November 1, 2010
Around Australia there will be a buzz tomorrow with the running of the Melbourne Cup, however in Melbourne and at the renowned Flemington Race Track that buzz will be a little louder as the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) celebrates the 150th running of the ‘race that stops a nation’.From humble beginnings in 1861 the Melbourne Cup today draws international attention and is said to now be part of Australian culture. For those that are not making it to the main track there is plenty to keep shutter fingers happily snapping around the tracks.
Here’s a couple of horse racing photograph tips:
Positioning is important and of course you want to be as close to the action as you can. But don’t go climbing the rails or hanging over them.
Don’t forget the bookies….there can be a myriad of opportunities in the betting rings.
Never fire a flash towards the horses racing – it can spook them and Thoroughbreds are highly excitable!
Look down. It’s amazing the patterns and objects discarded on the ground that can make interesting images.
Turn your camera towards the crowd – there are some great reactions there to capture especially as the race ends.
Try keeping the sun to your back so the horses are nicely lit. Shooting into the sun is more likely to produce silhouettes.
If you can get near to the fence as the horses pass the finishing post you may capture some exciting finishes which always look better!
On the bend is another area that can provide fabulous photography opportunities. At this point the riders are spurring the horses on for the best position plus you can (depending on your position) have some tremendous lead in lines with the rails.
Starts are exciting photography opportunities – just give the horses room to move.
Let the best horse win!
