A Novice Photo Guide

Helping you make your models look their absolute best!

Photo Credit: Anna B.

1. Get Down on Their Level

The biggest mistake beginners make is taking a photo from "human height" looking down. This makes the model look like a toy.

• The Pro Tip: Crouch down so your camera lens is at the same height as the horse’s chest or mid-shoulder. This creates the illusion that the horse is life-sized and majestic.

2. Lighting is Everything

Avoid using your camera’s flash, as it creates harsh "hot spots" on the plastic and hides muscle detail.

• The Pro Tip: Natural, indirect sunlight is your best friend. Shoot outdoors on a slightly overcast day or in a shady spot on a sunny day. If you’re indoors, set up near a large window, but keep the light at your back or side—never behind the horse! You can also buy LED photostudio lights that will provide good lighting if you do not have access to natural lighting. 

3. Simplify the Scene

The judge wants to see your horse, not your kitchen counter or a messy bedroom.

• The Pro Tip: Use a "neutral" backdrop. A piece of light gray or tan fleece fabric, or a large sheet of matte poster board, works wonders. If you are shooting outside, avoid long blades of grass that look like giant jungle weeds next to your model—short-cropped grass or dirt is better!  Down the road you can always upgrade to a realistic, in scale poster backdrop or handmade arena wall to add realism to your entries!

4. The "Three-Point" Focus

Before you click the shutter, check these three things:

1. The Ears: Are they in the frame? (Don't crop them off!)

2. The Hooves: Are they visible or covered up? Make sure their hooves aren’t completely covered or you might get disqualified!  (Also, a great trick if your horses hooves aren’t flat on the surface, but are supposed to be, you can use sand or dirt to cover the gap, but don’t cover the entire hoof!)

3. The Eye: Is the horse’s eye clear and sharp? If the eye is in focus, the whole model usually looks better.

5. Check Your "Condition"

In a photo show, a tiny speck of dust can look like a giant white blemish.

• The Pro Tip: Give your model a quick wipe with a soft microfiber cloth before the photo to remove fingerprints and dust.

Quick Tech Tips:

• No Filters: Avoid "Instagram-style" filters. Judges need to see the true color of the model.

• Horizontal (Landscape) is Best: Most model horse photos look better in landscape orientation to capture the full length of the horse.

Watch the Shadows: Make sure your own shadow isn't draped across the model while you’re taking the picture!