Tips for Taking Great Photos at a Horse Show

Horse shows are vibrant events filled with energy, elegance, and action, making them fantastic opportunities for photography. However, capturing the perfect shot at a horse show can be challenging due to the fast-paced nature of the events and the dynamic movements of the horses and riders. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a beginner, these tips will help you take stunning photos at a horse show.

As always, I am an Amazon affiliate, and I have provided links within this post. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission from Amazon or other companies.

Before the Show

Before the event, familiarize yourself with the show schedule and layout. Knowing the timings of different classes and events helps you plan where and when to be for the best shots. Understanding the layout allows you to scout the best vantage points in advance.

Different equestrian disciplines require different photographic approaches. Researching specific events, such as dressage, show jumping, or cross-country, helps you understand what to expect and which moments are most photogenic.

Tips for Taking Great Photos at a Horse Show

Equip yourself with a professional or semi-professional DSLR or mirrorless camera. Telephoto lenses for Nikon can be expensive (70-200mm or 100-400mm), but they are ideal for capturing distant action without disturbing the participants. You can also go the more affordable route, like me and try the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens. That is what was on my Nikon D800E for all of the photos I took in this article. It may not be as wide as the other 2 lenses, but you can make it work.

There are always affordable lens options for cameras. Especially if you practice with them before your event. And you know the in’s and outs of your camera. I have many posts about horse show photography. You should check them out! I think you will be able to see how my own skills have improved over the years of practicing. Even at a dressage show.

For the most versatility, bring a wide-angle lens for atmosphere shots. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G is a great choice. If you are okay with buying secondhand, you can find ‘renewed’ lenses for less than half the cost of a brand-new one.

Ensure you have extra batteries, memory cards, and a rain cover in case of bad weather.

Technical Tips for Capturing Action

I’m going to get a little technical with my words here, covering things like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. If you need to know what these things mean on your camera, it’s a good idea to have a general understanding of these things BEFORE you attempt to play photographer at a horse show. Trust me, it will make taking pictures much more enjoyable.

Use Fast Shutter Speeds

Horses move quickly, so a fast shutter speed (1/1000 second or faster) is essential to freeze the action. Adjust your ISO to maintain a fast shutter speed, even in low light conditions.

Choose the Right Focus Mode

Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon, AF-C on Nikon) to track moving subjects. This mode allows your camera to adjust focus as the horse and rider move, ensuring sharp images.

Shoot in Burst Mode

Set your camera to continuous shooting or burst mode to capture a series of shots in quick succession. This increases your chances of getting the perfect shot, especially during fast-paced moments like jumps or gallops.

Composition and Timing

Anticipate the Action

Knowing the sport helps you anticipate key moments. For example, in show jumping, the peak of the jump is the most dramatic moment. In dressage, movements like extended trots or pirouettes are particularly elegant.

Focus on the Eyes

Just like in portrait photography, the eyes are critical in horse photography. Try to capture the rider’s focus and the horse’s expression. This adds emotion and connection to your photos.

Consider Background and Lighting

Pay attention to the background. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the subject. Use a wide aperture to blur the background and make your subject stand out. Additionally, be mindful of lighting; try to position yourself so the light illuminates the horse and rider from the side or front.

Capturing the Atmosphere

Photograph the Details

Besides the action shots, capture the details that tell the story of the event. Photos of tack, close-ups of hooves, riders preparing, or candid moments between horse and rider add depth to your coverage.

Shoot Candid Moments

Some of the most touching and memorable photos come from candid moments. Capture interactions between riders and their horses, moments of triumph, and the behind-the-scenes hustle and bustle.

Post-Processing Tips

Time to slam on the brakes and do something with all those photos you captured at the horse show! This is where post-processing comes in. Making little tweaks and really crafting some fantastic moments from the photos you got.

Enhance Sharpness and Clarity

Use post-processing software to enhance the sharpness and clarity of your images. Adjusting contrast and exposure can help make your photos more vibrant.

Crop Thoughtfully

Cropping can improve composition and remove distractions. Be mindful to keep the key elements of your photo within the frame.

Maintain Natural Colors

While editing, ensure the colors remain natural. Over-editing can make photos look unrealistic. Adjust the white balance to ensure accurate colors, especially under artificial lighting.

Tips for Taking Great Photos at a Horse Show

Taking great pictures at a horse show requires a blend of preparation, technical skill, and an understanding of equestrian sports. By anticipating key moments, using the right equipment and settings, and paying attention to composition and lighting, you can capture stunning photos that showcase the elegance and excitement of horse shows.