Weekend Horse Show

Having recently entered the realms of pro photography kit and buying a 2nd hand 1D Mark III, Sunday was my first opportunity to get out to a horse show to give it a test run.

I was looking for something a bit different, I photograph for a regional equine magazine so wanted to produce some shots that offer some variety to that of other magazines. While shooting one jump during the Eventer trial (Show jumping mixed with Cross country) I noticed through the bush, a jump on top of the hill. At first the position of the sun created too strong a contrast between the blue sky and the dark horses, but by the final class I was able to get some well lit shots with the sun beginning to settle.

This is straight out of the camera, I would be interested to hear what you would edit, increase highlights around the face? increase the contrast and gradient in the sky?

EXIF: 1/800s f/13.0 ISO500 154mm (35mm eq:200.2mm)

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I am new here and far from pro... however... I do a lot of equine photography and I absolutely love the shot. It is very difficult to get original angles on horse pictures that do not mess with proportion. I have viewed many works from other profesional equine photographers and this is the first shot I have seen that I would consider purchasing.

Good action shot but the face being in shadow is slightly distracting.

vansplic wrote in post #11077187
I am new here and far from pro... however... I do a lot of equine photography and I absolutely love the shot. It is very difficult to get original angles on horse pictures that do not mess with proportion. I have viewed many works from other profesional equine photographers and this is the first shot I have seen that I would consider purchasing.

Thank you for your kind words

corkneyfonz wrote in post #11077725
Good action shot but the face being in shadow is slightly distracting.

Agreed - it kind of sits in between being a silhouette and correctly lit. How about this, not ideal but at least the face is lit?:

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Aren't there fine points regarding this type of photography that would require an expert critique? Color, density, sharpness, comp all look good, but since I know nothing about proper positioning of horse and rider, such as position with respect to the jump, I'm not sure what value the critique would be. This is one of those instances where you might seek out an expert and ask for an opinion and advice on how to improve.

I think its a nice shot, but would have been better with more separation between the horse and the thing its jumping over. Love the blue sky, could be a bit bluer. Great view point.

J Michael wrote in post #11081260
Aren't there fine points regarding this type of photography that would require an expert critique? Color, density, sharpness, comp all look good, but since I know nothing about proper positioning of horse and rider, such as position with respect to the jump, I'm not sure what value the critique would be. This is one of those instances where you might seek out an expert and ask for an opinion and advice on how to improve.

Hi Michael,

In terms of horse positioning and shape, its pretty spot on, not perfect but not far off - IMHO.

It was more the colour, contrast, composition, sharpness etc i would like C+C on

turn down luminance of blue channel.