Horse Photography: Capturing Equine Personas
Class - Photography | Available
Immerse yourself in the art and craft of horse photography that blends documentary and fine art motifs through this intensive three-week workshop set on a picturesque working ranch in Pafftown, North Carolina. Designed for photographers who want to combine artistic vision with real-world experience, this course offers hands-on opportunities to photograph decorative horses and subjects in authentic ranch settings.
Week 1: Concept and Creative Planning
Begin by exploring the artistic and conceptual foundations of fine art horse photography. Students will learn how to develop a creative vision, plan a cohesive photoshoot, and consider light, movement, and emotion in their imagery. We’ll discuss composition, storytelling, and pre-visualization techniques that elevate equine photography from documentation to expressive art.
Week 2: On the Ranch – Photographing Horses and Subjects
Spend the week on location at a working ranch in Pafftown, NC. Students will have guided, hands-on sessions photographing decorative horses and complementary subjects in a variety of natural light and scenic environments. Emphasis will be placed on timing, connection with the animals, and capturing dynamic yet elegant images that reflect the spirit and beauty of the horse.
Week 3: Postproduction, Review, and Critique
The final week focuses on digital postproduction and refinement of images. Students will learn techniques for editing, color grading, and preparing images for exhibition or fine art presentation. The course will conclude with a group review and constructive critique, where participants share and discuss their final images to gain insight and feedback from both instructor and peers.
C. Stephen Hurst
C. Stephen Hurst recently moved to Winston-Salem from New York City where he spent many years as a professional photographer and instructor at the International School of Photography. Hurst is a self-taught photographer who emphasizes connection, anticipation, and communication through his process; some of Hurst’s photography clients have included the Disney Family Foundation, Nike, and Columbia Business School. Hurst holds a B.F.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Learn more about his work at amancalledhurst.com.