Doesn't seem to be to much wrong technically, but maybe the judge was commenting more on overall impact/subject matter compared to other images in the competition. Having said that, it's always personal opinion and often we assume that because they're judging that the must be an expert or even just a good photographer, but it's not always the case

I had one judge tell me that a urban night shot I entered was amazing and would have got a twenty but he knocked off 1 point each for three stars he could see in the sky as they distracted his attention ! Glad it wasn't a shot of the milky way !

I wouldn't worry about it to much and don't let it put you off entering images, mostly it's great fun and can often get useful feedback...

Thank you David, still getting used to the new toys and still being constantly surprised when I get back to the computer at the quality that pops up as LR imports them from the memory card. Best lens investment I ever made!

Hope I get to say hello again at some point soon

Thanks you for the kind words Derek.

The settings were pretty consistent using TAV mode on the K3 with a shutter speed of 1000 and an aperture of F4.0 letting the camera choose the ISO which usually fluctuated up-to and around 1000. When using the 50-135 all shots were handheld and I used a monopod for the shots with 300mm. Shots 2,3,4,5 were the 50-135.

I used back-button-fous (another first for me) with the camera in AF-C mode to pre-focus on the middle of the fence the click away as the horse came over.

Have to say it's great fun and since the horses are usually 3-4 mins apart it gives you enough time to adjust technique, settings angle etc. between each shot but you never get bored. The fence judges are even kind enough to blow a loud whistle when your next subject is about to arrive

Thank you for the comments, I think 1 was my favourite but I can't help but love number 8...

On the serious side it was my first serious outing with my two new lenses, both of which perform remarkably well. The 50-135 combined with the 1.4TC work especially well in this environment and seemed to offer exactly the right mix of reach, speed and flexibility.. Although when it was needed the 300mm was amazing !

Also my first time using back button focus and and a gripped K3, worked a treat...

A few images from this weekend's visit to Chatsworth International Horse Trials. All taken with K3 and either DA*300 or the DA*50-135. C&C welcome

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8 (had to include for comedy value)



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When people say "that's an amazing picture, you must have a great camera" I often ask how many people eat Gordon Ramsey's restaraunt and say "that's an amazing dish, you must have a great oven"

I'm thinking of going to Black Country Museum this weekend

Great shot Steve, very excited by the combo and looking forward to getting used to it

Cheers Carl, haven't tried the TC with other lenses yet, in fact I also bought a 50-135 with the 300 and haven't played with that yet either! Lots of new stuff to get used to

hope you're well

Andy

all shot on the K3, using mostly continuos auto focus.