Q.
Jack,
I am most curious about the correct standing poses for Quarter
Horses, Arabians and TB as they are most popular in our area. I do
know that Quarter Horses should be photographed so as to emphasize
their muscularity (the photographer opposite the shoulder?). Am I
correct that Arabians should hold the proper stretched stance so as
to emphsize a flatter topline? I think it may be Thoroughbred's
which give me the most problems. It seems that they more often have
poor leg structure. Am I wrong with these ideas?
Thanks for your answer,
Christine
A.
Christine,
WHEN SHOOTING HORSES, THE PHOTOGRAPHER MUST BE ABLE TO SEE
ALL FOUR FEET, AND THE EARS MUST BE UP AND ALERT.
THOROUGHBREDS are photographed from the side only. The horse
should not be stretched, but should stand squarely. The inside hind
leg should be placed to the rear of the outside hind leg. This helps
to show the animal's hip to better advantage. The inside foreleg
should be placed ahead of the outside foreleg. This helps to show the
slope of the shoulder. The horse's head should be held in a high,
natural position turned slightly toward the photographer, showing the
face markings.
THE AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE is shown in three different positions. From
the side: The Quarter Horse is shown like the Thoroughbred, except
that the legs are placed slightly underneath the horse and the head is
held in a lower position. From the front: The horse should stand with
his feet absolutely square and evenly spaced. (Like a four poster bed)
The photographer should be offset, but the horse should be looking
straight on. From the rear: The photographer should be offset with the
horse's legs absolutely square and evenly spaced. The horse's head
should be turned in the direction of the photographer.
THE ARABIAN is shown from the side. Follow the directions of the
Thoroughbred, but the rear legs are stretched to help show a straight
croup and top line. The head is held high, showing off the long
arched neck.
THE MORGAN HORSE is usually photographed from the side.
The front legs are vertical, and spaced evenly apart. The horse is
stretched slightly, with the hind legs also spaced evenly apart, to
show a level croup and top line. The head is held proudly, in a
moderately high position.
Remember, the position of the camera relative to the height of the
animal will control the horse's apparent size. Holding the camera
below the heart of the horse will make the animal appear taller, and
conversely having the camera above the level of its heart will make
the horse appear shorter. Use this to good advantage in your
shooting.
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