The Perfect Picture

In this 'The Showing Journal' Magazine feature, our HQ Ambassador Katie Jerram-Hunnable discusses how to achieve that all-important advert photo.

Whether you are standing your horse up before a judge, or posing it to achieve that all-important photo to advertise him for sale, there are many things to consider. Every horse has his strong and weak points, and knowing how to make the best of what you have is crucial.

Katie Jerram-Hunnable has been a top showing producer for over 40 years, she has claimed championships at every county show in the country. Katie was supreme at Horse of the Year Show in 2011 on her parents, Mike and Jill Jerram’s lightweight hunter Dunbeacon. Katie has experienced every aspect of how to present the perfect picture and understands the key to highlighting each horse’s best attributes.

‘Standing a horse up for photography, or in the ring for the judge, is very much the same,’ explained Katie. ‘Every horse has its strengths and weaknesses, and some are more photogenic than others. The pose where all four legs are clearly visible can take time to perfect, as can how they stand with their head and neck in the most pleasing way.’ “A picture is worth a thousand words,” has never rung truer than in the world of horse sales. Scroll through HorseQuest and you’ll notice a pattern: it’s the image — not the words — that stop you mid-scroll. Before breeding, record, or temperament are even considered, it’s the photograph that sparks interest — or sends a buyer on to the next advert. ‘You don’t need a professional photoshoot to achieve a saleworthy image,’ adds Katie. ‘With a bit of forethought and practice, a smartphone can suffice. With a tidy yard and a little planning, you can create a striking, professional-looking photograph from home. The same principles below will ensure that when you come to present your horse in the ring — for conformation judging — you will also get it right.’

Let’s begin with what NOT to do…. When a photo undermines the horse.

This is the same cob as in the image at the beginning of the article - but there is a lot that isn’t perfect about this image. The basic criteria of all four legs being visible and a nice plain background have been ticked, but the horse is looking down, which makes his neck look shorter. Also, he has a noseband which is too narrow and it makes his head look rather plain. Furthermore, his two legs closest to the viewer should be the farthest apart, as this creates a balanced impression of the horse and provides the most flattering stance conformationally. This is equally important in the ring, when being assessed by a conformation judge.

Some common mistakes include:

• The horse standing square at the front, hiding the outline of all four legs

• Sloping ground, which distorts proportions and makes the horse appear “downhill”

• Cluttered backgrounds — wheelbarrows, buckets, open doors — which distract the eye

• Poor contrast between horse and backdrop

• A horse that looks dirty, un-trimmed or disengaged

• Add to that flat ears or a resting hind leg and the result is a pose or photograph that fails to do justice to the animal’s true quality

Creating the correct image

'The difference between an average photo and an exceptional one often comes down to preparation and positioning,’ continues Katie. If possible, you need three helpers: one to hold the horse, one to take the photograph, and one to attract the horse’s attention. Photograph the horse from the left-hand side in full profile, with the body positioned at a true 90-degree angle to the camera. This is essential for presenting the horse’s conformation at its best.

In the image above, which is technically correct, the saddle is too far forward and the horse has his front legs too underneath him. Choose level ground, as even a slight slope can distort proportions and misrepresent balance. In the next image the horse has his feet on unlevel ground, the stable doors cut his frame and his head is slightly raised which makes his front appear shorter.

Choosing the right setting

Simplicity is key. The location itself matters less than what’s behind the horse. A clean hedge, arena fence, or plain wall works beautifully. Remove buckets, move wheelbarrows, close stable doors — anything that draws the eye away from the subject should go. Consider contrast. A bay horse against a dark wooden wall will disappear visually as seen below:

Neutral greenery often complements most coat colours and enhances definition. Lighting is equally important. Natural daylight, preferably on a bright but not harshly sunny day, will give you the clearest and most flattering result. If shooting indoors, ensure there is sufficient natural light. Stand close enough to fill the image with the horse, but leave a little breathing space around the edges. This allows flexibility for cropping and ensures the photograph sits neatly within advert layouts. Avoid shooting from too far away. The horse should be the clear focal point — not a small figure lost in its surroundings.

In this image above, his conformation is presented well. He has an alert, but calm look and you can see all four limbs. But the horse is leaning forward, which makes his forehand look heavy and his expression is a little wary.

The final result - a pleasing photo of a lovely horse:

The final touch

‘Correct trimming has a huge impact and can really make a horse,’ adds Katie. ‘Study the horses conformation and trim according to that and his type.’ Once you’ve captured that perfect shot, if you aim to upload to HorseQuest, don’t undo the hard work by compressing the image. Always upload or send the file in its original resolution. A sharp, high-quality image reinforces professionalism and ensures your advert looks its best. Remember, whilst one excellent photograph will capture attention, HorseQuest adverts also include video — allowing prospective buyers to see the horse in action.

It may take patience, a few attempts and perhaps a handful of carrots, but the result is worth it. After all, in a competitive marketplace, one great photograph can be the difference between being overlooked and receiving that all-important enquiry

‘When I advertise my horses I find that including the price stops a lot of enquiries from people who just want to ascertain if the horse is in their price bracket,’ continues Katie. ‘Everyone wants the best they can afford, but without a price, people cant judge this. I also include several videos — which Horsequest include at no extra charge — as most people ask for them these days.

I would say that if you are interested, just call the seller for more information, rather than having to text question after question. The other thing to remember is to look beyond a photo that isn’t perfect as you may discover your next superstar. Good luck and happy buying and selling.’

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With thanks to HorseQuest Ambassador Katie Jerram-Hunnable and the Showing Journal team for this article.