Eric Franks, Photography

Horse Action Photography Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 21:17:00 +0000

Taking great photos of horses is no easy matter! After a long hot day spent at a horse event, many photographers end up with a memory card full of blurry, poorly timed, and improperly exposed photos.

I have photographed a lot of horses, in a lot of situations, and have a few tips that will help you take those amazing horse photos that will ‘wow’ your friends.

Usually, you won't be allowed to get close to the action. This means you'll need a camera with a long lens - 200mm at least.

Anticipate the action. If you wait until you see it, it'll be too late. You need to click that shutter just ahead of the 'decisive moment'.

Rodeo shots always look better when the horses hooves are off the ground. It makes the shot look more dramatic and has the viewer wondering what comes next.

At horse shows Don't Use Flash! Horse and rider are in competition and flashes can cause them to be distracted and lose points. If the lighting is such that flash must be used, talk to the rider and arrange a suitable time for the shot. Don't do it during competition.

Like action shots at a rodeo, be prepared to anticipate the shot. Take the shot when the horse's ears are up, and the legs are in stride.

Jumping is another great horse event. Typically this is an outdoor event so setting a reasonably fast shutter speed should present few problems, if any. Again, anticipating the jump is key. Be ready for the jump and press the shutter slightly before the peak action. Lots of practice will allow you to judge the lag between pressing the shutter button and the shot being taken.

When I'm near a horse racing track I like to get out early in the morning to photograph the horse exercises. This is usually done very early in the morning, but the light is usually great. I'd suggest talking with the jockeys / trainers before starting to shoot. Let them know who you are and what you're doing.

Cell phone cameras can take great photos, but I don't recommend them for horse action photography. A DSLR with a long lens is a much better option - you'll get more great shots. I know you're probably not looking to go to Carnegie Hall, but practice, practice, practice anyway.

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RT 60 Grill - Midlothian, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:03:00 +0000

I eat breakfast at the RT 60 Grill just about every Wednesday morning. I meet with a number of other photographers - members of the Richmond Photography Meetup Group (RPMG) - to discuss all manner of topics related to photography - and to enjoy breakfast, of course.

The RT 60 Grill, located at 11001 Midlothian Tpk. is co-owned by Natalie Balderson and her son Kenny Zaksek. The motif of their restaurant is that of an old classic car diner. If you're a car buff you'll love it. If you're not, well I'm sure you'll still like it.

CO-Owners: Natalie Balderson & Kenny Zaksek

The menu is 'American Diner' all the way. I've haven't eaten lunch there (yet) but there's plenty of 5-star reviews on their Facebook page to encourage me to do so in the near future.

Maranda Mitchell is the Front House Manager and like Natalie and Kenny, she has a very pleasant and welcoming demeanor.

Maranda Kelly - Front House Manager.

If you're in the neighborhood, or your group is looking for a meetup location, stop by the RT 60 Grill. I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

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ericfranksphoto.com

Native American Heritage - POWWOW

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:49:00 +0000

Mattaponi Powwow - 2017

Click Here to see more Powwow images.

ericfranksphoto.com

Mason's Hall, Richmond, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:48:00 +0000

Mason's Hall

Click here to view more Shockoe Bottom photos.

ericfranksphoto.com

Belly Dancing.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:41:00 +0000

Belly dance, also referred to as Arabic dance, is an Arab expressive dance which originated in Egypt and that emphasizes complex movements of the torso. It has evolved to take many different forms depending on the country and region, both in costume and dance style.

ericfranksphoto.com

Lady In Pink.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:40:00 +0000

more at ericfranksphoto.com,

17th Street Farmer's Market, Richmond, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 20:16:00 +0000

17th Street Farmer's Market

The 17th Street Farmer's Market has been a Richmond landmark for about 280 years. The site has been raised and it's unclear what will be replacing it.

March, 2018.

ericfranksphoto.com