3: Josh Dane Photo Breakdown

Photographer: Josh Dane

Original post found on Strike Art

Framing

1. Pose: The horses are captured in an intimate moment, likely nuzzling each other. This creates a sense of connection and emotion.

2. Angle: The camera is positioned at the horses' eye level, providing an intimate perspective.

3. Composition: The horses are framed close together, filling most of the frame, which emphasizes their bond. The use of negative space in the background helps to focus on the subjects.

Camera Settings

1. Aperture (f-stop): Use a medium to wide aperture (e.g., f/4 to f/5.6) to create a shallow depth of field, keeping the horses in focus while blurring the background slightly.

2. Shutter Speed: A moderate shutter speed (e.g., 1/250) to capture any slight movements without motion blur.

3. ISO: Set a low ISO (e.g., 100-400) to maintain image quality and reduce noise.

4. Lens: A telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) allows you to capture the horses from a distance without disturbing them.

Model (Animal) Directions

1. Natural Behavior: It's important to capture the horses in their natural behavior. Spend time observing them to understand their interactions and anticipate moments of connection.

2. Calm Environment: Ensure the horses are in a calm and comfortable environment to facilitate natural interactions.

3. Patience: Be patient and ready to capture the moment when it happens. Animals can be unpredictable, so being prepared is key.

Lighting

1. Natural Light: Utilize natural light, preferably during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm light that enhances the mood of the photo.

2. Overcast Days: Overcast days provide diffused light, reducing harsh shadows and highlights, which is ideal for capturing details in the horses’ fur.

3. Avoid Flash: Avoid using flash as it can startle the animals and create unnatural lighting.

Editing

1. Black and White Conversion: Convert the image to black and white to emphasize the textures and contrasts. This can be done in post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.

2. Contrast and Clarity: Increase the contrast and clarity to bring out the details in the horses' manes and fur.

3. Dodging and Burning: Use dodging and burning techniques to highlight the horses’ contours and add depth. Lighten the highlights and darken the shadows to enhance the textures.

4. Sharpening: Apply selective sharpening to the horses to make their features stand out against the softer background.

5. Crop and Align: Ensure the image is properly aligned and cropped to focus on the horses' interaction and eliminate any distracting elements.

Additional Tips

1. Preparation: Spend time with the horses beforehand to make them comfortable with your presence.

2. Silent Shooting: Use silent shooting mode if your camera has one, to avoid disturbing the horses with shutter noise.

3. Safety: Maintain a safe distance and avoid making sudden movements that could startle the horses.