Horse Photographer Interview – Jamie Cinq-Mars

Name
Jamie Cinq-Mars / Mystical Photography

Website & places you can find my work online
Website: www.mysticalphotography.com
Massachusetts Horse
JEM Farm Appaloosas
DD Performance Horses
Bit and Bridle Magazine
Stateline Tack
Horse
Horse Show Clothing
just to name a few….

Where I am
Springfield, MA – New England

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I’m Jamie – 25 – born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts. I have always been involved in Equine.

I have owned, shown, leased, ridden, & helped train many horses including my own.

I’ve competed on the Hnuter/Jumper circuit, local circuits, and some Dressage.

Photography came natural to me. I put my passion towards the horses into my camera and develop the best pictures I possible can. People have said that I have “the eye” – I have been in business for almost 4 years now. Every year I continue to grow and expand. I focus a lot on Event Photography – but I also do a lot of farm calls on the side. Senior portraits have also been extremely popular.

When did you take your first picture?
Oh goodness – I don’t even remember. As long as I remember, I have always had a camera in my hand. When I was riding horses and showing every weekend I always remember taking pictures with one of those throw away cameras.

What kind of camera do you use?
I have 3 cameras. I have (1) Rebel XTi & (2) Canon 30D.

If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera

Who are your main influences?
The horses! They make me want to get up everyday and photograph!

There are so many different kinds of horses and they all get me excited in one way or another. The “romantic” breeds give me goosebumps. (Andalusions, Friesians, Lustianos, & Lippizaners) The jumpers give me an adrenaline rush.

It makes me want to be on that very horse. Dressage horses make the pretty picture – they are a form of art. Horses at liberty makes me want to capture their beauty in every way possible. Babies mean new life and offer a fresh new look! The babies let me capture so many different emotions. Curiosity, Respect, Dignity, and Friendship!

Human influences include some of the best of the best! Terri Miller is amazing. She captures beauty and grace so well. Amy Riley has a unique eye and produces some spectacular images that make me say wow. Michelle Rudland’s images give me goosebumps. She captures raw talent, emotion, and trust!

You don’t just photograph horses, what is your favorite subject?
I love Teenagers! I love capturing that raw emotion and spirit. I do not have a studio. Everything I do is “on location” – They are sassy and fun to work around! I also enjoy weddings & babies!

Have a favorite horse breed?
The Friesian of course!! When I was young I always told myself “someday I will have a Friesian” I am lucky enough to own a Friesian Sport Horse Mare – She is also in foal to a purebred Friesian Stallion for a March 2010 baby.. The baby will be 3/4 Friesian..

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
It is funny that you ask this. My horse is the muse behind my companies name. I wanted something unique and something that people would remember. My horses name is Mystical Illusion – I decided to name my company after her “Mystical Photography”.

Where were you the most inspired, but without a camera?
When I am browsing the internet – I tend to view other photographers work. I want to see their work and it inspires me to be as good or even try to be better then them.

When I visit other barns, I tend to check out the photographs on the wall and see who took them. I know – I’m an odd duck.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art and photography in general?
I think the internet is a GREAT tool for photography. In this day and age – everything is digital. Everybody wants to see their photos fast. Online proofing is the way to go in this day in age. We do have the issues of people stealing images and people not respecting our rights, but it will be a part of our buisness.

There are people who will steal, and who will try to get something for free – we just have to stand up to these people and let them know that we do not work for free. This is one of the biggest problems I think the internet faces with photography. However, I believe internet is the BEST tool for marketing! Facebook has been one of the best marketing tool for me.

Has it had an effect on yours?
There has been a few instances where there has been stolen images from me but it was always taken care of. Like I mentioned up there, facebook has been my #1 marketing tool. People are glued to Facebook!

Which one is your personal favorite image?
I have many…there is one of an Arabian/Friesian baby that is amazing to me. Every shot to me is special in it’s own way.

What else are you passionate about?
I love riding my horse – I love being around horses and learning everything I can about them. If I didn’t love horses so much, I honestly do not think that I would be an Equine Photographer.

More to Come

Thanks to Jamie for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her photography website periodically for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.