5 Tips to Prep for Conformation Photos

Getting ready for conformation photos? Whether you’re showcasing a sale horse or just want to capture your horse at their best, here are my top tips to make sure your photos turn out clean, polished, and professional.

1. Wash in Advance — Not the Day Of

Wash your horse 1–2 days before the shoot. Washing the day of can strip the natural oils that give the coat its healthy shine — and it often makes the hair fluff up, which is not ideal for that sleek look.

2. Keep the Hair Tight

Even longer-haired horses can look “tight-haired” with a little prep. Use sheets, slinkies, or blankets leading up to photo day to keep the coat clean and help the hair lay flat.

3. Bring a Team

Photo day is a team sport! Ideally, have 2–3 people:

  • One to hold the horse

  • One to set legs

  • One to get ears/attention

If you’re solo, it can still be done — but having help makes everything smoother and faster.

4. Clean the Scene

If we’re shooting at your place, tidy up a simple, clutter-free background. A few extra things to keep in mind:

  • Lighting: Check where the light hits at the time of your shoot. I always recommend sending me a video ahead of time so we can scout the best spot.

  • Background: Pick a place where the horse can stand 20+ feet away from any fence, wall, or structure. This helps blur the background and makes your horse stand out.

  • Ground: Flat and firm is best — it helps with posing and makes for a clean profile.

5. Shine Smarter

Skip the old-school spray bottles. Aerosol sprays work much better — they coat the hair more evenly and avoid those patchy, wet-looking spots.

Interested in Booking Conformation Photos?

Pricing is $300 per horse, which includes a minimum of 6 edited photos:

  • Both sides

  • Front

  • Head

  • Hind

  • Blackout headshot

Group rates available for 3 or more horses!

Have questions or want to send a video of your setup? Just reach out — I’m happy to help you prep for a great photo day.

Sami McGuire