Guide to Photographing the Wild Horses of Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland is one of the most iconic and picturesque locations for photographing wild horses. The island’s untamed beauty, with its sweeping dunes, salt marshes, and coastal forests, provides an ideal backdrop for capturing the unique spirit of the Assateague horses. These horses are a popular subject for wildlife photographers due to their wild nature and striking appearance. The Assateague herd is known for its resilience and adaptability, living freely on the island under the protection of the National Park Service. This guide will help you navigate the best practices for photographing the Assateague horses, from when and where to go to the best camera settings and ethical considerations.
Acknowledgment of Risk
Photographing wildlife, especially wild horses, can be thrilling, but it also comes with risks. Assateague Island is home to wild animals that can sometimes behave unpredictably, especially during certain seasons when they are more territorial or protective. While the horses are generally accustomed to human presence, it is important to approach them with caution and respect. Always maintain a safe distance from the horses, and be aware of the potential for sudden movements or the presence of other wildlife, such as predators or other aggressive animals. Keep in mind that Assateague Island’s terrain can be challenging with its marshes, dunes, and saltwater areas, so be mindful of the environment. By following safe practices, you can ensure a safe and successful photography experience.
Guide Legend: Photographing the Wild Horses of Assateague Island, MD, and Chincoteague, VA
Introduction
Acknowledgment of Risk
About the Wild Horses of Assateague and Chincoteague
Getting There and Accessing the Horses
Pro-tips
Best Times to Visit for Photography
Comparing Photography Locations: Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park, and Chincoteague Island
Camera Settings for Horse Photography
Ethical Photography Practices
Summary
About the Wild Horses of Assateague Island
The wild horses of Assateague Island have become a symbol of the island's untamed spirit. These horses, descended from domesticated animals, have lived on the island for hundreds of years. While their exact origins are debated, one theory is that they are descendants of horses brought over by settlers in the 17th century. Today, the herd on Assateague Island is carefully managed to ensure their survival. The National Park Service and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department work together to manage the population and prevent overgrazing, which includes the famous annual Pony Penning event where some horses are auctioned off to maintain a healthy herd size.
The Assateague horses are known for their smaller size, a result of the island's limited resources. Despite their rough environment, they are hardy and resilient. They are often seen grazing on the salt grasses or roaming freely through the park. Their distinctive appearance, with their shaggy coats and strikingly wild demeanor, makes them an incredible subject for photographers.
Comparing Photography Opportunities: Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park, and Chincoteague Island
When it comes to photographing the wild horses of Assateague Island, there are notable differences in the settings, accessibility, and overall experience between Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park, and Chincoteague Island. Each offers a unique perspective on capturing these iconic animals, and understanding the distinctions can help you choose the best location for your photography.
Assateague Island National Seashore
The Assateague Island National Seashore is the primary protected area for the wild horses, offering expansive views of the island’s natural landscape. Here, the horses roam freely, and the environment feels untouched, with vast salt marshes, dunes, and coastal forests.
Best for: Landscape and environmental shots, especially horses in their natural habitat. The wide-open spaces and scenic vistas make for dramatic backdrops.
Accessibility: The National Seashore has several designated areas for wildlife viewing, though these can require some walking or driving on sandy roads. Certain areas are less developed, so be prepared for less infrastructure.
Herd Behavior: The horses here are largely left to roam and interact naturally, often grazing, playing, or walking along the beach. This area is perfect for capturing moments of solitude or horses in large herds.
Photographic Opportunities: Wide-angle shots of the horses against sweeping landscapes, close-up portraits in marshes or by the shore, and images of the horses interacting with their environment are most common here.
Assateague State Park
Located just to the north of the National Seashore, Assateague State Park is more developed and offers easier access to the horses, but it is also more popular with tourists. The park has paved roads, campgrounds, and more infrastructure than the National Seashore.
Best for: Capturing horses with clear, close-up shots in a more controlled setting. While there are still opportunities for environmental shots, the more accessible roads and viewpoints may limit the untouched feel of the area.
Accessibility: With paved roads and several parking areas, Assateague State Park is the most accessible of the three areas. The park is ideal for those who prefer not to walk far or deal with sandy, uneven paths.
Herd Behavior: Horses in the state park tend to be more accustomed to human presence, so they are often seen in the more developed areas near campgrounds and parking lots. While this provides opportunities for close-up shots, it can sometimes take away from the "wild" feeling.
Photographic Opportunities: Great for capturing horses near people, campgrounds, or beach areas. Since the horses are less shy in the park, you’ll likely get more intimate shots. However, the presence of infrastructure and visitors may reduce the wilderness aesthetic.
Chincoteague Island
The wild horses of Chincoteague Island are famous worldwide, and the town of Chincoteague is best known for its annual Pony Swim and Auction. The horses here live on Assateague Island but are managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company. The town provides a more "domestic" feel to the photography experience.
Best for: Capturing iconic moments during the Pony Swim or getting shots of horses in more picturesque settings via a chartered boat tour.
Accessibility: Chincoteague Island is the accessible for photographers would like to drive through the park and see horses, however the best views are often by boat of the horses out in the marsh.
Herd Behavior: The horses in Chincoteague are part of a more tightly managed herd, with regular health checks and an annual auction. However, they may be more accustomed to people and less "wild" than those in more remote areas.
Photographic Opportunities: From the car images from the Wildlife Drive, along the water, or in meadows. However, they are often seen at a distance, capturing them can be more challenging.
Which Location is Best for You?
If you're looking for the most natural, wide-open spaces to capture the horses in their wildest form, Assateague Island National Seashore is the best choice. The environment is less developed, and you’ll find horses interacting in their natural habitat with fewer human distractions.
For easy access and opportunities for close-up portraits, Assateague State Park offers a good mix of accessibility, development, and opportunities to photograph the horses in varied environments, especially if you're not looking to hike or explore remote areas.
If you're specifically interested in the iconic Pony Swim or want to photograph the horses in quieter, more picturesque settings, Chincoteague Island may be the perfect location, though it tends to be more tourist-heavy and may not always offer the untouched landscapes of the other two areas.
Ultimately, the best location depends on what kind of images you wish to capture. Whether you prefer wide landscapes, more intimate close-ups, or capturing the horses in an event like the Pony Swim, each location offers distinct advantages for photographers.
How to Photograph the Assateague Horses
Photographing the Assateague horses requires patience and a good understanding of animal behavior. The horses are generally relaxed around human presence but remain wild, meaning they should be approached from a distance.
Best Practices
Distance: Always keep a safe distance from the horses. The National Park Service recommends at least 40 feet between you and the horses. This ensures their comfort and safety, as well as yours.
Use a telephoto lens: A 200mm or longer lens is ideal for capturing close-up shots without intruding on the horses’ space.
Be patient: The horses often move slowly, grazing or roaming along the beach or through the forest. Watch their body language and wait for natural moments to capture.
Look for interaction: Capture moments where the horses are interacting with each other or with their environment. These can include grooming, playing, or interacting with their foals.
Best Locations to Photograph the Horses
Assateague Island National Seashore offers several prime locations for capturing the wild horses. Some of the best areas to photograph the horses include:
Assateague Island Visitor Center Area: This is one of the most accessible spots to see the horses, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when they tend to be more active.
Beachfront Areas: The horses often wander along the beach, which provides beautiful backdrops of dunes, waves, and the open sky. Early morning light is especially lovely here.
Salt Marshes and Wetlands: The horses can often be found in the island’s wetlands, grazing on the grasses or standing in the water. This area offers more opportunities for environmental shots.
Pro-Tip For Better Photos
Assateague offers diverse habitats to showcase the horses in different settings. Some horses are very habituated and can be seen next to the road, in parking lots, or on the beach trying to steal food from visitors who don’t follow the rules, making it difficult to get a clean “photo” that looks natural. Instead of getting distracted by the easy access horses there, with a bit of extra effort, photography on Assateague Island can offer amazing views of horses in the water, in the dunes, maritime forest, and marsh. Skip the horses seen near the parking lots at the front of the park, and instead check the marsh side or hike or 4x4 drive (check with the park for permit info on 4x4 beach driving on the sand) to see the Assateague horses that roam in the remote 4x4 areas, offering pristine natural views for more serious or informed photographers willing to trade effort for beautiful images and special moments of the wild horses beyond the tourist crowds.
Especially adventurous and properly equipped photographers can check out the park’s site to learn more about camping at the beach, with the best experience for 4x4 campers at the “Bullpen.” Imagine waking up to the sounds of the waves and hooves on the sand! Campsites and permits fill very early so check with the park as soon as you can if you are interested.
Best Times to Photograph the Horses
The best times to photograph the horses are during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is softer, and the horses are more active. The warm golden tones of sunrise and sunset enhance the horses’ features and create stunning backdrops.
Morning: Early light provides softer, warmer tones and is often quieter with fewer visitors around. It’s the best time to capture the horses in a calm and natural state. Check sunrise times and look for horses on the beach side 30 minutes before sunrise for the quiet moments with soft light.
Late Afternoon: The light at sunset creates dramatic skies and long shadows, adding depth to your images. The horses may also be more active during this time, grazing, and moving around.
Camera Settings for Photographing Wild Horses
For stationary or grazing horses:
Aperture: f/4 to f/6.3 for sharp focus while maintaining background blur.
Shutter Speed: 1/1000s or faster to prevent motion blur of the mane and tail.
ISO: Set to 400-800 depending on lighting conditions.
Focus Mode: Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) to keep the horses sharp as they move.
For horses in motion (galloping or running):
Shutter Speed: 1/2000s or faster to freeze action.
Aperture: f/4 to f/5.6 for more background blur and focus on the horse.
ISO: Set to 800-1600 to ensure fast shutter speeds in low light.
Ethical Photography Practices
Ethical wildlife photography is essential to ensure the well-being of the animals and the integrity of their environment. Here are a few ethical guidelines to follow when photographing the Assateague horses:
Respect their space: Always stay at least 40 feet away from the horses. Never attempt to approach or touch them.
Do not feed or disturb the horses: Feeding wildlife can alter their natural behavior and make them more dependent on humans.
Avoid using flash: The sudden burst of light can startle the horses and cause unnecessary stress.
Stay on designated paths: Do not trample the natural vegetation or disturb the habitat of the horses. Stick to trails and parking areas.
Recommended Gear for Horse Photography
Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with good autofocus and high frame rates for capturing action shots.
Lenses:
200mm to 500mm telephoto lens for clear, close-up shots.
24-70mm for wider environmental shots or groups of horses.
Tripod: If shooting during the early morning or late evening when the light is low, a tripod can help stabilize your camera.
Binoculars: Useful for spotting horses from a distance without disturbing them.
Summary
Assateague Island National Seashore offers one of the most iconic settings for photographing wild horses, with its scenic landscapes and free-roaming herds. By understanding the behavior of the horses, choosing the right times for photography, and following ethical guidelines, you can capture stunning, respectful images of these remarkable animals. Whether you’re focusing on their solitary moments in the sand or photographing the herd in motion, Assateague provides endless opportunities for memorable shots.