Things I Wish I Learned Sooner Part 4

I bought my first camera in 2011.

I started my business in 2013.

I went full-time in 2017.

…and there are so many things that I wish I figured out earlier!

This new summer blog series is going to explore a few of the lessons it took me entirely too long to learn. Catch up on the other parts of the series here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

ASK

I have a contract that limits my liability [hopefully you do too, after that big sale!], but I always want permission to be explicitly granted before I do anything to/for my client or their horse. I won’t get into the horror stories of why… but let’s just say I’ve had some things go wrong at shoots!

I always ask for permission before touching the client’s hair or clothing.

I always ask permission before holding or walking their horse.

I always ask permission before touching/spraying/wiping/picking up a horse’s foot.

I say things like:

“Are you comfortable sitting here?”

“Did you want to ride bareback today? Is that ok with your mom/dad/trainer?”

“Would it be ok if I removed the lead rope?”

“May my assistant walk him back to the barn?”

“Does he have any allergies? Could I use this fly spray?”

“Can I set this foot? Does he kick?”

“Is it alright with you if I put his bridle on while you change?”