by Joseph T. Sinclair
I had occasion recently to visit a small ranch to shoot horses, and I learned some valuable lessons that I will pass on to you.
First, if your camera has a shutter click, you will need to wrap your camera in a beach towel or something comparable to muffle the click. You don’t want to spook the horses.
Second, horses respond very well to common courtesy. You’ll need to bring some sugar. Two pounds per horse is about right.
Third, don’t let the horse flies bother you. Yes, there a lot of them, and yes, they have a nasty bite. But remember, you’re a professional and must remain concentrated on the shoot.
Fourth, wear shoes that you want to throw away. Otherwise you will have an unpleasant cleaning job when you get home.
Fifth, if you get suckered into riding a horse, make sure you have plenty of Eczema Honey Healing Cream at home to rehabilitate your backside.
Sixth, if you ride a horse, be sure to mount it on the left side. If you mount on the right side, everyone will know you’re a dude, and PETA may single you out for horse harassment.
Seventh, take a telephoto lens in case you happen to spot a barn rat. Barn rats make a unique photo-op that you don’t want to miss.
Finally, never walk in back of a horse. Horses are related to donkeys. If you’re a Republican and the horse knows it, the horse may kick you across the barn. Your camera would be OK because it’s wrapped in a towel, but the kick may knock some sense into you.
Good luck with your shooting.
Pagosa Springs Photography Club 