Any one photograph clay shooting?

I have been asked to photograph a team tetrathlon in a fortnight, this involves cross country riding, running, cycling and clay pigeon shooting. It will be my first 'professional' event and I'm a bit worried. I think I can do the horse bit as I do it a lot for friends, and I've been looking hard at all your running and cycling ones and I can go out and practice those before the event, but I have never seen any photos of clay pigeon shooting and was wondering if anyone can help me with some samples or tips on what to look out for?

This is a link to my flikr page with horsy pics- I hope you'll think they;re good enough to sell?
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/23789815@N03/

A long time ago, i used to take corporate activity day photographs at Brands Hatch. I did take some clay pigeon shots as well from time to time.
If you enjoy taking photos, and have a "photographers" eye, you will see the shots appear in front of you.
Obviously the main problem is that you cant stand in front of the shooters! So photos from the side, and if there are more than one shooter at a time works well. Close ups, of the gun, and smoke that comes from the gun etc. Wide angle shots will add another perspective, if the area is photogenic.
Also the shooters usually are in a happy mood, and so there is a lot of smiling and laughing, and other people about taking the mickey out of the shooter, so you can get good human shots as well.
Other than that you're stuffed!
Hope it helps a bit, Good luck, and post some of your shots

I have never photographed it professionally but was having fun with my son one day and got these. Both photos are of the same clay, before and after destruction.... Neat photos but probably not able to be sold. Close ups like 3rd one, while not clay's, always are interesting to me(minus the reflections in the ear protection). Good luck and please post the results.

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I think you will be able to get some good shots. I like your macro insects.

Thanks everyone, I was very interested in the idea of being able to take the gun and the clay, but it looks like it might be a bit hard. I think people should like the close ups and djthemac- that looks like a good angle to be taking from.

Pic up the CPSA Mag, the main UK magazine for clay shooting, should give you some ideas. Being a UK based shooter who now spends most of his time shooting with a camera i may well have to give it a go.

I would imagine some shots like those posted above would be best.

Expect to see next to no Semi's however and mainly o/u, so they will make for less interesting shots side on.

Also be aware that the shooters (depending on how serious they are) might not take nicely to it, or there may be other shooters waiting to look over their shoulder to spot.

Sounds like an excellent opportunity

You got some sound advice here... one thing to add is to definitely wear safety shooting glasses, and ear protection.

With the examples shown above im sure you'll get some idea,just dont forget hearing protection

Thanks so much everyone - all fantastic advice, I fell much better about it now. I hadn't thought of the ear protection- an essential- thanks.

photojesse17 wrote in post #5511876
I have never photographed it professionally but was having fun with my son one day and got these. Both photos are of the same clay, before and after destruction.... Neat photos but probably not able to be sold. Close ups like 3rd one, while not clay's, always are interesting to me(minus the reflections in the ear protection). Good luck and please post the results.

Great capture how you actually caught the wad and shot stream of pellets

Ear and eye protection should be mandatory when particapating in any shooting sport.

Not my best work, but shotguns are fun to shoot, and shoot. Pun intended. These were not taken at a clay shoot but I want to get out to a skeet field one of these days.

Holy bandoliers Batman!

Are these guys shooting clays or playing Doom?

JeffreyG wrote in post #5526314
Holy bandoliers Batman!

Are these guys shooting clays or playing Doom?

It was a "tactical" shotgun match. Shooting paper and steel targets from varying positions and distances while being timed.

-Mark.