Horse Racing pics with new equipment

[ilzho]

Ok, so today was my second day with my new equipment. So much with 6+ lbs around my neck.

7D Mark II & 70-200mm f 2.8 L IS USM II.

Always learning, but I'm happy from where my ability was 2 months ago to where I am now.

I never thought I could get cool pictures like this.

2 months ago I was only a point and shoot guy in auto mode (that sounds funny) and never tried anything else with the functions.

Now with this stuff, it seems reasonably unlimited with what one can do.

Thanks!

https://flic.kr/s/aHskE1q3Bw

[Waddizzle]

I especially like photo about 1/3 of the way down the page numbered as 383A1409, "The Laughing Horse" I'm going to call it.

[EDIT}  Whoops, spoke too soon.  Page 2, the shots coming out of the gates.  They're all great.  Some are really great!

[ilzho]

That laughing horse has straighter teeth than I do, haha. Someone did a good job filing those down...

Thank you, for the kind words.

[Waddizzle]

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@ilzho wrote:

That laughing horse has straighter teeth than I do, haha. Someone did a good job filing those down...

Thank you, for the kind words.

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You've earned the praise. 

Now about that Canon camera strap around your neck.  Some would suggest Black Rapid RS Sport Extreme.

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"Now with this stuff, it seems reasonably unlimited with what one can do." 

Bingo!  Kudos for that insight.

[ilzho]

Yes, that strap, lol.

The one your talking abut I saw on a you tube video.

It looks really great.

I'll take recommendations.....

[RobertTheFat]

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@ilzho wrote:

Yes, that strap, lol.

The one your talking abut I saw on a you tube video.

It looks really great.

I'll take recommendations.....

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Out of curiosity ...

Were you able to establish a relationship with any of the professional photographers about whom you were concerned a couple of months ago? It appears that at least you haven't had any trouble getting good vantage points at the track.

[ilzho]

Hi Bob:

I contacted the Director of Communications at the track and she said as long as I do not have a lens over 15" or a tripod and stay out of the patrons way, I can bring whatever camera equipment I want.

I have seen people with lens like mine and last week there was a big photo group that had massive lens (well over 15") and tripods and I'm sure were getting great pics.

I went up to a few that were using a tripod and told them I was just a patron, but I didn't want them to get in trouble or escorted out and mentioned that policy. They didn't care and were kinda 'standoffish', but I was just trying to help.

Anyway, the track is crowded around the finish line, but there is plenty of room around the rail before of after the finish line.

Sadly, this weekend are the last races of the thoroughbred season, 😞

[RobertTheFat]

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@ilzho wrote:

Hi Bob:

I contacted the Director of Communications at the track and she said as long as I do not have a lens over 15" or a tripod and stay out of the patrons way, I can bring whatever camera equipment I want.

I have seen people with lens like mine and last week there was a big photo group that had massive lens (well over 15") and tripods and I'm sure were getting great pics.

I went up to a few that were using a tripod and told them I was just a patron, but I didn't want them to get in trouble or escorted out and mentioned that policy. They didn't care and were kinda 'standoffish', but I was just trying to help.

Sounds as though the rule is there to be trotted out and cited only if somebody makes a pest of himself by seriously trying to hog the space.

Anyway, the track is crowded around the finish line, but there is plenty of room around the rail before of after the finish line.

Sadly, this weekend are the last races of the thoroughbred season, 😞

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So you move on to the next learning experience. Texas is a big state with much scenery and a lot going on. When is rodeo season? Your experience at the track might be somewhat transferrable to that sort of event.

[ilzho]

It's funny you mention that.

Last week I was searching my area for hunter/jumping events, barrel racing and other equestrian event to go to.

I'll reach out to some of them to see what their camera restrictions are and stuff like that.

I also thought about contacting some horse stables and asking them if I could just come and take pictures and practice shooting.

Fun stuff to me.

Thanks,

David

[TTMartin]

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@Waddizzle wrote:

You've earned the praise. 

Now about that Canon camera strap around your neck.  Some would suggest Black Rapid RS Sport Extreme.

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I would suggest you look at the OP/Tech USA strap system (OP/TECH USA Utility Strap-Sling and System Connectors-Uni Adapter Loop).

It is less expensive than the Black Rapid Straps, but, is still high quality and made in the USA.

The biggest difference is the OP/Tech USA is designed to use the camera's existing strap mounting points. The Black Rapid straps use a screw in the tripod mount. I personally know of one person who had that screw come loose and have his camera fall to the ground. Luckly there was no damage. However, he is now constantly checking the tightness of the mounting screw. Doing what I call the Black Rapid Dance.