weeks earlier. I understand that as a mare, Breezy is well know for laying her ears back in disagreement.
I wanted to make sure that Lori had a chance to see her proofs before blogging samples from the shoot. We tried lots of ideas and many worked just great.
There are many more portraits from this farm call which you can find at www.photosbypdemott.com PROOFS.
Tags: Dancing Horse Farm, horse, Photography, portrait