A great sale photo can be the difference between attracting serious buyers or being overlooked. High-quality images showcase your horse’s best attributes, capturing conformation, movement, and expression in a way that leaves a lasting impression. In today’s competitive market, professional sale photos give your horse the visibility and appeal needed to stand out.
Sale photography
Preparing your horse
- Grooming: Bathe your horse the day before and ensure it’s spotless. Clip if necessary.
- Tack & Presentation: Use clean, well-fitted tack. A well-presented horse gives a polished, professional look.
- Training: If movement shots are needed, practice standing square and trotting in hand.
- Timing: Schedule the shoot when your horse is at its physical best, ideally after proper conditioning.
time of day
The best time for sale horse photography is 2 to 3 hours before sunset. This time, often called the golden hour, provides soft, warm lighting that enhances your horse’s coat, reduces harsh shadows, and creates a professional, eye-catching look. Midday sun can be too harsh overhead creating unflattering shadows, while early morning light can change quickly. By shooting in the late afternoon or early evening, we ensure your horse is captured in the most flattering light possible.
Weather Considerations
For the best results, natural direct light is essential. If the weather is cloudy or overcast on the day of your session, we may need to reschedule to ensure optimal lighting conditions. I will monitor the forecast leading up to your appointment and will stay in touch regarding any necessary changes.
ideal locations
- Open Fields: Natural light and a clean background highlight your horse beautifully. Please insure grass is cut very short to provide view of the hooves.
- Barn Aisles or Doorways: The contrast of light and shadow can create a stunning, dramatic effect. Required for requested black background photos.
- Arenas & Pastures: For action shots, a well-maintained arena or pasture provides the perfect setting.
- Neutral Backgrounds: A solid-colored barn wall or tree line keeps the focus on your horse. Please insure grass is cut very short to provide view of the hooves.
Editing
- Minor Edits: I will remove small blemishes, scrapes, cuts, and distracting background elements to enhance the overall image.
- Natural Representation: I do not alter the body or conformation of any horse. My goal is to present your horse as accurately and attractively as possible without misrepresentation.
- Color & Lighting Adjustments: I will enhance lighting, contrast, and colors to ensure the image looks its best while staying true to the horse’s natural appearance.
photo delivery
- Standard Editing Time: Photos are typically delivered within 1-2 weeks after your session.
- Rush Delivery (Additional $100 Fee): If you need your images sooner, expedited editing may be available upon request.
- Peak Season Delays: During busy periods, turnaround times may be slightly longer. Please inquire about current turnaround times when booking if you have a specific deadline in mind.
basic
- 3 edited conformation shots (left full body profile, right full body profile, and headshot)
- 3 edited turn out photos to showcase horse's movement
- printing and social media rights
standard
- 5 edited conformation shots (left full body profile, right full body profile, headshot, direct front, direct rear.)
- 5 edited turn out photos to showcase horse's movement
- 5 edited performance shot (varies by discipline) with or without rider
- printing and social media rights
premium
- 5 edited conformation shots (same poses as standard)
- 5 edited turnout photos to showcase horses movement
- 5 edited performance shot (varies by discipline) with or without rider
- Mini black background/equine portrait photoshoot: 15 minute barn aisle session with 3 digitals
- printing and social media rights
