Horse shows: Questions

[Ed_J_Szalajeski]

I photograph horses, and a few events at tracks.

I have also covered several smaller three, two and single day shows.

My question for the horse show photographers out there, is what method do you do to shoot?

Do you use sign up or shoot all entries?

Winner pictures, what methods do you use? In the ring or a special area outside?

that said, how many people do you need for a show? for simplicity lets say a two ring show, with full classes all day 6AM-late.

Ed

[Tony_Whaling]

Take shots of all entries.
Winners in the ring, very occasionaly outside when there is time pressure in the ring.
2 rings of what? show jumping, hunter jumping a photographer a ring, showing a photograher can normaly cover 3 rings. Dressage depends on how the rings are arranged but I have covered 3 at once and got full coverage and not lost quality.
Depending on entries and the importance of the event, a normal show 1 person in the trailer a major championship may need 2 or even 3.

tony

[Paul_Smith]

sounds about right
jumping = 1 photographer per ring
flat = 1 photographer per 3 - 4 rings, the higher the entry volume the easier it is to cover multiple rings
XC etc typically 3 photograhers depending on the track / event / importance

[Ed_J_Szalajeski]

Thanks, it was one of those events, that should have cancled the outdoor riding.

One question of science though, where do you setup your trailer? We setup by the entrance to the two rings, seems to be right. They had indoor food, but after lunch that place was a ghost-town. Suggestions?

Sorry, it was jumpers, the finals and equitation (*sp?*).

I think looking back I might do a few things differently.

I had a runner and two photographers, we strobbed the inside ring, pictures were awesome, out-side was great until the photographer had a gear issue (fogging inside the camera element).

We also learned the value of all pinnings being photographed.

The workflow was good too, used PhotoParata, and had not problem showing photos right after the event was over. Selling onsite was good, but not as good since it Rained out. (We had a huricane go through, so picture steady downpour)

[Paul_Smith]

Trailer gets setup where ever seems right at the event -

I know that's a naff answer, but there is no nivana location - it's easy to be in the wrong location, not so easy to be in the right location. near food can work, but as you noticed it can also be the wrong location
In the UK indoor strobes are a BIG NO NO

[Tony_Whaling]

I agree with Paul, it can be a big decision if the show organisor allows you any choise. The theoretical perfect position would be overlooking the rings with the lorry park just behind. The walk to the lorry park going right past the trailer, the food stall and secetaries tents next door in a position where they have to walk past the trailer to get to them. The location of the toilets is also a factor. In reality it never happens so we take everything we can into account including the weather and the lengh of show. As an example if its a one day show in murky weather where most are pre entered for one class and going we will go closer to the lorries and realy promote internet sales. If its a longer show where people are going to be occupying themselves between classes we will go near the rings & close to the foodstalls or trade area. The disasters are when you are in a location with no visability and in a place where its a major inconveniance to get to you.

tony

[Ed_J_Szalajeski]

That is tough, (no strobes that is) at least here we could use them, and at a reining event, we were asked why we did not use them (by a magazine).

Location wise, I guess you are right, there is no real answer.

Do most jumping shows (outdoor) go rain or shine? Or did we just get a show where the organizer wanted to go on with the show?

I agree 100% without a trailer, this show would have been a flop. Our awning was a paddock for several horses wanting to stay dry too.

Ed