hey you equestrian photographers out there!!!

[gonebananas]

Hey, anyone got any tips for taking action shots of horses particularly jumping? I use a Panasonic Lumix camera which has a delay before taking the photo which results in missing the shot. I've tried high speed burst etc but it didn't really make much difference.
Advice and experiences please....

Maybe a few examples of your best action shots ?

 

[gillianfleming]

Having a good camera makes a huge difference, i have always had an slr and now have a fairly new cannon.
I think with a camera that has a delay its a matter of practise so you know at what point to hit the button.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47015540@N00/3584966611/in/set-72157605740866007/ My favourite driving shot, all 8 hooves off the ground.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47015540@N00/3563044867/in/set-72157600512727461/ Just love this one.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47015540@N00/3941612630/in/set-72157622227777310/

 

[gonebananas]

thanks. I'm thinking of getting a slr when money allows me too. but until then i think i'll just have to practice with different settings and timings etc

 

[Lucinda_x]

I only spent £100 on my camera and am pleased with its results

 

[gonebananas]

there very good quality photos. i get some decent ones with mine but its timing it as a horse goes over a fence and totally missing it

 

[Toffee_monster]

You need a DSLR really hun, you wont get the high shutter speed or autofocus tracking needed for decent movement photos without one, you may be lucky and get the timing but the focus will be off most of the time

Some very decent priced entry level SLRs out there though (Canon 450d, etc) so have a good nose

And i cant resist, some of my faves

 

[BlizzardBudd]

you just have to get you timings right
here a few of my pics, taken on a normal cannon me thinks

 

[gonebananas]

you just have to get you timings right
here a few of my pics, taken on a normal cannon me thinks

your pics haven't come up chick :S

 

[Vixen Van Debz]

I do a bit of photographing of my yard's unaffiliated derbies just for the fun of it. I have a very good, but non-specialised digital camera - you know, a typical multi-purpose one that fits into a pocket and the zoom pops out to about 1 inch. It took me a little while, but I've learned it's delay - I know when, before the jump, to press the button to get it just right. It took me a whole derby to get that hang of it, but then I started to pick up things like these:

I'd really like to have a proper camera and to do equestrian photography, from sports to 'You and Your Horse' shoots when I've more money and time though!

 

[Twizzel]

Really you need an SLR and fast lens for the best results, but learn to pre focus on the top rail of the jump, then move the focus point to where the horse will be over the jump and release the shutter taking into account the lag/time difference between releasing shutter and the photo being taken. Takes practise but it is possible, also don't use the high speed burst option unless the camera can take a good 6/7 frames per second minimum.

A few photos... am very excited about the coming show season, first show on Sunday yay!!!!

 

[Erin]

You don't need and SLR, you just need to learn how to use your camera

I could get good shots with my old Fuji compact, just practice till you work out when you need to push the button!