People looking for horses will often look at the photograph first to see if they are be interested in finding out more about the horse. If the picutre is not impressive or appealing the propective buyer may bypass the horse to look at others. A great horse may be overlooked because of a poor picture. Buying or selecting a horse from a photograph is very difficult so you need to show your horse at its best to allow the buyer a good first look or impression.

For the BC Miniature Horse Website classified section photographs need to be digital and a small file size not larger than 40KB. and preferably about 20KB. A resolution of 72 dpi is all that is required for web photographs. If you were printing pictures from digital cameras you would want a higher resolution such as 300 dpi.

1. When taking a photograph of your horse take a close up shot with the horse as the main object in the picture. It needs to be the focus of the picture without people or other animals in the shot.
2. Set your horse up so it is standing square with its head up (preferably with its ears forward) Stand the horse on level ground.
3. Take the photograph square on also.
4. It is best to take a picture of a clipped horse but this is not always possible so be sure the horse is as clean as possible
5. Take the pictures showing the best side of the horse
6. The following site has some excellent hints even though it's aimed at stallions the hints work for all horses. http://www.stallionsofcanada.com/Articles/taking_photos.htm

Here are more good hints from The Miniature Horse.com Website: http://www.theminiaturehorse.com/article/marketingmini.htm

Giving it a Go - Professional photography not in your budget? Not a problem. For those who must operate on a smaller budget here are some tips on how to get the best photos on your own:HORSE: Professional or novice, the same rules apply for preparing your horse. Groom as necessary, paying close attention to white areas and make-up. Do not overuse sheens or gels.

SETTING: Again, the same rules apply. Make sure the scenery is uncluttered and prepared. Flora and fauna are nice but not if they overwhelm and distract from the main focus, the horse. Make sure stationary objects are at least 20-35 feet away from the horse.

EQUIPMENT: Know your film. Follow the manufacturer's advice for film speed usage. Always use a reputable photo developer.Film Speed Tips
100 - Best when used outdoors in bright light conditions; recommended for still photographs.
200 - All-purpose film for general shots, light action, and bright outdoor light.
300 - Best when used for action shots and for inside photographs that require a flash.
If using a digital camera, check with your publication to make sure your camera meets their mechanical standards. (i.e. Miniature Horse World requires 300 dpi (dots per inch) on digital photography)
Lighting - Avoid shooting outdoors during the middle of the day since overhead sun creates harsh, dark shadows. Early morning and late afternoon sunlight will reduce harsh shadows and make colors and lines stand out. Use a flash when necessary, especially indoor and even outdoors if there are shadows.

Always remember that it could take several pictures, even several rolls of film to get that "perfect shot" - keep shooting (One good thing about digital cameras you can easily take lots of pictures and quickly see the results)

AMHA Official Registration Pictures (photographs for registering horses)
-How to Avoid Problems With Your Paperwork- One of the major problems the AMHA Registration Department faces when trying to complete a registration, transfer of ownership or status chance is the lack of or poor quality of photographs submitted. Ill-suited photographs cannot be used for registration purposes and force AMHA to place the document in a pending file until new photographs can be obtained. No photographs, not enough photographs, and poor photographs keep you from receiving your paperwork in a timely manner.
So, whether this is your first or umpteenth set of photographs submitted for registration, transfers of ownership, or status change, here are a few quick guidelines to make sure your photographs are as registration-proof as possible:
All applications for registration, transfers of ownership, and temporary to permanent status must be accompanies by:
Option 1: Four current color photographs showing all head, leg, and body markings.
Photo 1: Left side with all four feet visible.
Photo 2: Right side with all four feet visible.
Photo 3 & 4: Head facing into the camera with entire flat of the face visible and forelock pulled completely aside.
OR Option 2: Two current color photographs showing all head, leg, and body markings.
Photo 1: Left side with all four feet visible and head facing into the camera with entire flat of face visible and forelock pulled completely to the side.
Photo 2: Right side with all four feet visible and head facing into the camera with entire flat of face visible and forelock pulled completely to the side.

AMHA Registration Photo Checklist
SIZING - Photos should be no smaller than three by three inches (3x3). Horse's image must be 80 percent (80%) of the photo. Horse's image should be limited to only that specific horse (no groupings). Do not trim photographs.
QUALITY - Avoid these common mistakes:
- Submitting photo of foal nursing, with its head down grazing, in a feed bucket, or standing in hay, a field or pasture.
- Photos that clearly show all four feet are best.
- Avoid photographs that are too light or too dark.
- AMHA needs good clear photographs of the horse's color during different stages.
- Digital photographs are only accepted IF printed on photographic paper.
TRANSFER NOTE - ALWAYS compare very carefully the horse your are purchasing with the photograph of the horse on the certificate. ALWAYS make sure to include photographs of all markings when sending in transfers of ownership.

Websites with further hints:
http://www.stallionsofcanada.com/Articles/photo_set-up.htm
http://www.moniteausaddleclub.com/taking_pictures.htm
http://www.newrider.com/Library/Misc_Tips/photograph_horse.html