Photo inspections are coordinated by the regional directors and require at least three inspectors, two of whom must agree that the animal meets the breed standard. Photo inspections are difficult for a variety of reasons and can be very expensive for the owner, since fleeces generally have to shipped to the inspection and then back to the owner. Careful preparation of the photos and fleece(s) can save money and time.

It is extremely important for the owner to know and understand the 15 traits of the Breed Standard being evaluated in an inspection, and then ensure the photos taken adequately portray those traits.

Common mistakes made include the following:
(Click on any picture below to enlarge.)

• Not sending ALL 12 required photos (described below).

• Not setting the goat up properly for the photo. For example, the goat pictured to the right was being held in a way that caused her back to look swayed and her rump steeply sloped, when in fact this animal has a very straight topline. From this picture, this goat could receive a minimal or possibly a disqualifying mark.

• Taking pictures from above the goat--looking down. This angle doesn't provide a true representation of the goat. Try kneeling to take the picture level with the goat or put the goat in a stanchion.

• Not using a ruler or tape measurer between the horns and scrotum (if split) is imperative. It is nearly impossible to estimate distance from a photo--even using the "2-finger" method isn't adequate because of different hand sizes.

• Not including the goat's ID number. Notice in the pictures below there is a card marked with the goat's ID number in every picture. This is very important when sending photos for more than one goat. If the ID number is not in the picture, write the number on the back of the photo.

Use the information below as a checklist when preparing for a photo inspection.

Step 1 - Taking the Photos With the animal in full fleece, video or take the photos below. Video (in VHS format) is preferred as there is a distinct advantage in being able to see the goat move/walk. If video is used, be sure to include two still photos of the goat for the registry herd book. If photos are used, please send doubles.
**Front Standing Animal must be photographed on dirt, cement, or wood floor so feet can be seen and feet must be trimmed. ** Include a photo of the animal shorn. Photo #1 - View in full fleece Photo #2 - View shorn.	**Right/Left Standing Photo should clearly show the chest and front legs. ** Include a photo of the animal shorn. Photo #3 - View in full fleece Photo #4 - View shorn.
**Rear Standing Photo should clearly show stance and alignment of rear legs. ** Include a photo of the animal shorn. Photo #5 - View in full fleece Photo #6 - View shorn.	**Top Line Photo should clearly shows the goat's top line--notice how a contrasting color behind the goat helps define the topline, e.g., a light goat with dark background or dark goat with light background. ** Include a photo of the animal shorn. Photo #7 - View in full fleece Photo #8 - View shorn.
Horn Spacing Close-up of horns with a ruler or tape measurer inserted between base of the horns to document the space between the horns. Photo #9	PHOTO COMING SOON Goat ID Close-up of ear tag and/or tattoo. Photo #10
Bite Close-up of teeth with lips held back to clearly show the bite--where the teeth and pad meet. Photo #11	PHOTO COMING SOON Under Side - Belly (Include armpits down to the udder or scrotum, and close-up of the udder or scrotum. If there is any split on the scrotum, use a ruler to document the length of the split. Teats on both bucks and does must be clearly shown. Photo #12
Shorn Conformation Shorn photos help the inspectors with evaluating the body structure. Be sure to include shorn views of the following: Front Standing Rear Standing Left Right Side Top Line	PHOTO COMING SOON
Step 2 - Preparing the Fleece Shear the animal and package the fleece for shipping to the photo inspection site. The fleece must be: 3rd clip or greater. between 3-5 inches in length. shorn not more than one year prior to the inspection. skirted -- fecal matter and stain removed the entire fleece that was on the animal at the time the video/photos were taken. Important Note: Steps 1 and 2 must be done completely. All photo views and the fleece must be presented, as required.
Step 3 Calculate the return shipping/postage for the fleece and complete the Inspection Application form(s). You need to complete one form for each animal.
Step 4 Write a check for $6.00 (non-refundable -- $12 for non-members) PLUS return postage/shipping. Make the check out to CAGBA (not CAGR). Please Note: The CAGR (record) and CAGBA are two separate entities. If you are recording your goat at the same time, send a Record Application with your Inspection Application and send two checks: One check made to the record - CAGR for $2.00 for the record fee, and one check for $6.00 plus return postage made out to CAGBA.
Step 5 Mail your fleece(s), Inspection Application(s), video/photos, and check(s) to the Photo Inspection Coordinator.