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How to: Tamron Pro Tips For Photographing Wild Horses
Tip #1) USE A VARIABLE TELEPHOTO LENS. By opting for a variable telephoto lens, such as the 50-400mm for Sony e-mount, 150-500mm for Fuji, or the 150-600mm G2 for Nikon or Canon, you can capture dynamic images without compromising your safety or that of the wild horses. This is especially helpful when there are geographic features, such as water, between you and the subject or you want to capture an image of the entire herd. Additionally, a variable lens helps minimize changing lenses in dusty environments which helps minimize dust and dirt on your sensor. Win-win!
© Alyce Bender
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Tip #2) WATCH THE EARS. With wild horses, much of their language is telegraphed through their ears. Their ears tell us what direction they are listening to, if they are alert, sleepy, or angry/annoyed. Ears often tell the story before any vocalization is made. If you can learn to read their ears you can pre-focus on the subject horse that is most likely to act out in some form or fashion. Having a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1250 is highly recommended for when action suddenly kicks off within the herd.
© Alyce Bender
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Tip #3) PHOTOGRAPH DURING THE SHOULDERS OF THE DAY. Dawn and dusk are ideal times to photograph wild horses. With most wild horses in the United States living in the arid, desert areas of the Western states, this time of day usually has cooler temperatures and the horses become more active. Soft morning light and the stunning golden hour before sunset provides amazing lighting situations to help showcase the beauty and strength of these living legends.
© Alyce Bender
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Tip #4) NOT ALL ACTION IS CONFRONTATIONAL. Wild horses have a complex social hierarchy within the herds in each rangeland area. There is much more to their interactions with each other than just stallions fighting. Make sure to capture more of the tender moments between band members and family to tell a complete story and diversify your portfolio at the end of the day.
© Alyce Bender
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Tip #5) DON’T FORGET BACKLIGHTING AND SILHOUETTES. Because the horse is such a universally known shape, having been used in domestic situations for so many centuries, silhouettes backlit with wonderful color can create images that speak to horse lovers everywhere and can be utilized as bold statement pieces in Western motif interior design. By exposing for the background light, allow your subject to completely go dark, focusing only on capturing a sharp outline.
© Alyce Bender
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