Show Photography- tips please!

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Penguinboots

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As per title really!
I'm doing some pro show photography on Saturday for the first time, and not really sure what to expect! Other than avoid getting in the way of the judge and take lots of lovely photos, is there anything else I need to bear in mind?
Thanks!
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I take it you are using a digital camera? In that case just keep clicking, clicking, clicking - the more photos you take, the better chances you have of getting really good shots! Make sure you get the angles right - as a general rule, head on shots of horses moving are not very flattering or interesting, but it is surprising how often they are seen on photographer's websites! Look for a point in the ring with a good background like a plain hedge or similar. When taking trotting shots, try NOT to get the rider at the top of the rise - it is very unflattering! Take some loose polos in your pocket, so you can rustle them when trying to get prize-winners to put their ears forward!

Good luck!

(Also try looking at event photographer's website to see what type of shots they take and whether they work or not).
 
If you're in a showjumping ring try not to get run over- watch someone go round the course whilst standing outside the ring then ask to go in and stand by a jump (obviously moving out of the way when it's the next jump!).

If it's a showing show, always ask the judge of the ring you want to go in if you can take some photos. They rarely say no- most of them end up having conversations with me!

Try not to jump out on riders, they don't like it!!
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Headshots are best taken from this angle...
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Jumps are best taken at this angle...
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but can also work at this angle...shows the horse stretching out etc... but it's tricky to get the perfect shot (too early and it's not completely basculing, too late and it's started going over the pole)
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Photos on the flat- try to get them where the horse is stretching out or all 4 feet are off the floor!!:
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Above all enjoy yourself!! Which show are you going to, I saw you're in the south west...
 
Brilliant photos, thanks a lot!
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It's Camborne show on Saturday, I'm doing showing I think...so no showjumpers to leap out of the way of!!
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i used to work for an equine photographer (printing side not the actual taking of them unfortunatly) and he did all sorts of varied shows. best tip i remember was with a horse trotting always take it so the foreleg closest to you is the one striding out. remember a guy trying to get some work, his shots were lovely but he made that mistake and you could tell the difference. and people love variety and also love the shots they didnt expect (like a moment between horse and handler etc) have fun! am very jealous
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I'll probably see you there then. What camera/lens do you use?

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I've got a Canon 400D (love it!) with a Tamron 55-200mm lens...I could really do with a better lens tbh though. If you see me I'll probably be the lost-looking person in one of the showing rings, looking like they don't have a clue what they're doing! lol (I'm sure it'll be fine really...!)

Thanks everyone for your tips, they'll come in really useful!
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