Professional equine photographer looking for models - best way to approach?

[RacetrackReject]

@Chimera09

Hi guys - I’m new, so if this post is in the wrong area my apologies. Not only am I new to this forum, but I bought my first horse this past weekend and I’m currently on cloud 9 (cloud 10!), so I’m new to horse ownership as well!

But my main question - I’m a professional photographer transitioning to solely equine (I mostly survived on family/newborn portraits in the past), and I’d like to do some model calls in my area to bulk up my portfolio a bit while also expanding my reach as far as clients go. I’m not really sure of the best way to find models - I was hoping you guys would have a little insight on how you’d like to be approached for something like this or a good way to get the word out in my area. Unfortunately the FB horse groups for my area don’t seem to be the best place for something like this - I’ve seen many photographers (some legit and quite good, others just starting out or not so good) post in these groups and it’s just crickets - I don’t think the people in the groups are looking for these kinds of things. I have a legitimate website, business, insurance, and a small client base, but I need to expand my client base and grow my business. And I think my work is good - like I’m not a hack that’s going to take unflattering photos of someone in horrible light. My current portfolio reflects that, I’d like to think.

So my question - how would you like to be approached for something like this? I don’t want to skeeve people out by randomly asking “Will you model for me?” And what would make you hire a potential photographer? I do horse and rider portraits and black background horse portraits - no shows. Meaning that I come to the client’s barn and take the photos there - it’s a pretty relaxed and fun kind of shoot. Advice appreciated, thanks in advance.

Speaking as a photographer, most photographers do a model call via their pages or their social media. Models generally get a session with no session fee and a limited number of digitals for use, with the option to buy more at a discount.

I’m a former wildlife/nature photographer who started doing events and moved into some portrait work as well. I’ve only recently started doing the later, and even with my small social media footprint, I get numerous responses when I post model calls. And I’m not fabulous by any means. lol

I do not require the model to do anything, the photos are for my advertising use, unless it is a senior rep or sponsored rider scenario. In that case, part of their requirement is to advertise for me.

ETA- Low key photos in my area get the cricket response, so it is a lot about finding out what the market wants and working within those boundaries. I am working on a low key idea that I think will get people booking it, but it’s a not a standard black background session.

[RacetrackReject]

@Where'sMyWhite

Curious why mornings are also not an option as light is, IMO, just as nice before the sun gets too high in the sky and, again, IMO, more likely that the subjects will be relaxed and clean before the stresses of the day take over

I think morning light is more “magical”, but it’s hard for me to convince clients to meet up that early a lot of times. lol

[Where_sMyWhite]

RTR, that I would pretty much agree with. Although here in the desert we get some wicked spectacular sunsets.

But for my flowers, plants, hummers and whoever else will hold still, early morning is best. My “clients” (the aforementioned critters) get up at the same time every day… the only win is the night blooming cactus which hold on to those blooms at bit longer if it’s overcast.

The midday sun is nasty, nasty IMO. Even with exposure compensation and post processing, the photos just never look as nice.

[BatCoach]

Maybe I am the OP’s target demographic since I love the low-key ‘pretty’ photos of getting me and my horse gussied up while not being in formal show attire. I also think social media is a fine platform to advertise on as they can localize your ads and there are PLENTY of horse owners on Instagram. There are 5,221,931 posts tagged as #equestrian on Instagram so I’d say there are a fair amount of horse owners on it.

@Chimera09 -I know its an industry term, but perhaps the word ‘Model’ is scaring some people off? Like they think they have to have some sort of modeling resume to be eligible? Plus young ladies tend to be wary of people offering free ‘modeling experience’. Highlight the fact that you are a horse-owning professional photographer and want to get more experience shooting horses other than the one that you already own (I bet you have hundred of pics of your horse already!)

I had a co-worker who was just a hobby photographer, but most of his stuff was wildlife, and like you, he wanted to expand his portfolio, so he asked if he could tag along to the barn and practice on me and more horse. It was a rewarding experience for both of us. I got digital copies of all these great schooling photos in addition to little daily moments of horsemanship (grooming, tacking etc) that I could have never gotten at a show. Since most of my schooling pics are blurry iphone video stills, I thought it was really great to capture us doing our daily routine i- it showed off me and my horse’s relationship more than any show photo would.

You’ve gotten some great recommendations, and your photos are beautiful! If you lived near me I’d book you for sure! Just be aware that some shows already have a sanctioned show photographer, so they wouldn’t take kindly to a freelancer showing up. I advise looking up local trainers and offering to take some pics of their barn/lessons jsut to get the ball rolling.

and welcome to CoTH! congrats on your new horse - we would love to hear about him/her.

[Scribbler]

Yes, doing photos of a whole lesson program would be really good experience for capturing horse action and the riding school could promote it as a kinf of class photo special event.

[coloredhorse]

Have you reached out to other small, local, starting-up horse businesses? Giving them some free photos to use for marketing, with the caveat that they loudly tout your services in said marketing, could be a way for you to help each other out.

Also consider donating to some rescues or other horse-related nonprofits (therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy, educational groups, etc.) to get your photos and name circulated.

Try to team up with people hosting clinics or schooling shows, where you can set up a table and offer your services.

Best of luck to you!

[RacetrackReject]

@BatCoach

Maybe I am the OP’s target demographic since I love the low-key ‘pretty’ photos of getting me and my horse gussied up while not being in formal show attire.

Just a point of order lol. Low key is the proper term for black background photos. The style you are speaking of is often referred to as photo-journalistic/lifestyle/documentary which is a style that I prefer. I offer “paparazzi” sessions where I follow competitors around at their shows and take behind the scenes photos from start to finish- tacking up, hanging out with friends watching rounds, warm up, etc. They are pretty popular for finals type shows.

I often volunteer to shoot local youth shows and will sometimes sponsor a class. I’ve booked numerous private sessions from these classes, plus I sell the show photos, both prints and whole series packages. It is a good way to get your name out there.

[BatCoach]

@RacetrackReject thanks for clarifying. I guess I interpreted ‘low key’ as casual. haha. Your “paparazzi” style sessions sound like a great idea too!

[Chimera09]

Well I did a model call and got a HUGE response!! I guess I underestimated the number of people that would be interested. I even had a photographer apply - which was incredibly flattering and also gives me a chance to reach out and connect with another photographer. Woo! Plus a request to come take pics of foals in May, which I’m super excited about.

BatCoach - Message me if you’re on the east coast!

Thanks again for all of the suggestions and advice, I appreciate you guys taking the time to give me thoughtful ideas. Who knows, this may not end up working out for me - but I won’t know if I don’t try. So I’m going for it this year and I’m going to try to get this business off the ground. Luckily i live in a huge horse community and have the time at the moment to invest in making this work - so we shall see!

[Bozilla]

@Where'sMyWhite

Curious why mornings are also not an option as light is, IMO, just as nice before the sun gets too high in the sky and, again, IMO, more likely that the subjects will be relaxed and clean before the stresses of the day take over

In my experience no one wants to get up early enough to groom themselves and horsey to be ready by 7 am in the warmer months. By 9-10am, the sun is out and BRIGHT. Meeting at 6:30 or 7 in the evening is usually a lot more agreeable. I’ve offered every time, and have yet to have an early bird. That golden light coming in from the side is amazing and elusive.