Dressage in the Maritimes

[Eclipse1]

This was taken during a 3-day dressage show in our region a couple of weeks ago. Gear: Canon 40D, 70-200 f/2.8 IS
Lighting conditions: abysmal. The indoor arena has large rolling doors on all 4 sides which may or may not be open, depending on the weather and prevailing winds. This, in turn, affects back lighting.
The overhead lighting consists of rows of halogen fixtures high up in the rafters creating pools of light.
I would really appreciate any suggestions for improving the exposure on this type of shot.

http://imagesbyceci.smugmug.com/photos/604396246_mhcgj-M.jpg

If you'd like to see any others, please check out my galleries at:
http://imagesbyceci.smugmug.com/gallery/9065511_TJ2Fr/1/604396246_mhcgj

[ronmayhew]

I love horse photos. I can't see the photos for the watermark

[scrumpy]

I love horse photos. I can't see the photos for the watermark

Ditto!!

[Otta]

Eclipse1 ,

Shoot Manual and just beware of the pools of sunshine ... Timing .... All the shots I see are mostly on the fore hand and unbalanced , concentrate on your timing and you will be rewarded with something you can be proud of .

Trot ... look for the diamond shape
Canter ... look for the leading leg

You have two major problems with dressage , especially the higher levels .

If you get the horse right you will allmost certainly get the rider wrong ( in their view ) . I am not sure if you are selling but to sell you need to get a lot right , all at the same time ... especially timing

[matonanjin]

As Otta said you need to work on exposures and backgrounds. But I know at horseshows you cant always pick your backgrounds.

And as a couple said your watermark is really annoying.