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: Megan Jones
Horse: Kirby Park Impress
Event: 2017 Adelaide International 3DE CCI4*
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Camera Type/Settings: Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 70-200mm, f/2.8, ISO 500, 1/1250 sec
Challenges:
The first time I attended the Adelaide International was in 2017, and I was so impressed by the cross country course running through parks, gardens and alongside the city of Adelaide. While the parklands are lovely, the shadows and speckled sunshine often make it hard to capture the action, so I headed to where the crowds were – the water complex at Lake Rymill. That year, the entry to the water was down a steep grass slope, over two brush fences just one stride apart, and right down the centre with crowds on both sides and roughly another six strides to the water.
The media were allowed to stand on an island in the lake, a wonderful spot to capture combinations coming straight at you. However, unless you have a long lens or stand behind a jump/obstacle (which is understandably frowned upon as it’s dangerous), this is not necessarily an easy angle to get a good result. I only had a 70-200mm lens back then and it really was the perfect option for this shot. Despite the f/2.8, it’s crisp and sharp, which is often more difficult to achieve when riders are coming directly towards you, as the horse’s head or rider’s face tend to be in focus, but not the whole composition.
Why this shot is special:
Despite not being able to see the crowds in this particular shot, I feel the atmosphere is reflected in Megan’s face. The line to the two brush fences and approach to the lake was not easy, and both Megan and Kirby Park Impress’ look of total concentration shows that they were completely focused on their job.
Debris from the brush fence is left in their wake as they gallop towards the water. The reins are flying, as are wisps of Megan’s hair from under her helmet. Her heels are down, eyes are up, and they are dead straight on their landing. This epitomises why Megan, who has won an Olympic silver medal and represented Australia on many occasions, is one of Australia’s top eventing riders.
In this CCI4* Megan and Kirby Park Impress finished in a very impressive 2nd place – and if you get the chance, be sure to visit Adelaide for the event, running this year from 1st to 4th May.
Michelle is available for event, commercial, and private shoots. Visit Michelle Terlato Photography to view her impressive portfolio.
