Photos for replaced background and other fine art sessions can be taken under a wide variety of circumstances, but for best black background results, your venue should have a covered area that’s walled-in on three sides. Barn and arena entrances are popular choices, but even if these standbys aren't available, most equine facilities have enclosed areas with backgrounds that can be darkened. Hay barns, garages, storage sheds, and stalls can all be good candidates.
A flat, clean floor is a bonus, especially for sale photos and other situations where a horse’s full conformation is important to capture. Perfect floors are typically not essential, however – first, because the best black background portraits often don’t involve the floor, and second, because when they are important, floors can be cleaned up and even replaced in post-session editing.
For white backgrounds, light-colored barn or building siding and even the sky can make good backdrops.
In the event that finding the perfect fine art backdrop at your chosen venue is still a challenge, fear not! ABP has mobile studio equipment, including backdrops and off-camera lighting. Mobile studio shoots give us a bit more control over the settings in any location. The lighting and shadows captured by these studio portraits are sometimes preferred by clients over traditional black and white backgrounds.
Keep in mind that fine art doesn’t need to have a replaced floor or background. The beauty of the Oregon landscape provides a wonderful backdrop for for beautiful, artistic images of your horses and other pets.
If you have questions about whether your facility will work for what you have in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to take a look and discuss our options!
