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: Michael Jung

Horse: Fisher Chipmunk

Event: 2024 Olympic Games Eventing

Location: Chateau de Versailles, Paris

Camera Type/Settings: Canon EOS-1DX Mark II, EF 300mm, f/4.5, ISO 200, 1/1250 sec

Challenges:

As with any cross country event, the pressure is on to capture images of different jumps and different parts of the course. Versailles was no exception. With such a long course, it was impossible for one person to cover it all – so I spent a lot of time at the large water complex where there were five fences to shoot. It was also a very sunny, hot day so the ISO went down and the aperture up a little to compensate.

As is often the case, I find images of competitors galloping between obstacles to be the most dynamic. Team Germany’s Michael Jung was the rider before Australia’s Chris Burton, and this image was actually after he had cleared the water phase and the exit jump, and was looking towards the Chateau. As the key water obstacles were a little distance away, I was shooting with my 300mm lens. But as the riders galloped past me I had no time to change cameras to a smaller lens and had to try and capture them with the 300mm, which was tricky as they were close and travelling at speed. 

Why this shot is special:

I look back on the Olympics and pinch myself about the riders, horses and competition I saw – and Michael Jung is such a good example. He’s an absolutely magical rider and to see him and his wonderful horse Chipmunk in action, and for them to go on to win the individual gold medal, was so special.

I love so much about this shot: the soft position of Michael’s hands and how much give is in the reins to allow the horse to travel forwards; the look of pure determination and focus on his face, with his tongue stuck out in concentration; Germany’s colours on Chipmunk’s headband and ear bonnet; the horse’s ears tilted back to listen to his rider; the time ticking down on Michael’s watch. It all delivers a glimpse of a moment in time, the speed and action of a gold medalist in full flight – and a testament to the high level of Olympic competition.

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