One of the hobbies growing in popularity, especially with women and girls, is the hobby of collecting and showing model horses. Although the models themselves can cost as little as ten dollars, the risk of it getting damaged when going to live shows (model horse conventions where the model horses are judged just like live horses) has given rise to photo shows.
In a photo show, pictures of the models are judged on how successfully they mimic a real horse. Good photography skills are necessary to win ribbons and prizes in these shows. It is also necessary to know good photography skills if you are planning on selling your model horses or miniature equipment and tack scaled for the models.
The Least You Need To Know
If you are serious about collecting model horses, you will find a lot of friends with similar interests that you can network with through model horse photography. You can have the rarest Hagen-Reneker model ever created, but if your photography skills are poo, then you won¡¯t stands a chance at these shows.
Here¡¯s what you need to consider with photography of model horses, making them best look like real horses:
Leave the background uncluttered. You don¡¯t want anything to distract from your gorgeous model horse.
Stay at least two feet away from the model, so the shots don¡¯t come out blurred or, worse, your model is a mere dot on the horizon.
Get eye-level with your model. If that means lying on the ground, wear grubby clothes and lie on the ground. If you can make a little platform, so much the better.
Outside light is softer and more natural than the harsh light of indoors that may throw strange shadows on your model.
Place your model on a few inches of aquarium sand, to mimic the dirt arena horses usually exercise in. Don¡¯t just plunk them on the grass. The size of the grass blades, even on a recently cut lawn, will give the game away.
The model is the star of the photo. Keep him or her in the center of the photo when possible.
Dolls that act as riders are not necessary in the model horse hobby as there are not many realistic dolls made that can fit your model. Think about it ¨C how much more impressive would a real horse be barrel racing or jumping an Olympic course without a rider than with one?
By knowing these basic photography skills, you can have creative fun with your model horses.
