Horses... Panning... Jumping... Freezing!

[gmen]

A very, very, very chilly afternoon spent at the races today. Grim conditions indeed... but a chance to experiment a little with with some different angles and some panning... here are some of the results...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv017.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv002.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv003.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv004.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv005.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv001.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv007.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv016.jpg

Comments as always are welcomed!

[Sleeping Martyr]

simply awesome shots.

[BigRed450]

gmen, I see a picture within a picture... Image #4, right side, bay horse with rider in pink and blue just over the hedge. That crop would make an very strong image all on its own...

Your images are all very good . I really like #2 and #5 as well.

Great Job..

[ayotnoms]

WOW
I'd be proud to own any one of these images.

Great idea BTW re: BigRed's cropping suggestion.

[quadphoto]

These are first class horse racing images, I particularly like photo number 5 but really they are all winners. What are the rules and regulations on taking photograph's at race courses?. Quadphoto.

[Molydood]

echo those comments, very well done
be interested to hear any technical feedback you gathered

[fslshooter]

Excellent -- as is all of your stuff. Personally I prefer stopped action in most sports shots but the motion blurred legs and feet do give an interesting effect. I like #7 best of all -- if I were the jockey I'd want that one framed and hanging on my wall.

[aam1234]

Breathtaking! Looked at them three times, couldn't resist. The panning makes the photos come alive!

Honestly Gmen, now I prefer your horse racing photos to your football pics. I find the expression on football players faces a bit of a turn off, but that's just me.

Again, the photos above are a world class. Thanks for showing them to us.

[gmen]

gmen, I see a picture within a picture... Image #4, right side, bay horse with rider in pink and blue just over the hedge. That crop would make an very strong image all on its own...

Your images are all very good . I really like #2 and #5 as well.

Great Job..

Thanks for you comments BigRed450... That crop is a great idea...something like this?...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/pfv020.jpg

[sGu]

Fantastic shots, Gavin!

Next time you can probably set up a remote cam with fishy where they're about to jump off the ground ;)

[BigRed450]

Thanks for you comments BigRed450... That crop is a great idea...something like this?...


Not quite gmen, but that works well too. You got the idea. I like to isolate certain portions of an image sometimes to enhance the action. Initially I was thinking of the rider at the far right, Dark Bay horse and Dark blue and pink rider, but I like the crop you chose as well. Good eye..

[rick barclay]

Beautiful shots.

[Jonny]

Gavin,

Whats it like at racecourses for photography? I have been racing plenty of times but have never taken the camera.
Do they mind you shooting or do you need prior permisson? What kind of access can you get? Kind you walk round the entire course and pretty much stand where you like.
Whenever i have been it all looks pretty relaxed.

thanks mate

[gmen]

Whats it like at racecourses for photography? I have been racing plenty of times but have never taken the camera.
Do they mind you shooting or do you need prior permisson? What kind of access can you get? Kind you walk round the entire course and pretty much stand where you like.
Whenever i have been it all looks pretty relaxed.
What are the rules and regulations on taking photograph's at race courses?

If you're intending to take photos outside of the main enclosures at the course, you will almost certainly need accreditation.

Also, if your equipment 'stands out' when shooting from the usual spectator areas then it's likely you'll be asked who you are taking photos for and if you have a permission.

There were about 6 photogs at Huntingdon on Thursday and we were all representing publications/agencies. In fact, on my first visit to the course, I was taken on a 'routine' tour by the safety officer prior to shooting. Almost all of the shots I've posted here were taken standing on the course itself to get into the best position - something I wouldn't have been able to do without accreditation.

I'm sure good shots are possible from the spectator areas - but the benefits of working from other areas can't be underestimated.

My experience of other courses is limited so you may find they are more flexible - but I'd still be tempted to seek the back-up of a paper/agency if possible.

Hope that helps a little!

---- Gavin

[gmen]

echo those comments, very well done
be interested to hear any technical feedback you gathered

Thanks very much Molydood...

As for technical feedback... hmmm... I'm still learning... but here are a few things I've been trying...

1. The panning shots are at 1/50s.
2. Pay close attention to the focus point(s) you are using as this will vary depending on the angle you are shooting at.
4. My style is to shoot wide open all the time, so pre-focusing isn't really an option - I'm selecting different focus points on the fly and relying on AI Servo to nail the action
5. A shutter speed of 1/500s or faster is still required to stop the action - these horses are travelling mighty fast.
6. Work the angles and use different focal lengths. A longer focal length (300mm+) lets you work from an almost 'head on' position to emphasise the competitive nature of the field. Shorter focal lengths allow you to work at an narrower angle to the fence emphasing the extension of the horses as they jump - shot #2 for example was with a 135mm lens. The next step (when it stops raining) is to try some remote shots.

--- Gavin

[gmen]

Fantastic shots, Gavin!

Next time you can probably set up a remote cam with fishy where they're about to jump off the ground ;)

Cheers Gu!

I'm thinking fishy from the base of the fence pointing upwards to capture the horses as they come over. I just need to find a nice dry day to give it a go - I'm not willing to write off my poor old 10D quite yet - although I know its time will come!

[Molydood]

thanks for the response gavin, good comments

[Otta]

Jonny Skyman,

Why not try point to point next season ( If there is one ) , Just as exciting but easier access.

Otta
I have some horse shots here if you are interested (http://www.eventsphotographer.com)

[PhotosGuy]

Good work! Love the motion shots.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Love the second shot. Awesome action shot, and very sharp. Thanks for sharing!

[gmen]

Thanks for your feedback folks... I really appreciate it... I'm just pleased that the weather has improved significantly since that rather chilly, soggy day in February!

[madplower4]

So, what's it like to look yourself in the mirror and say "when it comes to photography, you da' man!!" I am so jealous of your skill. I don't see how they can be any better than that!!