Horse photography

[daniel1005]

In two days I am taking photos of a Show jumping event at a equestrian center. I was just wondering if anyone had any useful tips/techniques that I could use on the day because I am completely new to the subject. Just wondering if anyone had any ideasto how to compose the photo? :shrug:

 

[bluesnappa]

Get in a place where you can get the horse and rider going over a couple of jumps just in case you miss them first time. Get low for impact but get your metering right so they are exposed correctly. Side shots or better still half way between front and side, facing you of course, are best for selling and make sure your shutter speed is high enough to freeze the action. Giddy up...good luck. Oh and dont sit too close to the jump otherwise you could spook the horse, use a zoom from a sensible distance. Ask one of the horsey folk if you are likely to be in a spooky place. Hi ho Silver!

 

[odd jim]

Is it indoor or outdoor?

 

[Al de Man]

I guess I'm too late with my advice, but for the best looking shots, make sure the horses' ears are pointing forward.

 

[phil8139]

I guess I'm too late with my advice, but for the best looking shots, make sure the horses' ears are pointing forward.

Tongue in cheek, but will we be seeing an equestrian equivalent of CRB checks for interfering with the horse to get this pose

 

[DemiLion]

If you're interfering with it Phil, the horse's ears certainly won't be forward - unless it's as much a perv as you appear to be of course!!!

 

[neil_g]

bit late now for the OP but for anyone else stumbling over this thread my advice echo some of what mark said, get in a position that you can shoot a few jumps from.

put the camera into servo or continuous focusing (you dont say what kit you have so..) and pan for side on shots, also try and pick those without a cluttered background. a nice blurred background is also good so adjust your aperture accordingly depending on frontal or side on shots.

re spooking horses, jumping horses arent normally too bad (they normally get "focused" after a whack from the rider..). but generally if a rider decides youve spooked their horse whether you did or not youll get some flak no matter where youre stood.

also a word to the wise, jumpers are tighter than a ducks proverbial and very rarely pay for shots if they can help it. look out for people taking the images off of your website if applicable.

 

[phil8139]

If you're interfering with it Phil, the horse's ears certainly won't be forward - unless it's as much a perv as you appear to be of course!!!

Philip - Greek meaning lover of horses...... you now have me worried as I do sometimes sleepwalk