Anyone Got Any Equestrian Photography Tips?

I'm delving into equestrian photography tomorrow, anyone got any do's and don'ts?
I'm going to be inside the ring with 2 bodies, I think I'll have the 17-70 on one and the 70-200 ont'tuther, though in my bag I'll have plenty of other glass just in case.
All battery's are getting charged as we speak.
I'm packing the flash gun but don't think I'll be using it, don't want to spook the horses!!

Anyone done thins type of thing before??

I've done a fair amount of equestrian photography this year with the K3 and found the 70-200 ideal. There were one or two occasions when my 18-55 would have come in handy, but unless you get up really close to the horses, the 70-200 works very well.
I doubt you'll need a flash gun - the 70-200 is brilliant on a dull day.
I generally use 1/1000 f 5.8 and auto ISO though I limit it on a sunny day to 800. A slower shutter speed can result in blurry legs.

You haven't said what sort of things the horses will be doing, but I was given a couple of useful tips by a pro :
a. Jumping. Try to be at about 45 degrees or straight ahead of the jumper, and get a shot as it takes off and when it lands - say 3 continuous shots. Shots from the side can get messed up by jump stands, poles, flags etc. Horses look great when they're in the air, and just before they hit the ground when their legs are extended. Close ups of horse's head and rider's face can be revealing !

b. Trotting. Try to catch the horse when its legs are extended. Click when the front leg furthest away from you is extended and as straight as possible.

c. Cantering. The motion of the horse's back end is bum up, bum down, bum up, bum down. Try to capture it when the bum is down and the front half of the horse is higher than the back end. It's apparently what riders like to see !!

I try to avoid continuous shooting, preferring to get the right moment. It takes practice and I don't get it right every time ! But continuous shooting can be a more sure way of getting the right shot !

Hope this helps - and have a great day !

Flipping Heck Blaze, that was over and above what I was expecting, thank you

I'm not sure what the critters will be upto yet, just showing I think...

Just had a look through your recent pictures in the gallery, some cracking equestrian shots there

I've learnt an awful lot since those were taken You can see all the things you shouldn't do !!!!
I'll post a couple of more recent ones where I've nearly got it right

Just to give you an idea ..... but I'm still learning







Dressage in the rain !!!






But you can get some nice close ups on heads, bridles, leather bits and pieces (I love boots and spurs )

Isn't that the dodgy French Gendarme from 'allo 'allo in the first pic...

Hi Daz

I do a lot of equine photography, some of it commissioned work. What tips or guidance are you looking for?

Here is some stuff i posted last time

https://www.pentaxuser.com/forum/topic/the-k3---bramham-international-horse-tria...

Oh dear, your shots make mine look positively boring, Gareth !!!
I'll put some up for some comments ... when I get a moment !

Sally, you take great equine images. I was just lucky at Bramham. I also had good access which makes a big difference.

Regards

Fletcher8 (aka Gareth)

Thanx lads, it all helps or helped. Just got back from my 1st event, it went ok I think. Not had chance to go through my images yet though. I just stuck the 70-200 on in TaV mode set to 1/250 and f5.6, kept the iso range to 80-6400 and all seemed fine.
I seem to be allergic to something though as my eye has swelled up like a good'un! Its flippin' itchy as hell to

One From Today.

A happy looking man and a beautiful horse (nice hairdo !). Really great portrait !
(I don't think you needed any tips )