Camera
When ever possible use a digital camera, this will give you the best results when viewed off of the system during the sales.  The older analog cameras lose considerable resolution when they are converted to digital.  With newer digital cameras please be sure you are videoing in a Wide Screen setting.

Tripod
Be sure to use a tripod anytime you are videoing.  Tripods are the number one rule when videoing, they will give you a steady consistent picture. Tripods can be purchased at any superstore for under $20.00. USE A TRIPOD!!!  If you can put the camera/tripod on a hill or in the back of a pickup so you are shooting down on your subject, you can actually make the horse look cleaner and flatter.

Zoom
Before videoing practice your zoom, it should be slow and unnoticeable. Be sure that when the horse is going away from you, you are zooming in and when it is coming toward you are zooming out. You will want to keep approximately 80% of the horse or horse and rider in the viewfinder of your camera.

Tape
Use a new tape or a new spot on your tape to ensure the highest quality of video possible. Also be sure you are sending the original video and NOT a copy, this will insure the highest resolution, sharpest and clearest picture.

Location
Be cautious of where the shadows and the sun are, if videoing in the morning or evening keep the sun to your back.  Early morning or evening will give you the best lighting.  Avoid middle of the day shoots. When videoing in an indoor be careful of your lighting.  If your indoor arena is open (or has sunscreens) your best video will be obtained at night.   If you have doors on your indoor leading outside, close them when videoing during the day.  Video a small segment including the entire arena, play back to check quality.  Consider your background carefully; avoid using a heavily cluttered background or anything that will distract from the horse.

Still Shots
Still shots are best accomplished by setting your horse up, videoing one side, stopping the camera, videoing the other side, stoping the camera, videoing the front, stoping the camera and videoing the back.

Roundpen
When videoing in a roundpen do not video through the fence stand in the center of the pen with your camera on the tripod.

White Balance
Most cameras have an auto white balance setting.  Be sure if you are filming outdoors you have your white balance set to outdoors and if you are filming in doors your white balance is set to indoors.

Professional Attire
If you are going to be in the video, even if you are simply walking horse, be sure to dress appropriately.  Clean jeans, cowboy boots and a nice shirt are a must. 

Editing
Please remember we do edit these videos so if something does not go the way you planned do not worry, we will edit it out. Also notes from you are always helpful to ensure we get exactly what you want on your video. Do not send us footage that is over 10 minutes per horse.  If something goes wrong, stop the camera and restart when the rider or horse is ready.