I first picked up my camera 4 years ago and started learning everything there was for free on the internet about dog photography. Naturally with my love of horses, this spread into equine photography too. I still love it as much as I did back then. Capturing an emotional bond between horse and rider still gives me such a thrill and it makes my heart so happy knowing my clients have these amazing images forever.
My business as grown substantially every year. I still have to pinch myself about where I am now and how far I have come. Every year I learn so much and meet so many amazing clients, horses and dogs.
You'll always hear me say I'm not the most technical photographer there is. My priority is the experience my clients have and capturing their horse or dogs personality perfectly, without stressing too much about being technically correct. However, I decided this year I was going to push myself out of my comfort zone and do my qualifications.
I've been a member of the British Institute of Professional Photographers since last year, and after doing a year long mentorship with the Training Barn, mentors Emily and Hannah encouraged me to submit a panel of images for qualification.
I decided to go with equines & human portraiture, and I decided to go with classy black and white. These images are all so emotional and full of joy that I felt they didn't need the "distraction" of colour.
To get your qualification, you have to submit a panel of 20 images. These are printed and mounted into 20x16" mounts and displayed in front of a panel of 5 judges. I had to travel to Birmingham last Tuesday to show my panel and wait for the verdict. The judges are looking at composition, lighting, editing, presentation, impact, and how they images sit together as a set.
It was a very nerve wracking wait, but I'm glad to say I passed. I'd originally gone for my Licentiateship (the entry level qualification), but after some consideration they were so impressed with my work they decided to upgrade me to the next level up, and Associateship. There is just one more level to go to be the most highly qualified with the BIPP, which I'll definitely be going back for soon!
I'm so glad I did it. It's been stressful, with lots of attention to detail, but I'm so proud of myself for going for it. Here is a digital version of my panel and how all the images sat together.
So you can officially now call me Imogen Moon ABIPP! Qualified equine portrait photographer. Eek!!
