Horse Dressage photos

niv2

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David
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I would like to improve my skills in respect of taking photos of Dressage riders in action.

Does anyone know of any good source of information in this respect or does anyone have any tips?
 
1) make sure you dont easily get bored :lol: ;) the lower levels can be very "hard work".

2) you want the /\/\ shape of the legs ideally

3) try and mix it up a bit, if only for your own sanity, full shots, head shots etc.

4) indoors can be a PITA with lighting, even in the summer months some arenas can require VERY high ISO. fast glass is also your friend here.

any use? or were you thinking of technique? in regard to that its about the same as any other equestrian (personally - AV mode and adjust ISO to suit shutter, AISERVO, center spot, shutter no lower than 640. indoors dark areans i switch to manual) :)
 
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I have the equipment and have been taking photos of horses jumping so have a reasonable grasp of what is required.

I was really looking for advice as to how best to capture the ideal "pose" or the /\/\ shape as you so able put it...

What is best pose for canter?
 
What is best pose for canter?

I find strike off or coming onto or off a circle. This is better in the lower levels as some of the horse/rider combinations arent red hot on outline etc and strike off usually has the hind legs underneath the horse and the front end lifted so looking quite forward. The better the combination the better and more opportunities for you to get a decent photo.

Hope that helps:D
 
I was really looking for advice as to how best to capture the ideal "pose" or the /\/\ shape as you so able put it...

timing. you have to work out the best point to press the shutter with the lead leg just off the ground. something like..


722Q3159 by neilgates, on Flickr

What is best pose for canter?

full extention is usually a good seller.
 
What I have found works for me, is waiting for the rider to be at their lowest point on their saddle. By this I mean, try to take the shot when the rider is on the down rather than the up. Not quite sure why this works, but it was a tip given to me by a full time equestrian photographer, and it works for me 9 times out of 10 :)
 
Oh one other tip, grow thick skin.

Some of the dressage lot expect the arena to be an environment sterilized of any noise, movement or distractions. And a photographer is usually first in the firing line for any mistakes they make.

;)
 
Oh one other tip, grow thick skin.

Some of the dressage lot expect the arena to be an environment sterilized of any noise, movement or distractions. And a photographer is usually first in the firing line for any mistakes they make.

;)

The photographer is normally first in the firing line whatever equestrian discipline!!! :bang:

I would have said neil's trotting example was taken a fraction too early.
 
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Have posted some photos in Sport section from today...1st time dressage for me. Found best way was to use back button focus and leave main button just for shutter. AI Servo.

Found some consistency with photos in walk and trot but not happy with canter....
 
The photographer is normally first in the firing line whatever equestrian discipline!!! :bang:

I would have said neil's trotting example was taken a fraction too early.

Would that mean a flash, remote flash is a big no no?
 
What I have found works for me, is waiting for the rider to be at their lowest point on their saddle. By this I mean, try to take the shot when the rider is on the down rather than the up. Not quite sure why this works, but it was a tip given to me by a full time equestrian photographer, and it works for me 9 times out of 10 :)

unless the rider is on the wrong diagonal of course !!!
 
[/QUOTE]unless the rider is on the wrong diagonal of course !!![/QUOTE]

...well that would be the 1 time out of ten :nuts: :D :lol:
 
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