Hunt - C&C

countryjimbo

I took some pictures of a Hunt recently and I'm not happy with the results at all. My main problem is that the horse is not in focus and I expect this is down to either my technique or camera set-up.

I wanted to get shots of the horses going over jumps so I got a good position and set the camera in Sport mode, set the format to fine jpg to enable faster continuous shots, used auto-focus.

In most shots the fence is in focus but the movement of the horse is blurred and I really want it the other way round. Thinking about it afterwards maybe I should have panned with the horse as it was going over the jump.

Here's an example of what went wrong, pls let me have any advise on how to improve the next time.

oshead

Hi countryjimbo
Let me say first... I'm no expert. But i would suggest taking the camera out of sport mode. If i were you i'd stop using the auto settings all together. It's the only way to learn how to shoot. Looks like the shutter speed is too slow. Put the camera into shutter priority mode (Tv on a Canon, S on a Nikon) and lower the shutter speed as much as you can. You could also try and bump up the ISO if you need to.
Hope this helps
Dave OS

Thirdfox

It would be helpful if you could post your exif information too (focal length, shutter speed, aperture, iso used etc.) It would also be really helpful to tell us what camera you're using (dSLR/bridge/p&s)

One trick for these fixed shots is to prefocus on what you want to photograph - here you can prefocus on the gate.

The horse is blurred because your shutter speed is not high enough - if you have shutter priority function on your camera turn it up to a much higher speed (try 1/500-1/1000th of a second). You may have to increase ISO to compensate (or open the aperture more) - normally in sunny light this will not be a problem.

Alternatively you can pan your camera following the motion of the horse (even with low shutter speeds). Depending on ability you will be able to get the horse and rider sharp while blurring the background (depends on shutter speed used - 1/1000th of a second pans will probably do little or nothing to the image, 1/5th of a second exposure will give a very blurred background.)

I see from your flickr page that you use a Sony Alpha - you would definitely be able to use these tips to help ensure you get the photos you want.

Good luck!

countryjimbo

Thanks for the replies.

Here's the exif data:
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100

My camera's a Sony Alpha so I'll be able to try these suggestions.
I used Sport mode in the expectation that it would be best for moving objects but looking at my shutter speed I can see that its not the best option.

RoryW

countryjimbo wrote: »

I used Sport mode in the expectation that it would be best for moving objects

the obvious is not always the best choice for photographs !

Thirdfox

You'll learn much better using Shutter priority/Aperture priority/Manual mode. I leave mine on aperture priority 95% of the time.

Try opening up the aperture a bit - you should be able to hit around 1/500 (if you want a greater depth of field then bump up the ISO to 200 - 1/320 of a second or 1/640 if you go to ISO 400). There will be very little noise at these low ISO settings (especially in daylight).

countryjimbo

Thanks Thirdfox your advise is much appreciated.

I'm planning on having another go this Sunday so I'll try this out. Will post up the results. (fingers crossed they'll be better!!)

countryjimbo

I've had another go at this and I'm much happier with the results.

C&C very welcome



Click for larger versions

Paulw

Well, Borderfox is the man to comment on equine photography, since he does plenty of horse shows and such.

Basically, you want to freeze the motion. You will need a high shutter speed (1/500 or greater). You probably want f/4.5-5.6 really. That should give you some decent focus on the horse and rider.

I have some horse show photos on my website gallery, and they show the settings used for the photo, just if you wanted to compare.

Just curious - where was this event?

Rojo

I'd warm up that last photo, Jimbo. To make it look more autumny!

countryjimbo

Paulw wrote: »

I have some horse show photos on my website gallery, and they show the settings used for the photo, just if you wanted to compare.

Just curious - where was this event?

Checked out your website some great shots there, noticed that most shots have a faster shutter speed but then you have a good lens. I'll have to work on that!

This was a hunt in Clonbullogue, its in Offaly near Eddenderry.

Rojo wrote: »

I'd warm up that last photo, Jimbo. To make it look more autumny!

Thanks Rojo I'll try that!

Thirdfox

Hey CJ - when I zoomed in on the original I could see that the rider and horse were still a bit blurry - perhaps focus was off slightly or the shutter speed still wasn't fast enough?

You could try using continuous focus and tracking the horse as it comes down the course or stop down the aperture (f8+) to get a greater depth of field. Or bump up the ISO for higher shutter speeds.

Much better photo than before though - keep at it!

City-Exile

countryjimbo wrote: »

I've had another go at this and I'm much happier with the results.

C&C very welcome

Big improvement, Jim.
Still need a faster shutter.
You'd probably get away with 1/400 but you might need to up the ISO to 800, as that one looks a bit dark.
It's all about finding a balance.
Keep at it & you'll soon be getting good results everytime.