As an equestrian photographer, my preference is a more controlled shooting environment than trying to expose the freedom of movement that so many photographers are good at. By controlled I like to choose my background and through props and gimmicks get my subject to look the best they can. Seems rather easy, however as I began on this endeavor I realized the complexity of what I had chosen. First of in theory I have all the elements in my favor. Yes, all but one. The mind of the amazing beast. When first told I was dealing with a creature with the attention span of a three month old child,(some may say less) I drew on my own children s experience. Seemed fairly easy at the time. Then it began. Sadly I did not have the wherewithal to have video capture my antics. If only too look back at what may have been a hilarious exhibition. Waving colorful fabric, making things go pop with just the right amount of noise not to spook my subject, all the while clucking and whistling. Oh yes, I must mention holding the camera to my eye and attempting to compose the shot I have in mind.
So this brings me to my new approach. If you are a horse owner I mean no offence by saying I approach the task as I would a one month old and would never dream of doing it alone.
I now work as a team. I will have a partner performing the clown antics as I anticipate the shot of my subject in all their majesty. All split seconds of it as they grow rapidly bored with our props and trinkets.
We do cover equestrian events, jumping dressage etc, this photography requires a different set of skills. One of being timing. Here I draw the comparison in jumping between a gracious leap over poles to a hop over a pile of sticks. Practice, count, practice and count again, and get back to practicing and be ready for a lot of misses even when you think you are getting good at it. I look forward to an action filled equestrian season this year
A link to my online slide show of summer equestrian shoot.
I was at a horse show the other day, unfortunately missed the cross country, got to practice on jumping in the ring. In the beginning, my shots were honestly boring, as I described to the official event photographer, they look like a horse jumping a pile of sticks. His tips on position and timing paid off as I got to grips with it.
