Cross Country

These are my first attempt at horsey action shots. The first day was dull and drizzly but things brightened up after that. It was a lot harder than I thought but I learnt about the best distances. The tripod was invaluable thought the last shot was taken rather quickly and handheld - he was a long way away! I did a little tidying up of clutter the background in one or two, but little PP otherwise.
Kx + DL 55-300

My favourite is number 3. I might be tempted to with some PP burning to bring out detail in the horses face.

Nice work. No 3 for me too

Very good action shots. My favourite is also #3.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

#3 is excellent and I think many experienced horse photographers would be happy with it.

The first and last have the horse moving away from you which is not so good in my opinion. I think its better to have the horse angled coming towards you

Thank you very much for the comments - and I'll have a go with the burn tool.
In fact #3 is also my favourite - he's my instructor . I hope he'll be pleased with the result.

One of the problems with taking photos of horses jumping is that they can sometimes look rather static, i.e. without much feeling of movement. It's probably got something to do with the angle where the shot was taken. Plus I think being able to catch a determined look on the rider's face as he looks in the direction he will be taking may give an idea of action.

Yes, I agree, Alan, shots of the horse going away aren't good.
Shots taken sideways on can look dramatic, but I didn't include any above because I thought they were dull. Here's an example :

I think you have some very good images. #3 is favourite but I like the motion you have captured too.

Thank you, Stan.
One more that I took yesterday. If anything it was a little too bright and any of the obstacles that were close enough to get the horse coming towards me were into the sun. But I like the expression on this chap's face




For some reason the colours are not as warm as the one on my desktop and this shot looks rather dull here ...

I think the expression on his face makes this shot, plus the horse is in the air. He looks either terrified or amazed he's cleared the obstacle. Love it