First attempt at this

[pcho]

I was ask to take some pictures in a horse equestrian event and the magazine publisher was going to purchase it from me. It will be published in the next release. Well I have not done this before so I took my 1dsmk2 with 300mm F2.8 IS and my 1dmk2 with my 70-200 F2.8 IS with me. It was very sunny so there was a lot of shadows. I was rotating the 2 cameras depending on the distance of the jumps. I have to go there tomorrow again. Well here are some samples of todays action and they are taken with both cameras. Any help would be much appreciated.

Perry

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse1.jpg

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse2.jpg

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse6.jpg

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse4.jpg

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse5.jpg

http://www.thepatienteye.com/albums/webforum/horse3.jpg

[Igor]

Superb action shots! What ISO/ Shutter speeds were used?

[Rudi]

Not sure I can offer any advice, Perry (sometimes it's difficult to know what an Editor will pick), but you seem to be doing the right thing here. Capture the action, and the concentration and determination on the rider's face. #1, #3 and #4 are very good examples of this, the others have it as well, but the light is not as flattering in those. Not much you can do about that, so I wouldn't worry. :)

Good stuff! Have fun tomorrow, I'll be having a day off. :p :D

[pcho]

Superb action shots! What ISO/ Shutter speeds were used?


Thanks Igor,

On both cameras I used F5.6, TV mode so most of the shutter speeds were between 1000 and 1600. I was using ISO 200 and the day was so bright that at F5.6 I did not need to pump up ISO. I just wanted to have as much DOF as possible. Maybe I could have selected ISO 400 and use F8 instead.

Perry

[pcho]

Not sure I can offer any advice, Perry (sometimes it's difficult to know what an Editor will pick), but you seem to be doing the right thing here. Capture the action, and the concentration and determination on the rider's face. #1, #3 and #4 are very good examples of this, the others have it as well, but the light is not as flattering in those. Not much you can do about that, so I wouldn't worry. :)

Good stuff! Have fun tomorrow, I'll be having a day off. :p :D

Thanks Rudi but I thought you are an expert in everything, as well as ....... :)

Perry

[mdephoto]

Nice shots...if it were me I would not go for any more dof and would actually try some shots with a little less (not sure if it would work but I think it might be worthwhile on a few) ... you are nailing the focus on the primary subject so I would not be worrying about what is in the background ... on the other side, these are $ shots we are talking about here and you are doing a bang-up job so I am not sure you should be doing anything different.....

[Rudi]

Oh, I am! :D But it never ceases to amaze me what Editors pick for printing in their publications. Most of the time it's not the best image submitted! I'm sure they have their reasons... :)

[Mao]

I think that you've done an excellent job on these Perry. Not an advice, but, just a thought, maybe try a few panned shots? Other than that, you're doing great and hope he buys lots and lots so you don't have to photoshop those CF cards for Rudi :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[bobber]

Great shots...just watch where ya step!!!

[Bobby]

Looks like you are doing all the right things Perry, you have captured some beautiful action shots. I agree with Mao, trying some panning shots might be interesting. As for shadows with strong overhead light maybe a better beamer might work in these conditions. In any event I think you are capturing the action really well.

[Rudi]

I don't think you want flash with horses around, Bobby! At least that is the way I'd be leaning... :D

[Kevin]

Well, I'll tell you what I think but do just the opposite because I haven't a clue when it comes to publications....

That being said, I'd shoot more wide open. In the first examples posted the subject isolation should be more distinct. The background is too distracting.

The last 3 shots are much better in that regard than the first 3. I wonder if it's possible to get that kind of angle on the first shots?

In any event, the quality of the shots is fantastic Perry. You really bring out the best in your gear!! Nice job. And keep us posted.

[Rudi]

Kevin makes a good point. On the shots taken from the side, I would open her right up (or maybe f/4) for nice separation from the bg. After all, that is why we use the good gear, and not a P&S for when we want to get paid, right? :D

[Jeff JTPhoto]

Well done Perry. Excellent captures, peak action. My favourites are the front 3/4 shots which add to the depth and 3D effect of the image. Not much I can add but try a couple different angles, and different techniques, so there is more variation for the editor to choose from.. Possibly a couple rear 3/4 shots over the jump.. That being said, horses are very photogenic so the possibilities are endless..

[pcho]

Thanks everyone fopr input. Very much appreciated and guess what, it is cloudy this morning so I should get better shots.

Perry

[David Cramer]

I like you focus on the action and rider's expression. Mix it up more and shoot more open. Try different heights and angles to get variety and see what they like.

[chezem]

Wow!. These are great. Lovely action shots that are well composed. Great work.