Entering a photo show can be a fun and rewarding part of the model horse hobby. They have the advantage of being quick and easy to enter with many being completely free to take part in. Digital photography and online shows also mean that you can enter the same picture into multiple shows at the same time.
If you are new to the hobby sometimes these things can seem a little daunting and confusing but this guide should help prompt you on the way. It is always worth making sure that you carefully read the rules and information about the show you are entering first as this guide is very general. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask the show host as they will usually be more than happy to help you out.
If you are new to the hobby sometimes these things can seem a little daunting and confusing but this guide should help prompt you on the way. It is always worth making sure that you carefully read the rules and information about the show you are entering first as this guide is very general. If you have any questions don't be afraid to ask the show host as they will usually be more than happy to help you out.
Photo shows are available for all types of model horses (and donkeys)
Online Shows
The vast majority of modern photo shows are run online. These are usually pretty easy to set up and are quick and easy to enter. Many are completely free or ask for only a small entry fee to cover the cost of prizes. The preferred method for running these shows has changed over time and will probably evolve further over time. Below I've discussed some of the more common methods but by far the most common method nowadays is Facebook. Facebook has the advantage that groups can easily be found and shows entered but obviously does require that you are signed up for an account and also means that entrants are not anonymous in the way they can be for other sites.
Facebook Shows
Facebook shows are one of the most popular ways to run photo shows. They are quite often free to enter and are quick and easy to do so. Most shows are held through Facebook groups. Within the group you will usually find the rules and information in the 'files' section and then the albums to enter your horses into in the 'photos' section. For each class there will be an album and you can then upload your entries into that album. You can write the information needed into the description for each photograph.
Some shows may also be run through Facebook Pages. There are two ways of doing this, the first is to ask entrants to message the page with the photographs they would like to enter and the relevant information. The second is to ask entrants to comment underneath a post or album with the photographs they would like to enter into it. These can be a little more time consuming and fussy but have the advantage that they are public and you do not need to be a member of any particular group. This is often a common method for running competitions or shows with one or two categories (such as a special Christmas themed photo competition). Again you will need to make sure you provide the host with all the required information and, when entering multiple pictures, make sure it is clear what information goes with what picture.
Facebook shows can be judged in two ways. The first is the traditional form of judging where one person judges the entries and announces the results (or several people, different judges for different classes). The second is to use a voting based system. I introduced this system into my Popular Votes Photoshows Series many years ago but it has been around for about as long as Facebook! This will encourage users to 'like' or 'comment' underneath the pictures they want to see win. This can be done in a group or on a Facebook page. Sometimes entrants may message in their entries and then an album is created for all the entries making them anonymous. If you enter these types of shows make sure to vote as well, without your votes they couldn't run so it is important to take part in both aspects.
Facebook shows obviously require you to have a Facebook account. There is unfortunately no way round this if you do not wish to use Facebook for model horse things or simply do not wish to have a Facebook account. If you are too young to have an account you could see if a parent or guardian will enter on your behalf. Some shows may allow you to email your entries in as well so these are worth looking out for.
Image Hosting Sites
Once the most common way to host online photo shows these are becoming less prevalent nowadays. One of the main reasons for this is that the favourite site used, Photobucket, became almost impossible to use. Nowadays other hosting sites are often used instead and these will vary depending on the wishes of the show host.
The way these shows work is similar to that of a Facebook group show. There will be various albums for the different classes within the show. Each entrant will be given the username and password for the account and will then login and upload their pictures into the relevant albums. In the description for each picture you will put the required information for the show.
These shows are good in that they are quite an organised way of doing things and can also allow entrants to be anonymous. They are also open to all and usually don't require you to sign up to anything. Many photo show series are run through these sites as they are easier to manage long term.
Email Shows
Email shows are a more modern version of the way photo shows used to be run before the internet, the difference being that instead of posting the pictures you email them to the show host. These shows are less common as they can be quite time consuming to run and enter but are a good alternative to online uploading sites.
To enter these you will need the email address of the show host and also information about how to format and title your email. It's important to read the rules carefully as with any other show and also make it clear which photograph goes with which piece of information. You may also need to compress images down if you have limits on the size of the attachments you can send.
Most shows will require you to give your email a particular title, it is important to do this so the host can identify it as show entries. They will also usually ask you to make it clear which photograph goes with which information by listing the file name next to it. For example if my photo was entitled DSC_0129 I would need to put that next to my horse's name etc:
DSC_0129 : CRS God's Nector : Palomino : Shetland : Stallion : CM : C Harris
This type of photo show lends itself to smaller competitions with less entries. You will often find photo competitions with themes or smaller photo shows using email rather than much larger shows. One of the problems for the show host is storing and organising the images as mail boxes can quickly fill up with high quality image files.
Instagram Shows
Instagram is obviously designed for photography and has become really popular with the model horse community. It does not lend itself to organised photo shows in the way Facebook does but it can be used to enter shows or to run smaller photo competitions.
Instagram shows will usually require you to upload your image with a particular 'hashtag' in the description (for example #CRGrandPhotoShow2018), they may also require you to tag the host account (e.g. @chestnutridgemodelhorses). You will usually have to put some information in the description as with any other photo show.
Instagram shows may have quite strict rules on the use of filters or may have no rules about filter use at all. It is worth checking these before uploading any of your images. The advantage of Instagram shows is that they create some form of a level playing field as most will have to use a phone camera to upload the images. However, if you have images on your computer that you wish to enter there are ways of doing this, from putting them on your phone, emailing them to yourself or using paid for software that allows you to add Instagram posts from your computer.
Other Formats
There are so many different ways of running online photo shows that it is impossible to list them all. From forum posts to YouTube videos wherever there is a model horse community there will be photo shows. For nearly every format the premise remains the same, read the rules, check how to enter, enter the images and make sure you label them correctly.
Facebook Shows
Facebook shows are one of the most popular ways to run photo shows. They are quite often free to enter and are quick and easy to do so. Most shows are held through Facebook groups. Within the group you will usually find the rules and information in the 'files' section and then the albums to enter your horses into in the 'photos' section. For each class there will be an album and you can then upload your entries into that album. You can write the information needed into the description for each photograph.
Some shows may also be run through Facebook Pages. There are two ways of doing this, the first is to ask entrants to message the page with the photographs they would like to enter and the relevant information. The second is to ask entrants to comment underneath a post or album with the photographs they would like to enter into it. These can be a little more time consuming and fussy but have the advantage that they are public and you do not need to be a member of any particular group. This is often a common method for running competitions or shows with one or two categories (such as a special Christmas themed photo competition). Again you will need to make sure you provide the host with all the required information and, when entering multiple pictures, make sure it is clear what information goes with what picture.
Facebook shows can be judged in two ways. The first is the traditional form of judging where one person judges the entries and announces the results (or several people, different judges for different classes). The second is to use a voting based system. I introduced this system into my Popular Votes Photoshows Series many years ago but it has been around for about as long as Facebook! This will encourage users to 'like' or 'comment' underneath the pictures they want to see win. This can be done in a group or on a Facebook page. Sometimes entrants may message in their entries and then an album is created for all the entries making them anonymous. If you enter these types of shows make sure to vote as well, without your votes they couldn't run so it is important to take part in both aspects.
Facebook shows obviously require you to have a Facebook account. There is unfortunately no way round this if you do not wish to use Facebook for model horse things or simply do not wish to have a Facebook account. If you are too young to have an account you could see if a parent or guardian will enter on your behalf. Some shows may allow you to email your entries in as well so these are worth looking out for.
Image Hosting Sites
Once the most common way to host online photo shows these are becoming less prevalent nowadays. One of the main reasons for this is that the favourite site used, Photobucket, became almost impossible to use. Nowadays other hosting sites are often used instead and these will vary depending on the wishes of the show host.
The way these shows work is similar to that of a Facebook group show. There will be various albums for the different classes within the show. Each entrant will be given the username and password for the account and will then login and upload their pictures into the relevant albums. In the description for each picture you will put the required information for the show.
These shows are good in that they are quite an organised way of doing things and can also allow entrants to be anonymous. They are also open to all and usually don't require you to sign up to anything. Many photo show series are run through these sites as they are easier to manage long term.
Email Shows
Email shows are a more modern version of the way photo shows used to be run before the internet, the difference being that instead of posting the pictures you email them to the show host. These shows are less common as they can be quite time consuming to run and enter but are a good alternative to online uploading sites.
To enter these you will need the email address of the show host and also information about how to format and title your email. It's important to read the rules carefully as with any other show and also make it clear which photograph goes with which piece of information. You may also need to compress images down if you have limits on the size of the attachments you can send.
Most shows will require you to give your email a particular title, it is important to do this so the host can identify it as show entries. They will also usually ask you to make it clear which photograph goes with which information by listing the file name next to it. For example if my photo was entitled DSC_0129 I would need to put that next to my horse's name etc:
DSC_0129 : CRS God's Nector : Palomino : Shetland : Stallion : CM : C Harris
This type of photo show lends itself to smaller competitions with less entries. You will often find photo competitions with themes or smaller photo shows using email rather than much larger shows. One of the problems for the show host is storing and organising the images as mail boxes can quickly fill up with high quality image files.
Instagram Shows
Instagram is obviously designed for photography and has become really popular with the model horse community. It does not lend itself to organised photo shows in the way Facebook does but it can be used to enter shows or to run smaller photo competitions.
Instagram shows will usually require you to upload your image with a particular 'hashtag' in the description (for example #CRGrandPhotoShow2018), they may also require you to tag the host account (e.g. @chestnutridgemodelhorses). You will usually have to put some information in the description as with any other photo show.
Instagram shows may have quite strict rules on the use of filters or may have no rules about filter use at all. It is worth checking these before uploading any of your images. The advantage of Instagram shows is that they create some form of a level playing field as most will have to use a phone camera to upload the images. However, if you have images on your computer that you wish to enter there are ways of doing this, from putting them on your phone, emailing them to yourself or using paid for software that allows you to add Instagram posts from your computer.
Other Formats
There are so many different ways of running online photo shows that it is impossible to list them all. From forum posts to YouTube videos wherever there is a model horse community there will be photo shows. For nearly every format the premise remains the same, read the rules, check how to enter, enter the images and make sure you label them correctly.
Online photo shows are often free and quick to enter
Postal Shows
I am concerned that I am turning into a bit of a grumpy old woman with the amount of times I've written about how much I miss the good old days when you sent off your pictures and got a letter back in the post months later with your certificates attached, but it's true, I really do miss that. Postal photo shows were fun because you never knew when your results were coming, but they were also expensive to enter on a very regular basis and there were simply less of them. Online shows are cheap to enter and there are hundreds, making them great fun but it would be nice to see more postal ones now and again.
Printed Pictures
Postal photo shows obviously require one really key element: a printed image. Nowadays you are more likely to be shooting in digital than film (in fact films are incredibly expensive now, trust me, I still use a film camera quite a lot) but strangely they are much cheaper to get printed. Once the monopoly of needing to get your films printed to actually see the results had gone photo printing companies started to heavily compete leading to low prices, free offers and the chance to easily get hundreds of images of your model horses printed.
Most photo printing companies are much of a muchness and most offer some form of free introductory offer. It is worth looking at these as it is a great way to get started with your image printing. Although a 200 free prints offer may prove quite tough to fill! It is recommended you get standard sized photographs as you will have to pay to post them.
You can of course also try printing your images at home. Most printers have compatible photo paper for you to print onto and you can also buy proper photograph printers from various companies. In theory you could even use some form of Polaroid printing although these tend to be less high in quality and quite expensive so not ideal for the model horse photo show. If you are printing at home it is worth investing in proper photographic paper rather than just printing onto a sheet of A4.
Entering
Entering a postal photo show will require you to send off your images. The first thing you will need to do is label each picture. This is done on the back of the photograph. I would recommend that you write the information on a sticky label and then stick it on so that your pen doesn't make marks that show through to the other side of the image (photographic paper can also be hard to write on). Write the information that won't change (horse's name, your name, breed, colour, gender, finish) in pen. Any information that will change from show to show (section and class) should be written in pencil. That way it can be rubbed out and altered for the next show.
Once you have chosen all your pictures and labelled them correctly it is now time to send them off. Be considerate and put them in class order as this will make it easier for the show host to organise them at the other end. Now pop them all into an envelope along with anything else you need to include (such as information about your return address, a SAE, entry fees etc.). For most entries you are going to need to use large letter postage as they will be too thick to fit through as standard letters. It is best to take them to the Post Office to check as large letter stamps only cover up to a certain weight.
For extra security you may wish to send them signed for if you are concerned they will get lost.
Photo Returns
Before entering the show read the rules to see exactly how your photographs will be returned to you. Most shows will ask you to include a stamped, addressed, envelope. Make sure that this is correctly labelled with your address and has the correct amount of postage on it.
Other shows may ask that you include a fee to return the photographs. This is often a good option because the inclusion of certificates can increase the weight of the letter and may increase costs. If there are prizes awarded the show host may ask for a contribution towards the return postage of prizes but all of this will have been made clear in the rules.
Printed Pictures
Postal photo shows obviously require one really key element: a printed image. Nowadays you are more likely to be shooting in digital than film (in fact films are incredibly expensive now, trust me, I still use a film camera quite a lot) but strangely they are much cheaper to get printed. Once the monopoly of needing to get your films printed to actually see the results had gone photo printing companies started to heavily compete leading to low prices, free offers and the chance to easily get hundreds of images of your model horses printed.
Most photo printing companies are much of a muchness and most offer some form of free introductory offer. It is worth looking at these as it is a great way to get started with your image printing. Although a 200 free prints offer may prove quite tough to fill! It is recommended you get standard sized photographs as you will have to pay to post them.
You can of course also try printing your images at home. Most printers have compatible photo paper for you to print onto and you can also buy proper photograph printers from various companies. In theory you could even use some form of Polaroid printing although these tend to be less high in quality and quite expensive so not ideal for the model horse photo show. If you are printing at home it is worth investing in proper photographic paper rather than just printing onto a sheet of A4.
Entering
Entering a postal photo show will require you to send off your images. The first thing you will need to do is label each picture. This is done on the back of the photograph. I would recommend that you write the information on a sticky label and then stick it on so that your pen doesn't make marks that show through to the other side of the image (photographic paper can also be hard to write on). Write the information that won't change (horse's name, your name, breed, colour, gender, finish) in pen. Any information that will change from show to show (section and class) should be written in pencil. That way it can be rubbed out and altered for the next show.
Once you have chosen all your pictures and labelled them correctly it is now time to send them off. Be considerate and put them in class order as this will make it easier for the show host to organise them at the other end. Now pop them all into an envelope along with anything else you need to include (such as information about your return address, a SAE, entry fees etc.). For most entries you are going to need to use large letter postage as they will be too thick to fit through as standard letters. It is best to take them to the Post Office to check as large letter stamps only cover up to a certain weight.
For extra security you may wish to send them signed for if you are concerned they will get lost.
Photo Returns
Before entering the show read the rules to see exactly how your photographs will be returned to you. Most shows will ask you to include a stamped, addressed, envelope. Make sure that this is correctly labelled with your address and has the correct amount of postage on it.
Other shows may ask that you include a fee to return the photographs. This is often a good option because the inclusion of certificates can increase the weight of the letter and may increase costs. If there are prizes awarded the show host may ask for a contribution towards the return postage of prizes but all of this will have been made clear in the rules.
Printed pictures can often be purchased cheaply or even for free online
Photo Information
In order to properly judge a photograph the host will require certain information from you about your horse or entry. This is just the same as with a live show, although some extra information may be needed for photo shows.
Horse's Name
The reason for this is quite obvious, how will the results make any sense if the judge does not know the name of the horse! If you photo show a lot it is worth using a prefix (these can be registered to ensure nobody else uses the same one, for the BECF list please click here) as it will make it clear in results whose horse is whose if they have similar names.
Breed
For in hand (breed) classes in order to judge your horse the judge will need to know its breed. You can choose any breed you like to assign to your horse but make sure that you do some research first to check it suits your model. A good starting place is the breed the model was sold as.
Performance Discipline
If you are entering a performance class the judge needs to know what your photograph is attempting to portray. This is the 'discipline' of the entry. As well as what it is doing (e.g. Cross Country) it is worth making it clear what level (e.g. CCI**) and what element (e.g. water jump). At real live shows we may include patterns for things such as Halter Showmanship, this isn't always possible for photo shows but you can get around this with a clear description of the element (e.g. Element 3. Jog to 2nd cone).
Colour
Not all shows will ask for this but some may. If you are entering colour classes then this may be asked for instead of the horse's breed. Colour and workmanship classes may be judged on how well the horse represents that particular colour so this information can be important. For unusual coloured horses or horses that are unusual colours for the breed this information can also be helpful for the judge.
Gender
Breed standards vary depending on the gender of the horse, stallions, bluntly do look different from mares and geldings in most breeds. It is therefore important to include information about gender to help the judge in judging your horse.
Finish
Most shows will ask for the finish of the horse (e.g. original finish, custom finish etc.). This is again to help in judging but it also acts as a double check if the judge suspects the entry is in the wrong class.
Your Name
Finally your name. Some shows may have a registration system where you use a number instead of your name (TOPSA is a good example of this) so check first what is required. If you are entering a Facebook show it is worth putting this anyway even if your profile is associated with the picture as the name on your profile may not be your actual name.
Horse's Name
The reason for this is quite obvious, how will the results make any sense if the judge does not know the name of the horse! If you photo show a lot it is worth using a prefix (these can be registered to ensure nobody else uses the same one, for the BECF list please click here) as it will make it clear in results whose horse is whose if they have similar names.
Breed
For in hand (breed) classes in order to judge your horse the judge will need to know its breed. You can choose any breed you like to assign to your horse but make sure that you do some research first to check it suits your model. A good starting place is the breed the model was sold as.
Performance Discipline
If you are entering a performance class the judge needs to know what your photograph is attempting to portray. This is the 'discipline' of the entry. As well as what it is doing (e.g. Cross Country) it is worth making it clear what level (e.g. CCI**) and what element (e.g. water jump). At real live shows we may include patterns for things such as Halter Showmanship, this isn't always possible for photo shows but you can get around this with a clear description of the element (e.g. Element 3. Jog to 2nd cone).
Colour
Not all shows will ask for this but some may. If you are entering colour classes then this may be asked for instead of the horse's breed. Colour and workmanship classes may be judged on how well the horse represents that particular colour so this information can be important. For unusual coloured horses or horses that are unusual colours for the breed this information can also be helpful for the judge.
Gender
Breed standards vary depending on the gender of the horse, stallions, bluntly do look different from mares and geldings in most breeds. It is therefore important to include information about gender to help the judge in judging your horse.
Finish
Most shows will ask for the finish of the horse (e.g. original finish, custom finish etc.). This is again to help in judging but it also acts as a double check if the judge suspects the entry is in the wrong class.
Your Name
Finally your name. Some shows may have a registration system where you use a number instead of your name (TOPSA is a good example of this) so check first what is required. If you are entering a Facebook show it is worth putting this anyway even if your profile is associated with the picture as the name on your profile may not be your actual name.
Check the entry information to ensure you include all the information required and in the correct format
Common Rules
Every show is different and will have its own unique set of rules that you should read and follow. The first thing you should do when joining any new photo show group or competition is to read the rules carefully and make sure you have understood them. I have put down a few common rules below to help you get a flavour of the kinds of things you will see and why they are there.
Entry Limits
Most shows will have some form of entry limit. It is pretty common sense why. Without an entry limit shows would be huge and take days to judge. Entry limits will vary from show to show but in my experience five or six entries per class is the most common.
Horse Can Only Enter One Breed/Colour Class
Again if you think about it this makes sense. Your horse cannot be two breeds (some pedant is going to make a point about dual registration here but they can bug off they know what I mean). You should only be entering your horse into one breed class (e.g. Arabian) and one colour class (e.g. Bay).
Horse's can enter more than one performance class but you shouldn't enter the same photograph twice. For example you may have a Quarter Horse called Bob who is entered in Western Trail and Western Pleasure. But you must use a different picture of Bob for each one.
No Deleting of Other People's Pictures
It makes me sad that this is even a rule but I have seen this happen and sadly it does. It goes without saying that deleting other people's pictures is cheating. Don't do it. Ever.
Don't Vote For Yourself
Again another obvious one really, if entering a show that is voted for by popular votes you can't vote for yourself.
You Must Own The Horse in the Picture
Not all shows will have this rule. Back when most shows were postal people owned the photographs as well as the horses and may enter pictures for horses they no longer own. However, most online shows will now insist you own the horse and many postal ones will as well.
It Must Be Your Own Photograph
This never really used to be a rule, people would often pay others to photograph their models for them. However, the internet has changed things somewhat. It is very easy to go onto Google steal images off someone else and show them as your own. Therefore most online shows will add this rule and disqualify those who are showing stolen images.
No Editing
Again this is a rule that will vary from show to show and has really come about as a results of the internet. Some shows will allow any form of editing, some minor editing such as cropping and others will have a blanket black and white rule. In my own shows I don't allow editing as I want to see natural photographic skill and create a fair playing field (photo editing software can be expensive), I do, however, allow watermarks.
Good Sportsmanship
Most shows will have some form of good sportsmanship rule. As with most model horse things this is simply a case of being decent to other entrants and respecting the decisions of the show hosts and judges even if you don't agree with them. Every show is different, if you don't like the way a particular show is being run then don't enter it.
Entry Limits
Most shows will have some form of entry limit. It is pretty common sense why. Without an entry limit shows would be huge and take days to judge. Entry limits will vary from show to show but in my experience five or six entries per class is the most common.
Horse Can Only Enter One Breed/Colour Class
Again if you think about it this makes sense. Your horse cannot be two breeds (some pedant is going to make a point about dual registration here but they can bug off they know what I mean). You should only be entering your horse into one breed class (e.g. Arabian) and one colour class (e.g. Bay).
Horse's can enter more than one performance class but you shouldn't enter the same photograph twice. For example you may have a Quarter Horse called Bob who is entered in Western Trail and Western Pleasure. But you must use a different picture of Bob for each one.
No Deleting of Other People's Pictures
It makes me sad that this is even a rule but I have seen this happen and sadly it does. It goes without saying that deleting other people's pictures is cheating. Don't do it. Ever.
Don't Vote For Yourself
Again another obvious one really, if entering a show that is voted for by popular votes you can't vote for yourself.
You Must Own The Horse in the Picture
Not all shows will have this rule. Back when most shows were postal people owned the photographs as well as the horses and may enter pictures for horses they no longer own. However, most online shows will now insist you own the horse and many postal ones will as well.
It Must Be Your Own Photograph
This never really used to be a rule, people would often pay others to photograph their models for them. However, the internet has changed things somewhat. It is very easy to go onto Google steal images off someone else and show them as your own. Therefore most online shows will add this rule and disqualify those who are showing stolen images.
No Editing
Again this is a rule that will vary from show to show and has really come about as a results of the internet. Some shows will allow any form of editing, some minor editing such as cropping and others will have a blanket black and white rule. In my own shows I don't allow editing as I want to see natural photographic skill and create a fair playing field (photo editing software can be expensive), I do, however, allow watermarks.
Good Sportsmanship
Most shows will have some form of good sportsmanship rule. As with most model horse things this is simply a case of being decent to other entrants and respecting the decisions of the show hosts and judges even if you don't agree with them. Every show is different, if you don't like the way a particular show is being run then don't enter it.
The rules for each show will vary but most will centre around making it fair for every entrant
Sections and Classes
There is a far more detailed section on this website about where to enter your horses in both live and photo shows so this won't be massively detailed but should help you on your way to getting your entries in the correct place.
Breed
The breed section is an in hand section with the classes split by breed. Classes may be specific such as 'Arabian' or more general such as 'European Light Horse'. You should enter your horse into the class for its breed.
Colour
Many photo shows have in hand sections that are split by colour instead of breed. Just like breed classes these could be specific (e.g. bay) or more general (e.g. other dilute). You should enter your horse into the class that best matches its colour (some may in theory be able to go into two, such as a bay sabino that could fall under either 'bay' or 'sabino'. In this instance I would go with sabino rather than bay as there is a particular class for sabinos).
Performance
Performance classes are for horses shown in performance are shown with tack and riders (some shows may make riders mandatory and some not). These will usually be split by discipline, these could be specific e.g. Cross Country or more general e.g. Jumping.
Fun
Many photo shows will also have a fun section. There are often classes for different genders (e.g. Prettiest Mare) as well as classes for more artistic pictures (e.g. Most Realistic Shot). These can be great fun to enter and allow you to use your imagination.
Finishes
Like live shows many photo shows are split by finish. For a very detailed description of the various finishes of model horses and information on where your horse should go please see here.
Breed
The breed section is an in hand section with the classes split by breed. Classes may be specific such as 'Arabian' or more general such as 'European Light Horse'. You should enter your horse into the class for its breed.
Colour
Many photo shows have in hand sections that are split by colour instead of breed. Just like breed classes these could be specific (e.g. bay) or more general (e.g. other dilute). You should enter your horse into the class that best matches its colour (some may in theory be able to go into two, such as a bay sabino that could fall under either 'bay' or 'sabino'. In this instance I would go with sabino rather than bay as there is a particular class for sabinos).
Performance
Performance classes are for horses shown in performance are shown with tack and riders (some shows may make riders mandatory and some not). These will usually be split by discipline, these could be specific e.g. Cross Country or more general e.g. Jumping.
Fun
Many photo shows will also have a fun section. There are often classes for different genders (e.g. Prettiest Mare) as well as classes for more artistic pictures (e.g. Most Realistic Shot). These can be great fun to enter and allow you to use your imagination.
Finishes
Like live shows many photo shows are split by finish. For a very detailed description of the various finishes of model horses and information on where your horse should go please see here.