The best camera settings for equine photography as a horse photographer (free cheat sheet)
Struggling to find the right camera settings for horse photography?
Equine photography is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Horses move quickly, lighting conditions constantly change, and sometimes you only have a split second to capture that perfect moment.
One of the questions I get asked most often is:
“What camera settings should I use when photographing horses?”
After more than 15 years of working as a professional equine photographer, I've learned that understanding your camera settings gives you so much more creative freedom.
1. Understanding the three most important camera settings
Before we dive into specific settings, it's important to understand the three elements that determine your exposure.
Shutter speed
Your shutter speed determines how long your camera captures light. It's especially important when photographing horses because they can move unexpectedly.
A fast shutter speed helps you freeze movement and capture sharp details.
Aperture
Your aperture controls how much light enters your lens and influences the depth of field.
I personally love photographing horses with a wide aperture, such as f/2.8, to create that beautiful, soft background while keeping the attention on the horse.
ISO
ISO determines how sensitive your camera is to light.
A lower ISO generally produces cleaner images, while a higher ISO helps you photograph in darker conditions.
The key is finding the right balance between these three settings.
2. The best camera settings for horse portraits
When photographing a horse standing still, I love creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere.
My favorite starting settings are:
Shutter speed: 1/800 sec
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 200–400
These settings help me capture sharp portraits while creating a beautiful background blur.
Of course, every situation is different. If you're photographing in darker conditions, you might need to increase your ISO or adjust your settings.
And remember, even when a horse appears to be standing still, small movements can happen at any moment.
That's why I prefer keeping my shutter speed relatively fast.
3. The best camera settings for horses in action
Photographing horses in motion is a completely different challenge.
Timing and shutter speed are incredibly important.
My recommended starting settings are:
Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec or faster
Aperture: f/2.8 or higher f-number when needed
ISO: 200–400 in good light
A faster shutter speed helps freeze the movement and capture those beautiful details.
For very fast action, you might even need 1/2000 sec or faster.
I also recommend using continuous autofocus and burst shooting to increase your chances of capturing that perfect moment.
4. Camera settings are just the beginning
Here's something I always tell photographers:
The perfect camera settings don't automatically create the perfect photograph.
Understanding light, composition, timing and horse behavior is just as important.
You can have technically perfect settings, but if you don't recognize the right moment, you might miss the connection, expression or emotion that makes a photograph truly special.
That's why I believe great equine photography is about combining technical knowledge with creativity and a genuine understanding of horses.
Once you feel confident using your camera, you can focus less on the technical side and more on what you're actually trying to capture.
5. Download my free horse photography camera settings cheat sheet
Want to stop second guessing your camera settings during a photoshoot?
I've created a free Equine Photography Camera Settings Cheat Sheet to help you feel more confident behind your camera.
Inside, you'll find practical starting settings for photographing horses.
It's a simple reference guide you can save on your phone or keep in your camera bag.
Download your free Camera Settings Cheat Sheet here!
Ready to take your equine photography to the next level?
I'm Eliane van Schaik, a professional equine photographer and educator. Over the years, I've helped photographers develop their skills, find their own style and create photographs they're truly proud of.
I'm currently creating something exciting: The Equine Photography Course, an online course designed to help you grow as an equine photographer.
From understanding horses and working with natural light to composition, camera settings and creating meaningful photographs.
Want to be the first to know when the course launches?
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