Black Background Equine Photo Shoots

Unveiling the Power of Black-Background Horse Photography

Horses, with their majestic presence and boundless spirit, have captivated the human imagination for centuries. Capturing their essence through photography has become an art form in itself, and, among the most-captivating techniques is black-background horse photography. This approach, characterised by its use of a stark black backdrop, offers a unique and striking way to portray these equine wonders.

Kristoff K - Owned by the Smith-Maxwell family, photographed during a black background equine photography commission.

Kristoff K – Owned by the Smith-Maxwell family – Black background equine photography

Simplicity and Elegance

A black background strips away distractions, allowing the horse’s form, musculature, and subtle expressions to take center stage. It’s a minimalist approach that emphasizes the horse’s natural beauty, creating a sense of elegance and timeless appeal.

Black and white photograph of a beautiful mare with a long mane, captured during a black background equine photo shoot.

Mabel and her gorgeous mane – Black background equine photography

Dramatic Impact

The stark contrast between the horse’s vibrant coat and the dark background creates a dramatic visual impact. The horse’s features are accentuated, and its presence becomes even more commanding.

Close-up shot of the head of Kristoff K, captured during a commissioned black background equine photo shoot.

Kristoff K – Owned by the Smith-Maxwell family – Black background equine photography

Highlighting Details

The absence of distracting elements brings the finer details of the horse’s anatomy into sharp focus. The play of light and shadow on the horse’s coat, the intricate markings on its skin, and the subtle nuances of its facial expressions become captivating subjects.

Rocky, a very cheeky Welsh Section-D - Black background equine photography

Rocky, a very cheeky Welsh Section-D – Black background equine photography

A Timeless Aesthetic

Black-background horse photography produces images that transcend time and trends. The simplicity and elegance of the technique, combined with the horse’s inherent beauty, result in photographs that are both classic and captivating.

Tee, a stunning Dun gelding - Black background equine photography

Tee, a stunning Dun – Black background equine photography

Creative Possibilities

Black-background horse photography provides a blank canvas for creative expression. During my black background sessions, I love to experiment with lighting, posing, and composition to create unique and captivating images. The run-up to Christmas provides an opportunity to throw in an additional twist with my Christmas black backdrop equine photo shoot sessions.

A mare wearing a pink Christmas garland during her black background equine photo shoot.

Beautiful Christmas time equine black background photo shoots

Emotional Connection

By isolating the horse from its surroundings, black-background photography allows the viewer to form a more intimate connection with the subject. The horse’s emotions and expressions become more apparent, drawing the viewer into its world.

Black Background Horse Photo Shoots – from £250

My black background horse photo shoot sessions start at £250 for two hours of my time. The black background element can either form part of a wider equine photography shoot, or the two hours can be split between four horses. This provides enough time to introduce the horses to what is an unusual setting (a 3m x 3m black background, complete with portable studio lights, and a man with a camera), get them used to it, and get some nice pictures. In my experience, individual horses have generally had enough of it after a maximum of 30 minutes anyway.

At least one additional pair of hands is useful for attracting the horse’s attention. I am able to provide these if required!

What’s Included?

2 hours of my time

Up to 30 miles of travel in each direction from NN14 4HY (additional mileage charged at 50p per mile)

5x up to 18”x12” standard prints

The edited super-high-resolution digital files of the images you select for printing

Additional images can be purchased at £12.50 each including a standard up to 18”x12” print and the edited super-high-resolution digital file.

If you spend an extra £200 on additional images, I will throw in all of the edited high-resolution digital files from the session in both colour and black and white.

Qualifiers will also receive a £50 credit towards a future booking with me and a 25% discount on my new range of stunning heirloom print products.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS – HEIRLOOM PRINT PRODUCTS

New for 2024, a brand new range of stunning heirloon print products is now available, specifically chosen to show off the images of your new arrival in incredible detail. Please see the separate link above.

A 25% discount off list prices is available to anyone meeting the spending criteria detailed above.

Inside the Acrylic Photo Album Box Set - 30cms x 30cms acrylic-fronted photo album and USB stick.

Inside the Acrylic Photo Album Box Set – 30cms x 30cms acrylic-fronted photo album and USB stick.

Inside the stunning 30cms x 30cms Acrylic Photo Album.

Inside the stunning 30cms x 30cms Acrylic Photo Album.

Stunning photograph of a horse photographed against a black background reproduced as an acrylic print

The premium acrylic truly is a gallery quality item

An opened folio box containing prints of a baby boy, taken during his newborn baby photo shoot with Karl Drage Photography.

Folio boxes come with a choice of matted or board-mounted prints and a USB containing the high-resolution digital images you purchase

Artistic Expression

Black-background horse photography is a powerful tool for artistic expression. Photographers can use this technique to convey their personal vision and interpretation of the horse’s beauty and spirit.

Close-up head shot of Mabel, a mare cob, photographed during a black background equine photo shoot in Northamptonshire

The lovely girl Mabel, and her stunning mane – Black background equine photo shoot

In conclusion, black-background horse photography is a captivating and versatile technique that offers a unique way to capture the essence of these majestic creatures. By stripping away distractions and emphasizing the horse’s natural beauty, this approach creates images that are both timeless and aesthetically pleasing. Whether aiming for dramatic impact, emotional connection, or artistic expression, black-background horse photography allows photographers to showcase the horse’s power, elegance, and enduring spirit.

GET IN TOUCH

To discuss your requirements and date availability, please get in touch.

You can find extra information about the types of equine photography I offer and details on how you can book your own session on the links below:

MORE EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY INFORMATION

Equestrian Photography – You and Your Horse or Pony in Action

Equine Photography – Daylight Horse & Pony Portraits

Equine Portrait Photography – Sunset Horse & Pony Portraits

Christmas-Themed Equine Photo Shoots

Equine Photography Session FAQs

Karl Drage is a professional Northamptonshire-based photographer who also covers surrounding counties such as Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire. If you are looking for an equine photographer in the towns of Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry, Oakham or nearby, please use one of the methods on the Contact Us page to get in touch.

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Karl Drage Photography
Studio Address

5 Thrapston Road

Woodford

Kettering

Northants

NN14 4HY

 

Tel: 07877 907183

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karl@eventandweddingphotography.co.uk