Cutting Horse Photography

Well I'm new to the forum but I've been shooting for about twenty years or so as a hobby. I've never really done any sports photography so I figured I'd jump right in with something fairly challenging. I didn't want to drag a bunch of kit since I was really going to enjoy the show with the wife. I settled on my Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 on the 50d. I thought I'd want to be able to reach out there and would need the speed at this indoor event.

I know at these events the most exciting part is when the horse is nose-to-nose with the cow and that was what I was hoping to capture. These horses are amazingly athletic.

Turned out the lens was a little long for the venue. I should have brought my 50mm F1.8. I think it would have been perfect. I often had trouble getting the horse and cow in the frame together. Of course, if I had a full frame camera the 70-200mm would have been perfect. I tried to shoot at iso 800 but often bounced to 1600 when zooming in. After reviewing the 400+ photos, I think 1/500 sec is really the slowest you can shoot this event and get consistent sharp images. I do think the slower shutter speeds sometimes lend themselves to showing the speed of the animals though.

Anyway, here's a link to some of my better efforts.

http://www.flickr.com …s/sets/72157621​629346633/

Bob

Hi Bob, Your post would probably draw more response if you posted a few of your photos.

I'm one of the few around POTN who regularly shoots cuttings. (though there are a couple of others as well).

I think it's harder to get the cow in the shot when you're shooting from the side. ... though, when it does all come together, the riders really like those shots. .. I think it's because it's not the *standard* .. it's ideal to get the cow and horse going nose to nose (when the horse is hunting the cow) .. but, like I said, it's harder to consistantly get that kind of side shot.

I shoot from the judge's stand for the most part. .. though, a few months ago, I shot from the side for about 1/2 of one show.

I have issues with the covered arenas around here. .. most are at private ranches without any decent lighting. I tried my studio lights at one a week or so ago, but still didn't care for the results. .. anyway.. without getting into what I need to make them better .. long story short: I prefer the open arenas.

I shot a 12 hr show on saturday (8am - 8pm) ... and am still processing the pix. .. I shot three of the local cutting clubs last year.. but am only doing two of them this year (because of the covered arena issues). .. You can find them on my site (if you want to see a few thousand cutting shots) www.ShootMyPix.com (I'm working on the Northern Counties 7/18 show pix now.. so the some of the folders are still empty)

The only time that I'll shoot at less than 1/800 sec (preference is 1/1200) is when I'm forced to use the studio lights. ... alas my lights don't have a high sync setting.

Oh.. Welcome to POTN! .. I hope you'll start posting your photos!