Steeplechase

[nkeevers]

I'm possibly going to a steeplechase event on Sunday and could use some hints on what would be the best settings for a lot of fast running horses! I don't really use "auto" any more. But, maybe the sport mode would be the best for something like this?

[Byron Gale]

Norma,

I think you have to decide whether you want to freeze the horses in mid-action, or would like a bit of motion blur to show that they were moving. Also, do you think you will be panning with them, or just shooting stationary?

I don't know absolute shutter speeds to recommend, but you could probably practice photographing cars driving past your home to get an idea of what settings will make them look like they're parked, vs. which "almost" freeze them. Then you could practice panning with the car, to blur the background - again, try it with various shutter speeds.

At minimum, I would select Shutter priority and tinker with speeds until I had a feel for what I liked.

I will be interested in others' thoughts, as well.

Byron

[nkeevers]

Well, I haven't done any "panning" yet so I'm gonna stick with regular shooting. I was going to try different settings in shutter priority...guess it'll be hit or miss for a bit. Good idea trying with cars! I would like them stationary running and not blurred.

I'd be interested in other opinions too!

[kimh]

Sometimes it's good to have a little blur to imply some motion.
JMHO
Kimh

[nkeevers]

I'm going to check my book again and will try both probably. We'll see how well they come out! It'll be an experience. The last time I took motion pictures (it was a rodeo a while back), I was using sport mode. So this will be fun.

[kimh]

Yes, take notes as you know we'll need them
kimh

[nkeevers]

LOL Kim!!!

[lexcell]

I prefer to shoot action in aperture priority. I select an aperture that will give me the speed I need to either blur or stop the action and fire away. To blur motion you will select a smaller aperture (8,11, etc) and to freeze motion you select a wider aperture (2.8, 4.0, etc)

The reason I use aperture priority instead of shutter priority is...
If, for example, I am in shutter priority and I select 1/500 of a second and my camera selects say 2.8, my widest aperture then I pan with the subject and the light value changes to a darker value. My images will be under exposed because the lens won;t open up any farther to accomodate the lower light.
If I shoot in aperture priority and I select 2.8 which gives me the 1/500 of a second as in the previous example and the light value changes, the shutter speed will slow down and I still get a proper exposure. Yes, I may have some blur but at least I have a good exposure to work with.
Definitely take the opportunity to pan with the horses. As mentioned...fast shutter speeds will freeze the action and slower shutter speeds will blur the subject conveying a sense of motion.
Shoot the action on the field as well as the action behind the scenes as much as you can. The horses, the riders, the spectators, etc. Sometimes the spectators can be as entertaining as the race itself.
Basically shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

[Byron Gale]

Laurie,

Thanks for the explanation about using aperture priority!

Byron

[nkeevers]

Laurie, thanks for the tips! I will try in AV instead of TV. Well, maybe I'll try both! I read up on the panning so I'll even try that instead. I'll be using my 70-300 telephoto. I know I can't do 2.8 with mine..the lowest might be 4 something. It should be an interesting day! The will definitely have a lot of intersting subject to shoot. They are having the steeplechase, carriage shows, Jack Russell races, etc. Should be fun! I just hope I get some good shots! I will not be happy if nothing comes out!