Frequently Asked Questions

I recommend you bring whatever you would bring if you were going to trot up at an international horse trials, enter the show ring at the RDS or the parade ring at a racecourse – plus plenty of extra high value treats!

• Clean, well fitting bridle with reins that can be removed easily
• Clean, well fitting leather headcollar
• High value treats (not messy ones though!)
• Grooming kit including clear hoof varnish and fly spray

I keep some grooming kit, tack and equipment that can be borrowed, however for bio-security reasons I recommend you use your own grooming kit where possible.

Particularly if you are planning an outdoor session it is worth making sure you come prepared. I suggest the following:

• Good pair of walking boots/wellies than you don’t mind getting mucky and wet
• Clothing appropriate for the weather – rain gear / sun hat
  Sunscreen
• Drinking water and snacks for yourself if you think you may need them
• If you plan to be in the photos please read the Preparation Guide for outfit suggestions.

For safety reasons, it is normally required that a horse wears either a bridle or headcollar for control. Annaharvey Farm is a busy stable yard and working farm with lots of horses, people and other animals moving about.

However, I do have a special photography halter that can be used for some shots to get a more natural look. It is designed to be easier to edit out than a normal headcollar while still providing control. It is designed to be strong enough to lunge a horse on a small circle with it.

I normally start with the horse’s own bridle or leather headcollar for safety and then once the horse has relaxed swap to the photo halter.

A typical session fee with a session time of up to 45 minutes includes two horses (same owner) and family. The time allocated for the session is divided between them and I can try to get some shots with all of you together.

Additional subjects (same owner / immediate family only) can be added for €30 each. This covers the additional editing.

I advise you bring someone capable to help you hold each horse horse if planning to shoot multiple horses.

If you have more than one horse at a session, I will try to capture them together in one image. How successful this is can depend on the particular horses. I will likely have to shoot this photograph outdoors to have sufficient space for multiple horses. If the horses are not happy to stand close together I can try my best to put them together when editing later however I cannot make guarantees as obviously it depends on the animal’s behaviour on the day.

Yes, of course – patience and a split second in the right pose is all it takes to get a good shot. I have years of experience photographing horses at speed so am very familiar with shooting moving animals!