Behind the shot

One of Australia’s top equestrian photographers, MICHELLE TERLATO travels the world capturing equestrian athletes in action.

Rider: Hazel Shannon

Horse: WillingaPark Clifford

Event: 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships

Location: Pratoni, Rome, Italy

Camera Type/Settings: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon EF 70-22mm f/2.8L IS II USM, f/2.8, ISO 200, 1/1250 sec

Challenges:

The World Championships cross country course, set in the rolling hills of Pratoni near Frascati, Italy, was both long and hilly. One of the challenges with shooting cross country is ensuring you move around to avoid photographing every rider at the same fence. I was covering the Australian Team for several publications, so I needed a variety of jumps and angles. I made my way up to ‘the slide’, a popular vantage point packed with spectators, for a shot of Shane and Virgil, hoping I would have enough time to hustle to another location for Hazel and Clifford.

I remembered there was a picnic table on a hill with a perfect view of Pratoni del Vivaro in the background. The only catch? There was only one fence there, so if Clifford didn’t jump it well or I missed the shot, I was in trouble! I also had to practically lie on the ground as they came through so as to frame the village properly. I took a bit of a gamble and thankfully, it paid off. They jumped it beautifully, and I got the photos I needed.

Why this shot is special:

This image might not be the most dramatic shot I’ve ever taken, but it tells a story that sticks with me. Hazel and Clifford had an incredible cross country round that day, clear and under time. What I love about this photo is how everything comes together to capture the atmosphere of that moment and place. Hazel also purchased several of my images, always my reward when a rider likes them enough to want them.

In April I was in Adelaide for the 3DE where Hazel and Clifford made history by winning the 5* for the fourth time. It’s pretty special to have photographed them both at home in Australia and on the world stage. As Hazel says, Clifford is a legend – and I feel lucky to have been there to document part of that journey.

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