Lady Godiva Inspires Boudoir Photography [NSFW]

Horses have been the subject of many powerful images throughout time. They lend a magnificent presence to any photographers portfolio. Boudoir photography has been inspired by the story Lady Godiva and her nude ride on her horse for the people of Coventry.

History 101

In short, Lady Godiva was the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and Lord of Coventry. Her tale begins with her pleading with her husband to lower the crippling taxes of the people of Coventry. Leofric told her he would only do so if she would ride nude throughout the streets on horseback.  With only her hair to cover her body, she galloped throughout the market square, ordering everyone to stay indoors as not to see her. After her bold ride, she confronted her husband to hold up his end of the bargain. Leofric held to his word and lessened the debt.

While many historians find this to be a myth, it nonetheless inspired countless images over the years including those in the boudoir industry. The twist on this legend is held within how the modern woman has taken the "shame" out of the equation. While the story tells Lady Godiva ordered the people to stay within their homes without peeking, woman now are on a mission to ride tall without caring about the wandering eyes.

Think Before You Shoot

If you have a client willing and wanting to do a session with a horse, lets just stop for a moment and think about what we are talking about.

• Yes, the shoot will look amazing in your portfolio
• Yes, your client will have an experience to tell all of their friends
• And yes, you will make a nice profit from this session

But lets just Stop and think about what you are asking your client to do. You would like her (or him) to ride a horse possibly wearing nothing at all, and in some cases not even holding the reins for a few shots.

Would I ask this of an unexperienced rider? Never.

Would I ask this of a client who isn't familiar with the horse? Not a chance.

When I find a client willing to shoot such a scene, they must provide their own horse, as then I know they are familiar. They also need to have extensive riding experience. I also have contracts in place for such events. I have an extensive background working with animals, although I know many who do not and still can make this work as long as they think about their actions. Having a background working with them allows me to notice "cues" from the horses (or other animals I have shot) to let me know when to back off. In the end, you as the shooter may be able to back off quickly, but your client is currently nude perhaps, on the back of this animal you just provoked.

Don't take that chance. Listen to your client about her horse; as she knows them best.

I find that when working with horses, I would rather give the "Illusion" rather than take a huge risk by pulling the reins from the horse just for "the money shot". Again; nothing is worth the risk of your client.

Even though this quarter horse, named Twisty, was one of the most gentlest horses I have ever worked with, precautionary measures are always taken. Especially when Amber laid back in the next image.

Gaining the shot for a modern day Lady Godiva has to include a twist. Amber sat straight up in most shots, displaying confidence although we kept her hair still in true fashion covering her breasts. Having her running through the streets of my town would have been fun, but also pricey for fines, so I stuck with the woods where she lived. She has been raised with horses so a few notes from an avid rider:

• If a horse has not worked with a flash, it very well may spook them (and sometimes even those are are familiar)
• If their ears lay flat on their head they are very angry
• If you see the whites of their eyes they are scared or nervous
• The swift movement of the tail can indicate annoyance

Beach Locations

When working with any animal on beaches or state parks, it is best to check with permitting before you need to pay some hefty fines. Also, beach goers will be extremely curious, so having an assistant on hand to make sure no one gets close enough is always a great idea. Beth Claire, boudoir photographer from Lost Highway Imaging writes:

Many beaches don’t allow horses on the sand during nesting season or during peak summer months. Others allow horses to use designated paths but require that they stay off dunes or away from certain sections of the beach. You will also want to establish safe places for truck and trailer parking before you head to the location. Your state government or state park website is usually the place to find this information and you’ll want to scout your location ahead of time.

Beth also suggests having one designated handler who has no other job on set besides to secure, reassure, and handle the horse.

Experienced riders are also experienced at falling. Having someone on a horse with long, flowy material, or with nothing at all, they still need to know how to react when things do not go as the humans planned.

Bare It All

Lady Godiva might have hid herself under her long locks, but some clients are willing to bare it all in the name of art. Here Cate Scaglione takes us on an incredible mysterious journey into her client's world. Midnight in a park, hooded cloak, and a feeling of a story untold.

Animals In Photography Deserve Respect

If you are thinking of working with horses, or any kind of animal in your photography, they deserve respect. Attempting to make them understand your "vision" is just about as silly as it sounds. What they do understand is how you act and react around them.

My professor in zoology in undergrad school said a very important phrase, "Every animal has the potential to bite, no matter what stereotype they have of being cute."

I have kept that with me when working with animals, even those that seemed calm and would not hurt a fly. Always knowing that the animal that I am working with is more powerful than I am, lends a respect that shows when I work.

No matter if your client wants to bare it all, or be more subtle in wardrobe choices, pairing up the image with riding will lend itself to a killer image. Just don't take the horse for granted as they are running the show more than you think.