Behind the shot

One of Australia’s top equestrian photographers, MICHELLE TERLATO travels the world capturing equestrian athletes in action. Each month she shares one of her favorite shots.

Rider: Hilary Scott

Horse: Oaks Milky Way

Event: 2024 CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival CSIO5* Show Jumping

Location: Aachen, Germany

Camera Type/Settings: Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, EF 300mm, f/3.2, ISO 1250, 1/1600 sec

Challenges:

Aachen is a fabulous arena. However, it is very large. This, combined with the CSIO5* being held in the evening, made for a few photographic challenges and I had to dial up both the shutter speed and ISO. On a sunny day with good light, I usually have an ISO of around 200 – this image was shot at 1250, which helped balance out the very fast 1/1600 sec shutter speed. Fast shutter speeds are needed in poor light to avoid blur or ‘softness’ of focus, which although sometimes good for effect, was not what I wanted here. Due to the arena’s size, it was important to find the right location to shoot from and my 300mm lens was perfect for the distance. A wonderful positive of Aachen is that the lighting at night is fabulous. Despite being summer and the sun not setting until around 10:00pm, the lights were turned on early in the evening so that the stadium was well lit, which helped enormously.

Why this shot is special:

For me, this image is special for several reasons. It was my first visit to CHIO Aachen and the facilities, competition, professionalism, and European crowds were fabulous. Also, Hilary Scott was the only Australian show jumper competing at Aachen that year, so I was very excited to see her and Milky, her homebred mare, at the absolute top level of the sport, representing Australia, and warming up for the Paris Olympics.

This image captures so much athleticism and impulsion: with Milky’s ears pricked, all her hooves off the ground, and both horse and rider focused on the jump ahead. It also encompasses Aachen: the huge grassy arena, the fabulous crowds, and of course, the Rolex clock in the centre. I recommend you put CHIO Aachen on your bucket list, you will not be disappointed!

Michelle is available for event, commercial, and private shoots. Visit Michelle Terlato Photography to view her impressive portfolio.