HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR HORSE FOR SALE ON THE WEB

If a picture is worth a thousand words, shouldn't you make sure your pictures are saying the right thing?

CONFORMATION SHOTS
Use a slow film speed (ASA 100 or 200 speed film). These provide the best color density of the print films, and also allow you to make crisper enlargements. If the day is overcast however, you will probably need to use a faster speed film (ASA 400 or 800). Use good quality film for best results. Best times of day to shoot are early morning and late afternoon. Gray/White horses photograph best in the morning light.

For conformation shots, find a handler who knows how to set up your horse so he's balanced. The horse naturally stands leaning forward a bit, pushing on the chest or asking for a step forward or backward will equalize the weight over each leg equally. A leaning horse can appear to have an overdeveloped shoulder, or will appear to have a tendency to be heavy on the forehand. If you can't get the weight even, try to get more weight in the hindquarters - this is a much more flattering look. Take the shot opposite the horse's barrel rather than his shoulder. Do not take "head-on" photos unless you have a special lens. A standard lens will greatly distort the horse's head. Use a nice, clean halter and lead, preferably leather, or the horses bridle. Make sure the background is attractive and doesn't conflict with the subject. Make sure the ground is even and the horse is not standing downhill. Make sure the background is attractive and doesn't conflict with the subject. Make sure the ground is even and the horse is not standing downhill.

Get the horses' ears up by rattling grain, a treat wrapper, or by using a small mirror (hold the mirror in the direction you want the horse to look). Photograph with the sun behind and to the side of you. Make sure your animal is clean and groomed. Brush out the mane and tail and oil the hooves. If you are taking a picture of a horse under tack, make sure the tack is clean. If there is a rider on his back or standing with him, make sure they are dressed and cleaned up appropriately.

ACTION SHOTS
Use a faster speed film (ASA 400 or 800). Use good quality film for best results. Two legs pushing off the ground is a great look in the trot, in the canter, try to get one hind leg touching ground, and at the gallop, one front leg reaching forward shows strength and speed. Options vary greatly on jumping photos, some like the horse to be centered over the jump, some like 'take-off' shots, some 'landing'. Make sure the jump is an appropriate size for the level of the horses' experience. Don't advertise a horse that can jump 3'6" with a photo of him jumping 2'.