Q.
Mr. Schatzberg,
I have watched you work in the show ring for many years. I have
always wondered how you are able to get the horses to put their ears
up as you do while on the rail.
Judy
Avon Lake Ohio
A.
Dear Judy,
The question that you have asked is one that has baffled many
horse show photographers. A horse will prick his ears up at a
movement in or out of the ring. Some photographers get the horse's
attention by a creating a motion such as kicking dirt as the horse
approaches. I consider this practice to be dangerous and do not
practice it. The rider deserves and needs the horse's attention at
all times to be able to maintain command and signal the horse.
If you will notice I do most of my shooting the first way of the
ring. Horses entering the show ring will usually put their ears up
as they enter the ring and during much of the first way. As the class
wears on, many horses will use their ears at a specific part of the
ring that is somehow different from the balance of the ring. The
photographer needs to watch this area and use it to his advantage.
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