Something new for me

I'm not a horse fan, although my wife has one and she likes to go to the odd show to spectate, I don't normally go myself (unless there is some high octane involved). Anyway I said I would go along with her today and took a camera with me.

This is a first for me, so would appreciate any CC good or bad (you will not upset me), so please let me have it.

Great shots Ken

I prefer 2 and 4 - partly because of the angle/shot, but also because of the whole scene - the best parts of such an event, tents people etc (the cars not so much).

1, 2 and 4 for me, with 4 the favourite. Number 3 I don't like, the horse and rider are just slightly facing away, the horse blends in with the background and the background isn't really pleasing. I do really like number 4 though, it's belting!

xx

I think you have got the majority of them spot on. 3/4 head-on shots are always best for this type of photograph, so you have done well.
The only other thing I could suggest is maybe a lower angle of shot?

Really nicely captured Ken, very sharp as is your usual standard.

I think 1 and 4 are the best, to my eyes catching the horse on the rise (so to. speak) with the angle you have used works very well. In number 2 the horse looks a little flat, parallel to the bars.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look and CC these for me

BTW the rest can be found HERE

Thanks Azz, You've reminded me, I must number my shots for easy CC reference. Your right about all the BG drama

Thanks Laura, I know what you mean about number 3, it was a bit of an after thought shot as it was across the other side of the arena and so heavily cropped too.

Thanks Fogey, funny you should mention a lower angle, there was a young lad taking picture from the ground in front of me, just wish I was a bit more flexible, at the moment my back is not to good

Thanks Tony, I was pleased with the high number of keepers (sharp) shots I got on this outing, especially at such large apertures (f2.8 - f3.2). I've been trying different techniques with the 1Dmkiv over a period of time and think I'm about there now. I just need to get an air display under my belt this year now .

If I were to be ultra critical the horse head and neck in No 3 don't stand out quite in as well because if the background (trees). However I would be well pleased with those pictures if I had taken them. I notice you did some editing which really brought out the images to their best

Bazza

I'd be chuffed to bits with a set like that Ken, especially as I tend to avoid horses as I'm allergic to them.

Thanks Bazza, These were all run through LightRoom with a bit of sharpening and check of levels mainly, I accidentally had the camera on -0.33 EV

Thanks Richard, That is weird you mention being allergic, I am too, if I touch anything my wife has touched when she's been to the stables and then touch my eyes, that's it, my eyes go berserk. So I never touch them now.

Know the feeling well Ken. Once had a business appointment in a Saddlers in Newmarket. I had to leave after about 10 mins as it was like an Asthma attack. I had to get a colleague to do the call for me another day.