Anita Ward Photography

top four reasons that may be holding you back

Anita here, the creative spirit behind Anita Ward Photography, and I'm here to spill a little secret – your horse's story is meant to be a wild ride, quirks and all.

Ever worried your four-legged companion might pull a surprise stunt during a session? Or perhaps you've questioned your own photogenic prowess, wondering if those glossy magazine moments are reserved for others. And let's not forget the anxiety of choosing the perfect location, especially if your backyard isn't a lush, green paradise.

Well, guess what? You're not alone. In fact, if any of these concerns are tugging at your equine-loving heartstrings, consider this your official invitation to the Anita Ward Photography tribe – where imperfections are not just welcome; they're celebrated.

So, grab a metaphorical front-row seat as we dive into the heart of equine photography concerns. Spoiler alert: by the end, you might just find yourself ready to embrace the true essence of your horse's tale.

Concern 1: Navigating Unpredictable Moments

• The Problem: Horses have an innate talent for unpredictability, and as any horse enthusiast knows, that spontaneity can make capturing the perfect shot a bit tricky. It might be a sudden shake of the mane, an unexpected bout of energy, or an impromptu game of tag – these moments are pure gold, but they can leave you wondering, "How on earth do I catch that on camera?"

• My Approach: Now, here's the scoop. Instead of seeing unpredictability as a challenge, let's embrace it as the magic ingredient that makes your equine story uniquely yours. I've been in the field, cameras ready, for countless surprise photobombs, spontaneous spooks, and ants in their pants dances. Trust me; it's these unscripted moments that add character and depth to your equine tale. We work with the horse we have on the day. Whether it’s adding in a few more mental health breaks, or getting those gorgeous walking shots when they’d rather not stand still, to embracing their desire for grass and posing around it. Our secret ingredient isn’t rocket science, it’s based in hundreds of hours of practise and always puts the horse first.

So, the next time your horse decides to break into a spontaneous dance routine, rest assured that we're not just ready for it – we're excited to capture the energy, the joy, and the genuine connection between you and your four-legged companion.

Concern 2: Embracing Your Photogenic Self

• The Problem: Feeling camera-shy or questioning your photogenic side is a sentiment shared by many who step in front of the lens. It's the flutter of nerves when faced with the idea of capturing your equine moments. Perhaps it's the subtle doubt, the wondering if your smile looks as radiant as you feel or if your connection with your horse will translate into a captivating image. These uncertainties often echo through the minds of individuals like Jess, Bec, Maddy, Mim,Mariah (and MANY more) – individuals who candidly share that, yes, they've been there too. It's not just a fleeting worry; it's a common thread that ties together those who have embarked on the equine photography journey. The fear of not being photogenic is a universal concern, and it's precisely this shared experience that makes the journey all the more relatable.

• My Approach: Let's lean on the experiences shared by your fellow horse enthusiasts – individuals who, like you, may have felt a bit camera-shy. Jess, Bec, Maddy, Mim, and Mariah all had their unique worries, yet found comfort, confidence, and joy during their sessions. Jess, a new mum, who usually sticks to Snapchat filters, felt at ease, comfortable, and even sent outfit ideas. Bec, initially feeling awkward, ended up loving every minute of the shoot, with Anita and Aaron making her feel like they'd known each other forever. Maddy, appreciating Anita's professionalism and positive energy, found the finished product perfectly capturing her relationship with Sunny. Mim, a first-timer, was super nervous but felt at ease and comforted throughout, resulting in a love for her gallery. Mariah, with a history of struggling with self-confidence, overcame her nerves with the incredible support of Anita and Aaron.

Their stories echo a common theme – Anita Ward Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about making you feel comfortable, confident, and photogenic in your unique way.

Concern 3: Selecting the Perfect Location

• The Problem: Choosing the right backdrop for our equine photography session can be a daunting task. The worry creeps in – will the location do justice to the beauty of the moment? Perhaps you're contemplating whether your everyday surroundings can be transformed into a canvas for your equine tale. It's not just about finding a pretty place; it's about discovering a location that resonates with the essence of our equine journey.

• My Approach: It's a concern that resonates, especially for those living in regions where lush greenery might be a rare sight. For those on the flats surrounded by dust, the worry about not having the "ideal" setting can be overwhelming. However, I'm here to debunk the myth that a picturesque location is synonymous with a green oasis. In the vastness of the Australian landscape, where golden hour light can be magical even in the seemingly arid plains, I've worked wonders. Take, for instance, individuals worried about their location not boasting lush green spaces. All it takes is a tree to the west, letting the sun filter through, and voilà – magic unfolds. My expertise lies not just in finding ideal locations but in transforming any setting, working with what's available and turning it into a stunning backdrop. Even Maddy, facing the challenge of an agistment lacking "ideal" locations, discovered the magic that can be created. From utilising an old barn to finding beauty on a long dirt road, the results were nothing short of stunning. For those concerned about objects or distractions in the background, fear not. My post-processing skills can effortlessly remove any unwanted elements, ensuring the focus remains on the beauty of our equine connection. Even in closed quarters, where expansive greenery might be a luxury, varied poses and a touch of movement orchestrated by me result in a diverse array of captivating images.

The search for the perfect location is a shared concern, and with Anita Ward Photography, this task turns into an exciting collaboration. I'm here to guide you, suggesting spots that not only complement our equine narrative but also add that touch of magic to our memories, no matter the landscape.

Concern 4: Presenting Your Horse for the Session

• The Problem: Many worry about presenting their horse in its best light – a perfectly groomed mane, no war wounds or fence escapades, and certainly no evidence of paddock scuffles or rug rubs. The fear of not having a flawless equine partner for the session can be a significant stressor. your horse, with all its individuality and stories etched in its coat, becomes a canvas for a unique equine portrait. Worried about a rug rub or the evidence of a paddock mate's nibble? Don't be. My post-processing skills are honed to perfection, effortlessly editing out imperfections and ensuring your horse shines in its true essence during the session.

• My Approach: Let me put your mind at ease. Horses, being the majestic creatures they are, often come with their quirks and tales of mischief. Uneven manes, new war wounds, or the aftermath of an adventurous fence escapade – it's all part of their charm. As a seasoned equine photographer, I've witnessed it all, and here's the secret – it's nothing a bit of post-processing magic can't fix.

So, fear not if your equine companion decides to embrace a new adventure just before the session. These tales of horse antics only add to the richness of the equine narrative we'll capture together.

worries? Nah!

Every horse brings a unique story to the lens – imperfections and all. From quirky antics to spontaneous moments, it's these details that make your equine journey truly special.

Worried your horse might have a mind of its own during the session? Concerned about feeling photogenic? Choosing the right backdrop feeling overwhelming? You're not alone. If any of these concerns hit close to home, know that they're part of the equine narrative we celebrate at Anita Ward Photography.

Ready to turn your equine tale into a visual masterpiece? Let's plan a session that celebrates the uniqueness of your horse's story.

Still not convinced?
Read what others, just like you, have said about their experience.

“Anita’s approach to photography is something so professional , admirable , and personable. Her positive light and energy makes it so hard to be apprehensive or nervous , which made my shoot with Anita absolutely incredible and so memorable. I could not recommend her enough if you are looking to capture a horse that is so close to your heart, or something that is so special to you. The finished product has encapsulated me and Sunny’s relationship perfectly as equine and owner. I could not thank her enough!” - Maddy.