An equine photographer who photograph horses in a studio, has won a prestigious photography prize.
Unicorn Studios of Basildon, Essex won a gold award from the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) in July for one of their unique studio photographs of horses.
Photographer Gary Coulson said: “I’ve been photographing horses for over 10 years but only in the studio since April. So many people wanted head shots I decided to do something different and take the horses inside, as you have more control.”
He said it’s a matter of making the horse feel comfortable in what is an alien environment: “We have to get them used to the flash, so they don’t kick-off in a confined space. We’re very careful.
“I can pick up their moods pretty easily now. We use carrots and the flash outside before taking them in. They have to be comfortable.”
The image that won the prize is of a two-year old colt called Calvin.
His owner, Jennifer Ready, 42, of Collingham in Essex said Gary was very calming: “I wasn’t sure about going into a studio as young colts can be very lively but Gary’s got the patience of a saint. It took two hours and he didn’t rush anything. I was really pleased with the results. I’m hoping to breed from Calvin and it captures him exactly as he is.”
Gary’s work can be seen at http://www.theunicornstudio.co.uk
