Indoor Equestrian help :)

[Zivnuska]

Let's go back to basics first before we go out and buy a $5,000 lens.

Set ISO to H (3200) in this low light. Check your manual. I believe DDCSD is right about it being on the custom function menu.

Shoot Av at first. (Use manual later if the light is constant across the venue--if you want. If the light is variable, stay with Av.)

Check your shutter speeds and exposure (histogram) on the resultant images. Adjust

[m3gator]

Originally Posted by danaitch

When it's THAT dark, and your lighting is constant, you really can't beat 'M'. Either use a light meter, or take a spot reading from a grey card. Once you've got your settings you'll be fine.

Otherwise, a grey horse will fool the exposure meter in the camera into thinking it's a lighter scene than it really is and under expose it. Conversely, a bay or dark-coloured horse will fool your camera into thinking the scene's darker than it actually is and really slow your shutter speed down.

Thanks for your comments Danaitch .... that makes sense about the colors and the light reflection. I did not use a card or a meter. I will have to learn how to use them

[m3gator]

Originally Posted by mspringfield

Ugly lighting but I agree that you did an excellent job given the conditions. Your timing was very good catching the the horse at the right moment. If all of your daughter's competitions are under similar conditions then a faster lens will be your best friend. A 200 1.8/2.0 is ideal if your wallet can stand it. Otherwise look into a 135 F2.

This one is with a 200 1.8.

Thanks for coming back to look Michael. This lighting in this arena is representative of most in the area and at least you can get around the outside to get different shots. There are many where you can only shoot from one end. I agree that a 1.8 will help and I am saving my pennies Your shot is great, especially with the backlight. I think the 135mm will work better in these arenas for me as you can get reasonably close (20 - 25 yds) to the action. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

[m3gator]

Originally Posted by Zivnuska

Let's go back to basics first before we go out and buy a $5,000 lens.

Set ISO to H (3200) in this low light. Check your manual. I believe DDCSD is right about it being on the custom function menu.

Shoot Av at first. (Use manual later if the light is constant across the venue--if you want. If the light is variable, stay with Av.)

Check your shutter speeds and exposure (histogram) on the resultant images. Adjust

Zivnuska ..... come on, we all need justification for our toys, right If I do get something new (matter of time) I will want outdoor versatility too. I agree with your suggestions. I am looking forward to the next outing as I was not properly prepared for this one. I will be reading and committing to memory all my camera functions until the next show. I set the ISO to 3200 (H?) last night and I am sure this will open up new doors to better exposure and shutter speeds for me. I am curious as to the amount of noise I might get at these levels so we will see. The journey continues

[DDCSD]

Just to add, you might be able to get away with an 85mm f/1.8 with as close as you seem to be on most of these. 135 might be a bit long.

But if I didn't have to justify it to my wife, I'd get the 135.

[DDCSD]

Oh, and great attitude! You'll well on your way to some great images.

[mspringfield]

Originally Posted by m3gator

Thanks for coming back to look Michael. This lighting in this arena is representative of most in the area and at least you can get around the outside to get different shots. There are many where you can only shoot from one end. I agree that a 1.8 will help and I am saving my pennies Your shot is great, especially with the backlight. I think the 135mm will work better in these arenas for me as you can get reasonably close (20 - 25 yds) to the action. Thanks again and Happy New Year!

No problem. I like to see what others are doing with the things that I shoot and I always try to help whenever possible. You are in for a challenge for sure. So many arenas are dark as dungeons and worse than some gyms that I shoot gymnastics in. Until you get your pennies saved up for a 1.8 I really think that you can get some great shots with the 135, especially if you can get within 20-25 yards. You might even find out that you don't need the 200.

Thanks for the compliment on the shot. That was shot in full manual. The arena was open on 3 sides with no real lighting in the inside so I ended up pushing the ISO to 640-800. It was shot in the summer in the middle of the day so back lighting was ugly. Keep practicing and it will get easier. You will get to the point where you can take one look at the arena and be able to get your settings close the first time.

Looking forward to see what you get.
Michael

[m3gator]

Originally Posted by DDCSD

Oh, and great attitude! You'll well on your way to some great images.

Thanks for your feedback .... I was also thinking of the 85 which seems to be very reasonable in cost. I have had fun and some success with the 70-200 outdoors ..... this indoor low light with speed has been a fun/frustrating challenge. What is great about all of this is that I enjoy the competitions and I get to have fun with a great hobby too.

[m3gator]

Originally Posted by mspringfield

No problem. I like to see what others are doing with the things that I shoot and I always try to help whenever possible. You are in for a challenge for sure. So many arenas are dark as dungeons and worse than some gyms that I shoot gymnastics in. Until you get your pennies saved up for a 1.8 I really think that you can get some great shots with the 135, especially if you can get within 20-25 yards. You might even find out that you don't need the 200.

Thanks for the compliment on the shot. That was shot in full manual. The arena was open on 3 sides with no real lighting in the inside so I ended up pushing the ISO to 640-800. It was shot in the summer in the middle of the day so back lighting was ugly. Keep practicing and it will get easier. You will get to the point where you can take one look at the arena and be able to get your settings close the first time.

Looking forward to see what you get.
Michael

Thanks Micheal. We moved from Wellington, Florida and there were many indoor/covered rings like that there and it was a challenge to get the rider right with the bright background .. thanks for the detail.
I am looking forward to the next show. Of course, it will be at a different venue so my challenge will be to steal away while they are getting my daughter schooled and ready to find the right spot and do some test shots. I really think that will be the key for me (along with knowing the camera better) to get better results. I also need to stay calm and not get nervous as in a class (pre-children hunter pony) there are three rounds of at least eight jumps. I was able to position my self to get two jumps from one position so that's really only two good attempts at great shots in each round ..... that's why I am really working on improving my margin of error

[Zivnuska]

I'm as guilty as anybody about spending waaaaaaay too much money on toys. The 200mm in a 1.8 or 2.0 is serious wonderful stuff. Mega jealous here!

[SouthernJumper]

Nice job on the indoor. Being a rider and a photographer I know how hard that can be. I'm hoping this thread will continue so I can get some ideas. It's one thing to shoot but I let mom use my camera for when I ride and she can't change all that stuff during my round.

I'm assuming that since you're a horse parent that you know the no flash thing for h/j. I see it in a lot of western events but hardly ever in a stadium arena. (For good reason! Some of our crazy english horses freak out haha)

[MysticalPhoto]

Zivnuska

I am an Equine Photographer - and I have to disagree about the flash rule. Every indoor show that I do, I can use flash. These shows include Appaloosa, Arabian, Hunter/Jumper, and Reining. Every competitor has always been ok with the flash. When you go to big shows such as nationals, or finals - photographers have strobes and flashes set up all around the ring. Just my 2 cents...

Also, are you shooting in raw?

[HammerCope]

Originally Posted by MysticalPhoto

Zivnuska

I am an Equine Photographer - and I have to disagree about the flash rule. Every indoor show that I do, I can use flash. These shows include Appaloosa, Arabian, Hunter/Jumper, and Reining. Every competitor has always been ok with the flash. When you go to big shows such as nationals, or finals - photographers have strobes and flashes set up all around the ring. Just my 2 cents...

Also, are you shooting in raw?

Finaly someone who agrees with me.

[liam5100]

Originally Posted by mspringfield

The first thing to remember is no flash. A flash can be dangerous to both horse and rider. You never know how a horse will react to a flash. I have seen normally docile horse get really nervous and jumpy when faced with a flash.

This is so true, and I see people do it all the time. I actually went to the midwest barrell racing finals in Oklahoma City one time, and they had a "hired" photographer taking pictures of the riders coming around the 3rd barrell, they had a powerful strobe mounted about 20' in the air aimed directly into the horse and riders eyes as they came around the barrell, I could believe it.

And then to have the odacity to put up signs everywhere that "pro" camera's and photography arent permitted, images can be purchased by "x".

[liam5100]

Originally Posted by m3gator

Zivnuska ..... come on, we all need justification for our toys, right If I do get something new (matter of time) I will want outdoor versatility too. I agree with your suggestions. I am looking forward to the next outing as I was not properly prepared for this one. I will be reading and committing to memory all my camera functions until the next show. I set the ISO to 3200 (H?) last night and I am sure this will open up new doors to better exposure and shutter speeds for me. I am curious as to the amount of noise I might get at these levels so we will see. The journey continues

Not to mention.... Look at Dr. Z's main toy in his avatar.. then to discourage people... tsk.. tsk..!