Photo Showing is a great part of the hobby to get involved with, all you need is a model horse and a camera. The advent of the internet means that there are hundreds of free to enter shows for you to try and all from the comfort of your own sofa.
A photo show is essentially just that, a show in which you enter photographs of your models. Your photograph and model are then judged and results posted. They come in two types: online and postal. The most common nowadays are online photo shows. These vary from free to enter shows to paid to enter shows with prizes and even show series where you can earn points and enter championships.
A photo show is essentially just that, a show in which you enter photographs of your models. Your photograph and model are then judged and results posted. They come in two types: online and postal. The most common nowadays are online photo shows. These vary from free to enter shows to paid to enter shows with prizes and even show series where you can earn points and enter championships.
You don't need anything fancy to start creating photo show pictures. This scene features some plastic trees, some broken branches, a printed backdrop and fake snow
Taking a Photo Show Picture
It goes without saying that before you can even think about entering a photo show you are going to need to take a picture of your model horses! There are loads of different ways you can do this and no one way is better or worse than another. Find something that suits you, both in terms of your own artistic tastes but also the resources you have available to you. Below are a few top tips and suggestions for taking a picture that you can use to help you create your first photoshow pictures.
The Basics
The base of any good photo show picture, no matter how you take it, is a clear image that shows off your model horse to the best of its abilities. You will need to think about the positioning of the horse, the lighting and the background to ensure he is the prime focus of the picture and looks his best.
Positioning
Think about how you would judge a model horse for its conformation, what do you need to see? Well at a live show the judge can inspect the horse from all angles to check everything is in proportion and correct. Obviously that isn't possible in a photo show, so how best should you show the horse off? You need to show the judge as much of the horse as possible whilst at the same time attempting to reduce the impact of any flaws and highlight positives. Side on is the usual way to take a photograph and is definitely the most effective. This allows the judge to see as much of the model as possible and get a clear idea of how it looks.
Some models have very weird positions and may require different angles to show them off as much as possible or to ensure that most of the photograph is in focus. Not all models lend themselves to photoshowing, turned heads or weird twisted positions like rolling can be hard to capture to show off your model as well as it would at a live show. Play around with such models, taking pictures from different angles to see what works best for that model.
Your model also needs to be the main focus of the image. Your image will look a lot more balanced if the model is in the centre and positioned a reasonable distance from any distracting objects. This will ensure that they are blurred and your horse stands out. Afterall it is him you are photographing not any props or backgrounds!
Light
Photography is all about light, that is what they will teach you on any photography course and in any book on photography and model horse photography is no different. The light can make a huge impact on your picture and really effect the look of your model. Just as people may position their horses on a particular side of a table at a live show to get the best light for their model the same can be done in photography.
On a very basic level your image obviously doesn't want to be too light or too dark. If the image is dark your model will be obscured and won't be shown off, if it is too light then this could distort the horse's colour and create unnatural shadowing. But the placement of lights and type of light source used could also show off some colours better than others. As with all things it is about experimenting to find out what works best for that model horse.
Shadows are a big issue in model horse photography. First of all you don't want shadows falling on the model and creating strange areas of light and dark. Secondly you don't want the models shadow to fall against something like a backdrop as this will make the image look unrealistic. Obviously a shadow of your pet cat accross the image will also not look realistic! That said shadowing can also be used to create dramatic effects, or add more realism if you position lights correctly.
One of the best lights is natural light, but we don't all have the benefit of dry wind free weather and outside spaces to take pictures. In winter especially you may need to think about using artificial lights. There are numerous different types you can use, from halogen lamps to LEDs. Experiment in different rooms of your house and with different lights you already own before looking at purchasing any professional lights (although these can be purchased quite cheaply) as you may already have something suitable.
It is worth noting that you will find photo shows or special classes for more artistic images. These can be great fun and a real chance to experiment with lighting. I just love the effect of a flash on a glossy model just as I love using LEDs behind a backdrop to create different light effects. Whilst taking your normal pictures experiment with some more artsy shots as you will still find a chance to show these off and they can be very satisfying to create.
Background
Every photo will have some form of background. Whether you choose a realistic backdrop, an image outside or a plain background a decision still has to be made about the look and appearance of your photograph.
The first thing to consider is realism. This is less of a consideration for plain backdrops but when taking images outside or using a picture backdrop this is an important consideration. You don't want any props in your image that are massively out of scale (no plant pots from the garden or pet cats) and equally you want the background to look as if it is in scale and realistic. It also needs to make sense for the photograph, so if you have a Show Jumping entry it would look a little out of place with a natural dessert background.
The next thing to consider is the colour. The colour tone of your background will depend on the colour tone of your model. A chestnut model, for example, will not look as good against an autumnal forest as it will against something like a spring green field. The same is true for plain backgrounds. A black horse will look better against a white backdrop than a black one whilst lighter coloured models may stand out more against darker coloured backgrounds. Experiment with your models and different backgrounds to see which show off your model to the best of its ability.
The Type of Picture
For simplicity I have characterised the type of photo show pictures into three categories:
Outdoors
Background & Scene
Light Box/Tent
There are of course other ways of taking pictures and you can combine the different effects (for example a white sheet hanging over your garden wall can create a plain background photograph) but this is only supposed to be a brief introduction not a full blown essay on the subject!
Outdoors
Outdoors pictures are the cheapest ones to take as all you need are your model and your camera but they can also be one of the hardest to get right. There are many different variables affecting the outdoors photo show picture and you will need to balance all of these to create the perfect shot.
The Weather
The moment we step out the door to take pictures the biggest thing we have to contend with is the weather. You won't notice how windy it actually is until you've attempted to make a Huckleberry Bey stand up for long enough to take a shot! Wind is by far the biggest problem when taking outdoor images, even a slight breeze can cause models to fall over so you will need to think about the day you choose to take your pictures. The location can also influence the amount of wind, if you can find somewhere in your garden that is more sheltered then this may be a better location to choose for your images than one that is more exposed.
Rain is another important factor when taking model horse images. You obviously don't want your model horses getting soaking wet! Water can also make the ground muddy and cause your models to get dirty (again not good) and also make things slippy. It is also worth noting that you will most likely need to lie down to take your pictures and for that reason choosing a dry day (or at least taking a towel) can make things easier for you.
Sun is probably not a factor you will think about initially when wondering how weather can effect model horse photography. But where does your light come from when you are taking pictures outside? The sun of course! Blistering sunshine can create light distortions and heavy shadowing that is not ideal for taking pictures. Try and find a position where the sun is behind you and choose a day where there is slight cloud cover so you don't have heavy bright sunshine.
Other weather conditions can of course affect your photography. Snow can lead to beautiful pictures but it can also cause unique conditions that you need to adapt to. When taking snow pictures choose a time when it is not currently snowing and find somewhere where it is not too deep. You may want to squash it down so that the horse's hooves are not hidden and you have a flat base to work from. If you are lying down to take your images make sure you are wrapped up warm and put a waterproof sheet underneath you, don't spend too long outside, you don't want to catch hypothermia for the sake of a photograph! Conditions such as frost can also create dramatic images but it does melt quickly under hoof so you may only be able to take a couple of images in each spot. Obviously hale is to be avoided (not good) as are heavy storms or any conditions that could cause damage to your models.
The Ground Cover
When we take photo show pictures we want to show off the whole of our horse to the best of its ability in a realistic fashion. That means our choice of ground covering when taking outdoor pictures is important. You will need to choose a terrain that is realistic, doesn't cover the horse's hooves and won't cause any form of damage to your model.
The first and most obvious choice is grass. A grass lawn will look realistic but will need some preparation before you can take your images. Even the most tightly cut lawn will probably be too long for your models (depending on scale) so you will need to get a pair of scissors and trim it down. Trim a large enough area that it doesn't look obviously trimmed in the picture. If it isn't your lawn make sure you get permission first! You don't want any hooves to be hidden and the grass should appear to be as in scale as possible.
Naked earth or dry areas can be very good for photography as they don't require much prep. However, they have the big disadvantage of getting very muddy when it has been raining. A little bit of mud on the bottom of the hooves may wash off some models easily (an OF plastic for example) but it could cause damage to models with more sensitive finishes such as customs or those made from fabric or felt. You also want to make sure that if you need to clean the model afterwards you can do so without any water getting inside if it is a hollow piece such as a Breyer. Just as with grass you need to ensure nothing is obscuring the horse's hooves and also check that any small plants or grass tufts are either realistic looking or removed.
A solid hard surface may be an appealing choice as it is flat and therefore you can balance your model on it easily. Something like paving stones, a table or a wall can all be useful in this regard. However, they can often look out of scale and unrealistic if you can see things such as the gaps between slaps or bricks or the grain of the wood. They may be suited to smaller models in this regard as you could manage a whole picture without seeing one of these flaws. Things such as concrete slabs can also damage the hooves of models so be careful who you choose to photograph. Obviously if one was to blow over the damage on stone paving is going to be far greater than on grass.
The Background
This can be one of the hardest things to get right. There are two important things to consider (1) scale (2) busyness. Both need to work together to create an image that is both realistic and also shows off your model horse to the best of its ability.
The first thing to consider is the scale of the objects behind your model. There are some obvious things to avoid such as plant pots, flowers or garden ornaments that are all going to look out of scale. But other things such as the slats on fence posts, leaves on a bush or even the length of the grass behind the horse can all look out of scale. Try to photograph the horse with a more natural backing that is far enough away that it appears blurred. That way it will be harder to spot that the items are out of scale.
Busyness is also important when thinking about what is behind your model. The horse should be the main focus on the image, so if you have lots of things going on behind him then he isn't going to stand out as the core centre of the picture. As with scale taking a picture with as much of the background blurred as possible will help to show off the model and create a plainer look behind.
Background & Scene
This is a great way to create realistic images but will require you to start investing in bases, backdrops and various other props and items to create your scene. The advantage of these pictures is that they can look realistic and can be taken inside and outside, so they are not weather dependent. They can be great fun to create and aren't too expensive to get started with.
The Backdrop
The first thing you will need to think about is the backdrop for your photograph. You have two real options (1) create your own (2) purchase one.
If you wish to create your own backdrop the easiest way to do this is using a printed image or an image cut out from another publication (calendar pictures can be quite good). If you have a good quality printer then this can be a good option. One of the issues in doing this though is finding backdrops that are large enough for the bigger models. This can often work really well for minis, Stablemates and Paddock Pals but finding something or printing something large enough for a Traditional scale model can be hard. One option could be getting a photograph you've taken professionally printed and blown up to a larger size, this can be done reasonably cheaply but you need to make sure that there isn't too much of a shine to the backdrop as this can cause glare in your photographs.
The second (and often easiest) option is to purchase a ready made backdrop. There are numerous model horse hobbyists and businesses that sell these, from photographs to hand painted pieces. I actually quite like the hand painted ones I own as they have a good matte finish and they are printed on reasonably sturdy card so stand ups well. I was also lucky enough to be given a beautiful backdrop of the welsh hills from a good hobby friend as a wedding present.
Whatever backdrop you use you need to make sure there isn't too much glare or light reflection and there are no shadows falling on it. You will also need to make it stand up. I personally attach my backdrops to a cork board and then lean it against some law text books so it stands up nice and straight. I just then hide where the pins are for the photograph itself. You can also permanently back them onto wood and of course use things like bulldog clips to attach for a less permanent finish.
The Footing
The next thing to think about is the footing. As with taking pictures outdoor you will need to make sure that the horse's hooves are not hidden. You will also want your base to be flat enough that your model can stand, in scale with the model you are using, realistic and matching to your background for a really realistic look. There are several different types of base you can use.
The first type is to use scenic scatter, either permanently fixed or on a temporary basis. This can be purchased relatively cheaply online or from model railway stores and comes in a huge number of different colours. I recommend creating your own mix that matches your backdrop. You can either use glue to permanently attach this to a piece of cardboard or wood or you can scatter it on top of a piece of cardboard, wood or another flat surface to create a realistic finish. You can then carefully put it back into a sealed bag for future use. Scatter is very messy and gets everywhere so try your hardest to contain it and have a hoover on hand!
The second option is to use a scenic mat. These can be purchased online or from model railway stores. They come in a variety of colours in rolls. You will need to flatten them down (sometimes fixing them onto a piece of wood can help with this). They have the advantage of being reasonably clean and easy to use and store. For a more realistic finish you can add scatter on top, although this obviously negates the clean element!
The third option is to buy or create a scenic base. Several hobbyists make these and sell them, or make them to order but you can also make your own. Take a look online for lots of tutorials, most can be made out of scenic items easily purchased from model railway and hobby stores. This is quite a fun project to do and has the advantage that it can be made to match your own background. The disadvantage is that they tend to be 'one scale' depending on the base and may not be suited to all sizes of models.
A final note on bases - some model horses have their own bases which will need to be incorporated into the picture and covered up. This could involve covering them, digging pegs or magnets into the footing or simply choosing a footing that matches the base. The best images completely cover or remove the base (usually with having it buried into the base) rather than have it on show.
The Props
Once you have your base and your backdrop you will need to think of a way that you can make them seamlessly merge. The appearance of gaps or things like pins or bull dog clips will detract from the realism of your picture.
The quickest and easiest way to hide your background gap is using scenic materials. Things such as lichen work well as does a small pile of scatter. Try and match it up to your backdrop to make it look as realistic as possible. You could also think about using other props such as trees or a fence if you think it will make the picture look realistic.
You may also need to use props to create a realistic picture. If you are doing a show jumping entry for example you will need the show jump. A Western Pleasure entry may mean that you will want to use an arena wall as a backing and a racing entry fencing and a finishing post. This is often more of the case for performance pictures that in hand but it is worth thinking about for all pictures. If your backdrop shows horses in paddocks with post and rail fencing using post and rail fencing in the image can make it look more realistic.
Whatever props you use you need to remember the mantra less is more. Remember that your horse is the main focus of your picture and try to use as few a props as necessary to create a realistic finish. The items you use should be in scale and not detract from the horse. Everything you add to a picture should be there for a reason and be a carefully thought out decision.
Light Tent/Box
A light tent or box is a great way to taking an image with a plain background but it can also be used with your own miniature scene. For the purposes of this we are going to talk about its use with a plain background as we have already discussed creating a miniature scene.
Sourcing a Light Tent/Box
There are two options when it comes to sourcing your own light tent (I shall use this as referring to both light tents and boxes for ease of writing) (1) buy one (2) make your own. Both are perfectly good options and the availability of cheap light tents online now means that there is little cost difference nowadays between them. I personally have two, one is a simple tent with halogen lights and the other is a box with in built LED lights.
A light tent is essentially white fabric built into a square shape, a light box is similar but is more solid in its shape (although many can be folded down). They can either be created with inbuilt lighting or be used with external lighting (or both). Halogen and LED lights are the two most common forms. If you are looking online to purchase one make sure to check the size, whether you can adjust the light intensity, whether it can easily be folded down, whether things such as lights, stands, backgrounds etc. are included. Also check that it is compatible with your countries electrics as many come from abroad.
If you are creating your own you can do this with relative ease, there are loads of great tutorials online so I'm not going to go into too much detail. Creating your own has the advantage that it can be made to your own size choice meaning that it can be made large enough for your biggest models, or small enough that it can be stored in your own space.
The Background
For most light tent pictures you will be using a plain or slightly patterned background. If you purchase one online it will normally come with a white, black and green background and may include other colours. These can be affixed using velcro to the tent or box, or can be clipped in place.
A slightly coloured or patterned background can give a better effect than a plain white one and also make your pictures look more unique. You will need to use something that is very plain in appearance with light pastel colours if possible. Bright colours or a very bold pattern may detract from your model rather than show it off (although I have seen effective use of very bright backgrounds).
Of course you do not need to buy purpose made backgrounds, you can easily make your own out of fabric. The fabric needs to be thick enough that the pattern and colour is clear and light doesn't shine through too much. Old duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases can work well. Sew on velcro so they can easily be attached inside your own light tent.
However you choose to take your pictures it is worth remembering to have fun and to experiment. Not every shot is going to be perfect but then again not every judge has the same tastes. Remember to have fun with your shots and don't be afraid to get a little artistic from time to time.
The Basics
The base of any good photo show picture, no matter how you take it, is a clear image that shows off your model horse to the best of its abilities. You will need to think about the positioning of the horse, the lighting and the background to ensure he is the prime focus of the picture and looks his best.
Positioning
Think about how you would judge a model horse for its conformation, what do you need to see? Well at a live show the judge can inspect the horse from all angles to check everything is in proportion and correct. Obviously that isn't possible in a photo show, so how best should you show the horse off? You need to show the judge as much of the horse as possible whilst at the same time attempting to reduce the impact of any flaws and highlight positives. Side on is the usual way to take a photograph and is definitely the most effective. This allows the judge to see as much of the model as possible and get a clear idea of how it looks.
Some models have very weird positions and may require different angles to show them off as much as possible or to ensure that most of the photograph is in focus. Not all models lend themselves to photoshowing, turned heads or weird twisted positions like rolling can be hard to capture to show off your model as well as it would at a live show. Play around with such models, taking pictures from different angles to see what works best for that model.
Your model also needs to be the main focus of the image. Your image will look a lot more balanced if the model is in the centre and positioned a reasonable distance from any distracting objects. This will ensure that they are blurred and your horse stands out. Afterall it is him you are photographing not any props or backgrounds!
Light
Photography is all about light, that is what they will teach you on any photography course and in any book on photography and model horse photography is no different. The light can make a huge impact on your picture and really effect the look of your model. Just as people may position their horses on a particular side of a table at a live show to get the best light for their model the same can be done in photography.
On a very basic level your image obviously doesn't want to be too light or too dark. If the image is dark your model will be obscured and won't be shown off, if it is too light then this could distort the horse's colour and create unnatural shadowing. But the placement of lights and type of light source used could also show off some colours better than others. As with all things it is about experimenting to find out what works best for that model horse.
Shadows are a big issue in model horse photography. First of all you don't want shadows falling on the model and creating strange areas of light and dark. Secondly you don't want the models shadow to fall against something like a backdrop as this will make the image look unrealistic. Obviously a shadow of your pet cat accross the image will also not look realistic! That said shadowing can also be used to create dramatic effects, or add more realism if you position lights correctly.
One of the best lights is natural light, but we don't all have the benefit of dry wind free weather and outside spaces to take pictures. In winter especially you may need to think about using artificial lights. There are numerous different types you can use, from halogen lamps to LEDs. Experiment in different rooms of your house and with different lights you already own before looking at purchasing any professional lights (although these can be purchased quite cheaply) as you may already have something suitable.
It is worth noting that you will find photo shows or special classes for more artistic images. These can be great fun and a real chance to experiment with lighting. I just love the effect of a flash on a glossy model just as I love using LEDs behind a backdrop to create different light effects. Whilst taking your normal pictures experiment with some more artsy shots as you will still find a chance to show these off and they can be very satisfying to create.
Background
Every photo will have some form of background. Whether you choose a realistic backdrop, an image outside or a plain background a decision still has to be made about the look and appearance of your photograph.
The first thing to consider is realism. This is less of a consideration for plain backdrops but when taking images outside or using a picture backdrop this is an important consideration. You don't want any props in your image that are massively out of scale (no plant pots from the garden or pet cats) and equally you want the background to look as if it is in scale and realistic. It also needs to make sense for the photograph, so if you have a Show Jumping entry it would look a little out of place with a natural dessert background.
The next thing to consider is the colour. The colour tone of your background will depend on the colour tone of your model. A chestnut model, for example, will not look as good against an autumnal forest as it will against something like a spring green field. The same is true for plain backgrounds. A black horse will look better against a white backdrop than a black one whilst lighter coloured models may stand out more against darker coloured backgrounds. Experiment with your models and different backgrounds to see which show off your model to the best of its ability.
The Type of Picture
For simplicity I have characterised the type of photo show pictures into three categories:
Outdoors
Background & Scene
Light Box/Tent
There are of course other ways of taking pictures and you can combine the different effects (for example a white sheet hanging over your garden wall can create a plain background photograph) but this is only supposed to be a brief introduction not a full blown essay on the subject!
Outdoors
Outdoors pictures are the cheapest ones to take as all you need are your model and your camera but they can also be one of the hardest to get right. There are many different variables affecting the outdoors photo show picture and you will need to balance all of these to create the perfect shot.
The Weather
The moment we step out the door to take pictures the biggest thing we have to contend with is the weather. You won't notice how windy it actually is until you've attempted to make a Huckleberry Bey stand up for long enough to take a shot! Wind is by far the biggest problem when taking outdoor images, even a slight breeze can cause models to fall over so you will need to think about the day you choose to take your pictures. The location can also influence the amount of wind, if you can find somewhere in your garden that is more sheltered then this may be a better location to choose for your images than one that is more exposed.
Rain is another important factor when taking model horse images. You obviously don't want your model horses getting soaking wet! Water can also make the ground muddy and cause your models to get dirty (again not good) and also make things slippy. It is also worth noting that you will most likely need to lie down to take your pictures and for that reason choosing a dry day (or at least taking a towel) can make things easier for you.
Sun is probably not a factor you will think about initially when wondering how weather can effect model horse photography. But where does your light come from when you are taking pictures outside? The sun of course! Blistering sunshine can create light distortions and heavy shadowing that is not ideal for taking pictures. Try and find a position where the sun is behind you and choose a day where there is slight cloud cover so you don't have heavy bright sunshine.
Other weather conditions can of course affect your photography. Snow can lead to beautiful pictures but it can also cause unique conditions that you need to adapt to. When taking snow pictures choose a time when it is not currently snowing and find somewhere where it is not too deep. You may want to squash it down so that the horse's hooves are not hidden and you have a flat base to work from. If you are lying down to take your images make sure you are wrapped up warm and put a waterproof sheet underneath you, don't spend too long outside, you don't want to catch hypothermia for the sake of a photograph! Conditions such as frost can also create dramatic images but it does melt quickly under hoof so you may only be able to take a couple of images in each spot. Obviously hale is to be avoided (not good) as are heavy storms or any conditions that could cause damage to your models.
The Ground Cover
When we take photo show pictures we want to show off the whole of our horse to the best of its ability in a realistic fashion. That means our choice of ground covering when taking outdoor pictures is important. You will need to choose a terrain that is realistic, doesn't cover the horse's hooves and won't cause any form of damage to your model.
The first and most obvious choice is grass. A grass lawn will look realistic but will need some preparation before you can take your images. Even the most tightly cut lawn will probably be too long for your models (depending on scale) so you will need to get a pair of scissors and trim it down. Trim a large enough area that it doesn't look obviously trimmed in the picture. If it isn't your lawn make sure you get permission first! You don't want any hooves to be hidden and the grass should appear to be as in scale as possible.
Naked earth or dry areas can be very good for photography as they don't require much prep. However, they have the big disadvantage of getting very muddy when it has been raining. A little bit of mud on the bottom of the hooves may wash off some models easily (an OF plastic for example) but it could cause damage to models with more sensitive finishes such as customs or those made from fabric or felt. You also want to make sure that if you need to clean the model afterwards you can do so without any water getting inside if it is a hollow piece such as a Breyer. Just as with grass you need to ensure nothing is obscuring the horse's hooves and also check that any small plants or grass tufts are either realistic looking or removed.
A solid hard surface may be an appealing choice as it is flat and therefore you can balance your model on it easily. Something like paving stones, a table or a wall can all be useful in this regard. However, they can often look out of scale and unrealistic if you can see things such as the gaps between slaps or bricks or the grain of the wood. They may be suited to smaller models in this regard as you could manage a whole picture without seeing one of these flaws. Things such as concrete slabs can also damage the hooves of models so be careful who you choose to photograph. Obviously if one was to blow over the damage on stone paving is going to be far greater than on grass.
The Background
This can be one of the hardest things to get right. There are two important things to consider (1) scale (2) busyness. Both need to work together to create an image that is both realistic and also shows off your model horse to the best of its ability.
The first thing to consider is the scale of the objects behind your model. There are some obvious things to avoid such as plant pots, flowers or garden ornaments that are all going to look out of scale. But other things such as the slats on fence posts, leaves on a bush or even the length of the grass behind the horse can all look out of scale. Try to photograph the horse with a more natural backing that is far enough away that it appears blurred. That way it will be harder to spot that the items are out of scale.
Busyness is also important when thinking about what is behind your model. The horse should be the main focus on the image, so if you have lots of things going on behind him then he isn't going to stand out as the core centre of the picture. As with scale taking a picture with as much of the background blurred as possible will help to show off the model and create a plainer look behind.
Background & Scene
This is a great way to create realistic images but will require you to start investing in bases, backdrops and various other props and items to create your scene. The advantage of these pictures is that they can look realistic and can be taken inside and outside, so they are not weather dependent. They can be great fun to create and aren't too expensive to get started with.
The Backdrop
The first thing you will need to think about is the backdrop for your photograph. You have two real options (1) create your own (2) purchase one.
If you wish to create your own backdrop the easiest way to do this is using a printed image or an image cut out from another publication (calendar pictures can be quite good). If you have a good quality printer then this can be a good option. One of the issues in doing this though is finding backdrops that are large enough for the bigger models. This can often work really well for minis, Stablemates and Paddock Pals but finding something or printing something large enough for a Traditional scale model can be hard. One option could be getting a photograph you've taken professionally printed and blown up to a larger size, this can be done reasonably cheaply but you need to make sure that there isn't too much of a shine to the backdrop as this can cause glare in your photographs.
The second (and often easiest) option is to purchase a ready made backdrop. There are numerous model horse hobbyists and businesses that sell these, from photographs to hand painted pieces. I actually quite like the hand painted ones I own as they have a good matte finish and they are printed on reasonably sturdy card so stand ups well. I was also lucky enough to be given a beautiful backdrop of the welsh hills from a good hobby friend as a wedding present.
Whatever backdrop you use you need to make sure there isn't too much glare or light reflection and there are no shadows falling on it. You will also need to make it stand up. I personally attach my backdrops to a cork board and then lean it against some law text books so it stands up nice and straight. I just then hide where the pins are for the photograph itself. You can also permanently back them onto wood and of course use things like bulldog clips to attach for a less permanent finish.
The Footing
The next thing to think about is the footing. As with taking pictures outdoor you will need to make sure that the horse's hooves are not hidden. You will also want your base to be flat enough that your model can stand, in scale with the model you are using, realistic and matching to your background for a really realistic look. There are several different types of base you can use.
The first type is to use scenic scatter, either permanently fixed or on a temporary basis. This can be purchased relatively cheaply online or from model railway stores and comes in a huge number of different colours. I recommend creating your own mix that matches your backdrop. You can either use glue to permanently attach this to a piece of cardboard or wood or you can scatter it on top of a piece of cardboard, wood or another flat surface to create a realistic finish. You can then carefully put it back into a sealed bag for future use. Scatter is very messy and gets everywhere so try your hardest to contain it and have a hoover on hand!
The second option is to use a scenic mat. These can be purchased online or from model railway stores. They come in a variety of colours in rolls. You will need to flatten them down (sometimes fixing them onto a piece of wood can help with this). They have the advantage of being reasonably clean and easy to use and store. For a more realistic finish you can add scatter on top, although this obviously negates the clean element!
The third option is to buy or create a scenic base. Several hobbyists make these and sell them, or make them to order but you can also make your own. Take a look online for lots of tutorials, most can be made out of scenic items easily purchased from model railway and hobby stores. This is quite a fun project to do and has the advantage that it can be made to match your own background. The disadvantage is that they tend to be 'one scale' depending on the base and may not be suited to all sizes of models.
A final note on bases - some model horses have their own bases which will need to be incorporated into the picture and covered up. This could involve covering them, digging pegs or magnets into the footing or simply choosing a footing that matches the base. The best images completely cover or remove the base (usually with having it buried into the base) rather than have it on show.
The Props
Once you have your base and your backdrop you will need to think of a way that you can make them seamlessly merge. The appearance of gaps or things like pins or bull dog clips will detract from the realism of your picture.
The quickest and easiest way to hide your background gap is using scenic materials. Things such as lichen work well as does a small pile of scatter. Try and match it up to your backdrop to make it look as realistic as possible. You could also think about using other props such as trees or a fence if you think it will make the picture look realistic.
You may also need to use props to create a realistic picture. If you are doing a show jumping entry for example you will need the show jump. A Western Pleasure entry may mean that you will want to use an arena wall as a backing and a racing entry fencing and a finishing post. This is often more of the case for performance pictures that in hand but it is worth thinking about for all pictures. If your backdrop shows horses in paddocks with post and rail fencing using post and rail fencing in the image can make it look more realistic.
Whatever props you use you need to remember the mantra less is more. Remember that your horse is the main focus of your picture and try to use as few a props as necessary to create a realistic finish. The items you use should be in scale and not detract from the horse. Everything you add to a picture should be there for a reason and be a carefully thought out decision.
Light Tent/Box
A light tent or box is a great way to taking an image with a plain background but it can also be used with your own miniature scene. For the purposes of this we are going to talk about its use with a plain background as we have already discussed creating a miniature scene.
Sourcing a Light Tent/Box
There are two options when it comes to sourcing your own light tent (I shall use this as referring to both light tents and boxes for ease of writing) (1) buy one (2) make your own. Both are perfectly good options and the availability of cheap light tents online now means that there is little cost difference nowadays between them. I personally have two, one is a simple tent with halogen lights and the other is a box with in built LED lights.
A light tent is essentially white fabric built into a square shape, a light box is similar but is more solid in its shape (although many can be folded down). They can either be created with inbuilt lighting or be used with external lighting (or both). Halogen and LED lights are the two most common forms. If you are looking online to purchase one make sure to check the size, whether you can adjust the light intensity, whether it can easily be folded down, whether things such as lights, stands, backgrounds etc. are included. Also check that it is compatible with your countries electrics as many come from abroad.
If you are creating your own you can do this with relative ease, there are loads of great tutorials online so I'm not going to go into too much detail. Creating your own has the advantage that it can be made to your own size choice meaning that it can be made large enough for your biggest models, or small enough that it can be stored in your own space.
The Background
For most light tent pictures you will be using a plain or slightly patterned background. If you purchase one online it will normally come with a white, black and green background and may include other colours. These can be affixed using velcro to the tent or box, or can be clipped in place.
A slightly coloured or patterned background can give a better effect than a plain white one and also make your pictures look more unique. You will need to use something that is very plain in appearance with light pastel colours if possible. Bright colours or a very bold pattern may detract from your model rather than show it off (although I have seen effective use of very bright backgrounds).
Of course you do not need to buy purpose made backgrounds, you can easily make your own out of fabric. The fabric needs to be thick enough that the pattern and colour is clear and light doesn't shine through too much. Old duvet covers, sheets and pillow cases can work well. Sew on velcro so they can easily be attached inside your own light tent.
However you choose to take your pictures it is worth remembering to have fun and to experiment. Not every shot is going to be perfect but then again not every judge has the same tastes. Remember to have fun with your shots and don't be afraid to get a little artistic from time to time.
Several simple things could improve this picture. The snow could be flattened so as not to hide the hooves, the model could have been dusted, the picture could be better in focus and the plants and trees could be more in scale.
Online Photo Shows
Since the advent of the internet online photo shows have probably become the most common form of shows you will find. Many are free to enter and are run through social media sites such as Facebook. These shows vary from small shows, just run for fun, to large championship shows run all year round with real prizes.
Obviously the one thing you need in order to enter these shows is some form of digital camera (although you could scan in your printed pictures). Nowadays even the cheapest digital cameras tend to be produce decent pictures and you could even get a half decent photo show shot with your mobile. Like any form of photography the key to getting it right is about understanding how light and colour works with the settings on your camera, not how expensive your equipment is!
It is also worth starting off by organising your photo show pictures. That will make entering shows much easier and help you find the snaps you need. I have mine organised by breed with sub-folders for each finish. That means I can quickly enter shows and don't have to dig through albums to find the pictures of the horse I want!
Finding an Online Show
An obvious first step would be to simply google 'model horse photoshow' or put something similar into the search bar of Facebook or other social media sites. It might sound basic but it is the best starting point!
Facebook is a good place to hunt for photo shows as a lot of different shows are hosted on there in groups. I would recommend using the search bar but also joining groups such as the British Model Horse Collectors as many shows will be advertised there. The more model horse friends you have the more likely you are to find out about new shows as they may be running or entering them. You could also post an appeal for information in a popular model horse group to see if there are any shows currently running you could enter.
Entering an Online Show
Online shows are pretty easy to enter, all you need to do is upload your pictures and you are away! Some shows may have more unique requirements such as pre-registration or only allowing a particular size of image but don't let this put you off. They are usually the shows with better prizes and points based championships so that extra work will pay off.
The first step is to find the correct place to upload your picture. Most shows will organise the classes into albums. On a Facebook group for example by clicking on the photos tab you can then view the various albums within the group. Albums will be clearly titled with the name of the class. Go through until you find the right album to upload your picture into and then upload it.
The second step is to make sure your image has all the correct information. For most online shows this will involve writing the necessary information in the description of the picture. Usually photo shows will require:
Horse's Name
Horse's Breed/Performance Discipline (depending on whether it is an in hand or performance class)
Finish
Gender
Your Name
Some shows may also require extra information, or may require you to register to use a code instead of your name so double check the rules before entering.
It is always worth double checking that the description has saved (particularly with Facebook). Leave the page and then come back in, click on your picture and check the information is there. If not delete it re-upload and attempt to trouble shoot the problem. If you can't get it to work ask if others are having issues or try a different internet browser. Glitches are one of the biggest plagues of online shows and sadly are usually not something the show host can do anything about.
Most shows will only be open for a certain period of time so make sure to check in advance the date that the show opens and closes. They will also have rules about how many horses you can enter into particular classes and what can be entered (a show may be a specialist Breyer only show for example) so make sure to read all the rules carefully in advance first.
Obviously the one thing you need in order to enter these shows is some form of digital camera (although you could scan in your printed pictures). Nowadays even the cheapest digital cameras tend to be produce decent pictures and you could even get a half decent photo show shot with your mobile. Like any form of photography the key to getting it right is about understanding how light and colour works with the settings on your camera, not how expensive your equipment is!
It is also worth starting off by organising your photo show pictures. That will make entering shows much easier and help you find the snaps you need. I have mine organised by breed with sub-folders for each finish. That means I can quickly enter shows and don't have to dig through albums to find the pictures of the horse I want!
Finding an Online Show
An obvious first step would be to simply google 'model horse photoshow' or put something similar into the search bar of Facebook or other social media sites. It might sound basic but it is the best starting point!
Facebook is a good place to hunt for photo shows as a lot of different shows are hosted on there in groups. I would recommend using the search bar but also joining groups such as the British Model Horse Collectors as many shows will be advertised there. The more model horse friends you have the more likely you are to find out about new shows as they may be running or entering them. You could also post an appeal for information in a popular model horse group to see if there are any shows currently running you could enter.
Entering an Online Show
Online shows are pretty easy to enter, all you need to do is upload your pictures and you are away! Some shows may have more unique requirements such as pre-registration or only allowing a particular size of image but don't let this put you off. They are usually the shows with better prizes and points based championships so that extra work will pay off.
The first step is to find the correct place to upload your picture. Most shows will organise the classes into albums. On a Facebook group for example by clicking on the photos tab you can then view the various albums within the group. Albums will be clearly titled with the name of the class. Go through until you find the right album to upload your picture into and then upload it.
The second step is to make sure your image has all the correct information. For most online shows this will involve writing the necessary information in the description of the picture. Usually photo shows will require:
Horse's Name
Horse's Breed/Performance Discipline (depending on whether it is an in hand or performance class)
Finish
Gender
Your Name
Some shows may also require extra information, or may require you to register to use a code instead of your name so double check the rules before entering.
It is always worth double checking that the description has saved (particularly with Facebook). Leave the page and then come back in, click on your picture and check the information is there. If not delete it re-upload and attempt to trouble shoot the problem. If you can't get it to work ask if others are having issues or try a different internet browser. Glitches are one of the biggest plagues of online shows and sadly are usually not something the show host can do anything about.
Most shows will only be open for a certain period of time so make sure to check in advance the date that the show opens and closes. They will also have rules about how many horses you can enter into particular classes and what can be entered (a show may be a specialist Breyer only show for example) so make sure to read all the rules carefully in advance first.
A plain background can help to show off your model without too much clutter
Postal Photo Shows
Before the internet all photo shows were postal. You would take your pictures, get them printed, package them up and send them off, often waiting months for your results. I honestly think nothing beats that feeling off your pictures coming through the post one day with the results attached and wish there were more postal photo shows still running. My first ever photo show was a postal one and nothing beat the joy of realising that there were certificates pinned to my pictures when I got the return envelope.
Despite the advent of digital photography it is still relatively easy to get images printed. What is expensive is purchasing actual film for a film camera an getting these printed but if you have a digital camera you can quickly and cheaply get prints online. In fact many places have free offers where you can get a number of prints for free, these are worth taking advantage of if you want printed copies of your photo show pictures.
Labelling the Picture
Unlike online pictures you can obviously only enter a physical image into one show at a time. You can also obviously not write a completely different description for each show or upload it into a specific album. That means you will need to carefully label your photograph with all the information needed to enter it into a show.
The first thing to note is that photographic paper is quite hard to write on and the pen marks could show up on the other side if you push hard. For this reason I would recommend writing on a sticky label and then sticking this to the back of your picture.
In pen add the information that isn't going to change:
Horse's Name
Horse's Breed/Performance Discipline (depending on whether it is an in hand or performance shot)
Gender
Finish
Your Name
Then add in pen the following two headings:
Section
Class
When it comes to actually entering the picture into a show write the section and class details in pencil. That way they can be erased after each show and the image easily reused. You could also use small sticky note for this that could be peeled off each time but this is more expensive and wasteful. You could also put your own name in pencil in case you enter a show that asks that a registered number is used instead of a name for anonymity.
Entering the Show
When entering a postal photo show as well as the pictures themselves you will also need to include a few other things. Make sure to include information about your return address, any entry fees and if required a stamped addressed envelope so that your photographs can be returned to you. Each show will have different rules so make sure to check these first to ensure that everything is OK. The single most important thing is to make sure you will get your pictures back, so check the rules for the return postage amount or include a properly priced up return envelope.
As with online show there are likely to be rules about entry limits per class so make sure you check these before entering. Also make sure you send off your pictures in plenty of time as you don't want them arriving after the deadline and therefore not being judged.
Getting Your Results
Some shows may publish results online or in newsletters prior to returning the photographs. Others may simply return the photographs to the owners with any awards or results attached. I personally really like the last method as it has a surprise element, although seeing a full set of results afterwards is always nice.
Depending on the show you may be asked to contribute towards the posting of prizes, make sure to check this in advance so it isn't a shock if you win! Some shows may send printed certificates with your photos but others may simply email or post them online for you to download if they are running at lower cost.
Despite the advent of digital photography it is still relatively easy to get images printed. What is expensive is purchasing actual film for a film camera an getting these printed but if you have a digital camera you can quickly and cheaply get prints online. In fact many places have free offers where you can get a number of prints for free, these are worth taking advantage of if you want printed copies of your photo show pictures.
Labelling the Picture
Unlike online pictures you can obviously only enter a physical image into one show at a time. You can also obviously not write a completely different description for each show or upload it into a specific album. That means you will need to carefully label your photograph with all the information needed to enter it into a show.
The first thing to note is that photographic paper is quite hard to write on and the pen marks could show up on the other side if you push hard. For this reason I would recommend writing on a sticky label and then sticking this to the back of your picture.
In pen add the information that isn't going to change:
Horse's Name
Horse's Breed/Performance Discipline (depending on whether it is an in hand or performance shot)
Gender
Finish
Your Name
Then add in pen the following two headings:
Section
Class
When it comes to actually entering the picture into a show write the section and class details in pencil. That way they can be erased after each show and the image easily reused. You could also use small sticky note for this that could be peeled off each time but this is more expensive and wasteful. You could also put your own name in pencil in case you enter a show that asks that a registered number is used instead of a name for anonymity.
Entering the Show
When entering a postal photo show as well as the pictures themselves you will also need to include a few other things. Make sure to include information about your return address, any entry fees and if required a stamped addressed envelope so that your photographs can be returned to you. Each show will have different rules so make sure to check these first to ensure that everything is OK. The single most important thing is to make sure you will get your pictures back, so check the rules for the return postage amount or include a properly priced up return envelope.
As with online show there are likely to be rules about entry limits per class so make sure you check these before entering. Also make sure you send off your pictures in plenty of time as you don't want them arriving after the deadline and therefore not being judged.
Getting Your Results
Some shows may publish results online or in newsletters prior to returning the photographs. Others may simply return the photographs to the owners with any awards or results attached. I personally really like the last method as it has a surprise element, although seeing a full set of results afterwards is always nice.
Depending on the show you may be asked to contribute towards the posting of prizes, make sure to check this in advance so it isn't a shock if you win! Some shows may send printed certificates with your photos but others may simply email or post them online for you to download if they are running at lower cost.
A simple image using a scenic mat, background and lichen
Fun
Like live shows many photo shows will have an added fun section or extra fun classes. These are great because they give you a chance to be a bit more creative and show off some more unusual shots. Below are some of the most common classes scene and some tips on how to get a great picture for them.
Mare & Foal
This is a common class and a lovely one to photograph. Make sure you choose a mare and foal pair that match (i.e. are genetically possible) and that also look good together. Make sure the picture also makes sense (if one model is galloping and one standing this can look a little strange) but also think about how the two horses are interacting. Many mare and foal sets are designed to interact (such as the Nursing Foal) and look good doing so. The creation of a relationship between mother and child is what makes these images stand out.
Herd
Herd classes are also quite common (sometimes you might get family group or just group). An obvious choice for these shots is a wild herd of Mustangs running free but you could also think about a shot of a herd in a more domesticated environment. As with mare and foal shots the basis of a good picture is the interaction between the various horses both to give realism and also to tell a story.
Funniest Picture
Now is your chance to have fun! Get out there and do something silly. I love these classes as a judge as some people have created some really off the wall ideas. Take inspiration from the props and models you own and let your creativity shine. You could even think about creating scenes from funny videos or films (dinosaurs riding horses is becoming very common in model horse photo shows). These images are very unique and humour is subjective, so try out different ideas and different shows to find something that works.
Unrealistic Picture/Horse In Strangest Place
Now is your chance to embarrass yourself in public and go completely left field. Extra points for anyone that manages to get shots in public spaces, the weirder the better. Think about how bizarre you can go and choose a low value, possibly poorer quality model in case of disasters. Crackers has travelled with me all over the world and I have shots of him in the strangest places. It's weirdly common to take pictures of inanimate objects in public spaces so don't worry too much about weird looks, just be safe and don't put yourself in danger.
Realistic Scene
In theory all our photo show pictures should be realistic but obviously in reality they are very set up. Most horses don't stand square to the camera carefully ensuring we can see all their legs and hooves whilst being spotlessly clean. These classes are looking for a more 'au-naturel' shot which could almost look real. It could be a single horse, a group of horses or even a performance entry, the key is to just make it look as realistic as possible (you know the shot of the grey Eberls on the beach that gets shared online as real horses? Perfect example).
Other Animal
Many shows will have a class (if not multiple classes) for non equines. These are a great chance to show off your non-horsey pieces. I always think it is best to approach these pictures in the same way as normal model horse photography unless the class is asking for something more specific. I try to only have one animal in the picture and have a clear image showing off the whole animal. That way the judge can judge it just as they would any other picture.
There are, of course, numerous other fun classes. Some photo shows may simply be one class with a theme such as 'Christmas' or may consist entirely of themed classes. I love these because they allow you to be creative and have some fun in a way that standard in hand classes sometimes don't. But, however you choose to take your pictures remember that fun is always the most important element of the model horse hobby.
Mare & Foal
This is a common class and a lovely one to photograph. Make sure you choose a mare and foal pair that match (i.e. are genetically possible) and that also look good together. Make sure the picture also makes sense (if one model is galloping and one standing this can look a little strange) but also think about how the two horses are interacting. Many mare and foal sets are designed to interact (such as the Nursing Foal) and look good doing so. The creation of a relationship between mother and child is what makes these images stand out.
Herd
Herd classes are also quite common (sometimes you might get family group or just group). An obvious choice for these shots is a wild herd of Mustangs running free but you could also think about a shot of a herd in a more domesticated environment. As with mare and foal shots the basis of a good picture is the interaction between the various horses both to give realism and also to tell a story.
Funniest Picture
Now is your chance to have fun! Get out there and do something silly. I love these classes as a judge as some people have created some really off the wall ideas. Take inspiration from the props and models you own and let your creativity shine. You could even think about creating scenes from funny videos or films (dinosaurs riding horses is becoming very common in model horse photo shows). These images are very unique and humour is subjective, so try out different ideas and different shows to find something that works.
Unrealistic Picture/Horse In Strangest Place
Now is your chance to embarrass yourself in public and go completely left field. Extra points for anyone that manages to get shots in public spaces, the weirder the better. Think about how bizarre you can go and choose a low value, possibly poorer quality model in case of disasters. Crackers has travelled with me all over the world and I have shots of him in the strangest places. It's weirdly common to take pictures of inanimate objects in public spaces so don't worry too much about weird looks, just be safe and don't put yourself in danger.
Realistic Scene
In theory all our photo show pictures should be realistic but obviously in reality they are very set up. Most horses don't stand square to the camera carefully ensuring we can see all their legs and hooves whilst being spotlessly clean. These classes are looking for a more 'au-naturel' shot which could almost look real. It could be a single horse, a group of horses or even a performance entry, the key is to just make it look as realistic as possible (you know the shot of the grey Eberls on the beach that gets shared online as real horses? Perfect example).
Other Animal
Many shows will have a class (if not multiple classes) for non equines. These are a great chance to show off your non-horsey pieces. I always think it is best to approach these pictures in the same way as normal model horse photography unless the class is asking for something more specific. I try to only have one animal in the picture and have a clear image showing off the whole animal. That way the judge can judge it just as they would any other picture.
There are, of course, numerous other fun classes. Some photo shows may simply be one class with a theme such as 'Christmas' or may consist entirely of themed classes. I love these because they allow you to be creative and have some fun in a way that standard in hand classes sometimes don't. But, however you choose to take your pictures remember that fun is always the most important element of the model horse hobby.
Remember to have fun with your images!