P#51: Show Notes for Equestrian Photography -- An Interview with Laura Cotterman and Christina Handley (Part 1)
Join us as Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman share their secrets for successful equestrian photography
Capturing sharp images in equestrian photography isn't a simple trot around the track. It takes practice, a good eye, and a few of the excellent tips and tricks that Laura and Christina share in their 7 Photography Questions interview.
Show Notes for 7 Photography Questions Interview with Laura Cotterman and Christina Handley
Topic: Equestrian Photography
Host: Dr. Audri G. Lanford
Guest: Laura Cotterman and Christina Handley
Artists' Main Websites: www.LauraCotterman.com; www.ChristinaHandleyStock.com
Locations: Ontario, Canada, Delaplane, Virgina and Boone, NC
This episode of the "7 Photography Questions" Podcast is sponsored by Kodak Easy Share Gallery and SecretsofMasterPhotographers.com.
7 Biggest Equestrian Photography Questions for Laura Cotterman and Christina Handley
1. What would you say is the biggest photography mistake amateur photographers make when photographing horses? What is the biggest myth and why is it untrue?
2. What equipment is needed for photographing horses? Do you need different equipment when photographing horses in halter and conformation poses vs. the horse in action? What about flash - whenever I use a flash to capture the catchlights in my horse's eye, it freaks him out. What do you suggest?
3.How do I take a sharp action photo? Specifically, when photographing running or jumping horses, what focusing method and camera set up will give me the sharpest pictures? Is it important to know the phases of each gait to help get my timing down?
4.Is there a foolproof vantage point when photographing a horse? I always thought the point of shoulder was ideal, but I still seem to come out with horses looking like they have huge heads and tiny legs. Should I just step back farther to get a longer view? Also, can we talk a bit about safety? What safety precautions should people take to protect both themselves and the horses they are trying to photograph?
5.How does one go about "posing" a horse? Do you have any tips or tricks to help us capture that emotional connection between horse and rider? What about capturing a horses "personality"?
6. Can you each share a couple of your "secrets" to taking such amazing photographs of horses -- especially in terms of composition?
7. Finally, would you suggest one or two exercises our listeners can do to improve their photographs of horses?
Photographers' Bios
Christina Handley is a full time photographer with a career spanning over 13 years. She specializes in natural/available light photography. Christina is recognized world wide for her unique horse, agriculture and people lifestyle images.
Laura Cotterman is a professional freelance photographer located in Virginia's hunt country. Laura specializes in on location contemporary and environmental photography of people and their horses and pets. Laura has been in and around the horse business for 30 years breeding and training race and sport horses.
Christina & Laura both shot horse shows professionally for a number of years until they met at a photography workshop in April 2005. Their mutual interest in the world of equine stock photography led them to work together on a variety of assignments.
Their stock photography is varied in the equine and agriculture niche but they have extensive coverage of mares and foals and horses in the snow. They each have unique opportunities to build their collection of those types of images because of their locations and access.
Christina and Laura's stock images are represented by and available for stock licensing at Christina Handley Stock, Alamy and Masterfile agencies. Some of their clients include: Horse Illustrated, Petsmart, Horse Sport, United States Equestrian Federation, SmartPak, SSG Gloves and Back in the Saddle. Their photos grace the covers of numerous equine and lifestyle magazines throughout North America on a monthly basis. Their photos also appear regularly in countless articles, catalogs, calendars and other advertising campaigns.
Laura and Christina teach online photography courses at www.learntotakephotos.com. The courses are targeted for equine and outdoor photographers. Students learn photography, get to know new people and share ideas in a fun, encouraging and supportive environment.
Laura and Christina hold regular on-location photo workshops for those who like a real, hands-on approach. The workshops are friendly, fun and open to photographers of all skill levels.
Artists' Websites
www.LauraCotterman.com
www.ChristinaHandleyStock.com
www.LearntoTakePhotos.com
Resources Mentioned During the Podcast
Nikon D3 body
Nikon D2X body
70-200mm f/2.8 lens
1.4x teleconverter
Lensbaby Composer
Canon 5D
70-200mm f/2.8 lens
1.4x extender
24-70mm f/2.8 lens
100mm macro lens
Christina Handley and Laura Cotterman's Classes
Horse Photography Basics Series Editors Note: Please check the website for discounts available to new members on several of the horse basics courses.
2009 Digital Equine Photography Workshop Series
The Business of Equine Event Photography
Beginners Guide to Great Photos New students use the coupon code shown at checkout and this course is FREE (supply is limited)
Digital Photography 101 New students use the coupon code shown at checkout and this course is FREE (supply is limited)
Creativity Series: Selective Focus and Background Blur
Photographs Discussed In This Interview:
Click the photograph to enlarge:
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