Horse Show Photography

[AQHAWP]

I want to start my career in the photography business. Particularly at horse shows. I have a small budget to begin with so I have decided that I am going to purchase the Canon Rebel Xsi. My question is about lenses. I would absolutely love to buy the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS but unfortunately it out of my budget. I am looking at purchasing a 70-200mm f/4L (is Image Stabilization a must?) and are there any other lenses that I can start off with that will work for what I want for the time being until I can afford the purchase of a better lens?

The horse shows consist of Pleasure shows of horses on rail and NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) shows.

 

[TJ K]

Well first of I would say your not going to be able to just think you can start a career in photography if you're just starting. It's not just buying a nice camera and you have a job. I don't know if IS is a must because you will generally be shooting at fast shutter speeds to stop the action but 2.8 will probably be a must if it's going to be indoor or low lighting anywhere. I would say learn the basics before even thinking about a career and just get the xsi or t1i and a 50 1.8/1.4 and then save for the 70-200 2.8. GL
tj

 

[iflynething]

Rent until you can purchase. If you make enough selling these images at the show (think Laptop, quick turn around or just sell CD's direct with images and charge on a per image basis) then it will offset the lens rental.

Check out www.lensrental.com or www.prophotorental.com

I have been using ProPhotoRental for a while for dance photography until I was able to afford a 80-200 2.8. On top of only spend ing $70 something for a weekend (of which I more than made back at the competitions) I got the 70-200 2.8 VR, which would be the equivalent to your Canon 70-200 IS

Unless shooting outside, you're not going to be doing so good with less than 2.8 glass

Good Luck!

~michael~

 

[iflynething]

Rent until you can purchase. If you make enough selling these images at the show (think Laptop, quick turn around or just sell CD's direct with images and charge on a per image basis) then it will offset the lens rental.

Check out www.lensrental.com or www.prophotorental.com

I have been using ProPhotoRental for a while for dance photography until I was able to afford a 80-200 2.8. On top of only spend ing $70 something for a weekend (of which I more than made back at the competitions) I got the 70-200 2.8 VR, which would be the equivalent to your Canon 70-200 IS

Unless shooting outside, you're not going to be doing so good with less than 2.8 glass

Good Luck!

~Michael~

 

[TiCoyote]

Personally, I have a lenses with IS and lenses with wider apertures. I much prefer the wider apertures. They allow for more artistic expression with a narrower DOF. But you might want a wide DOF, so IS will help. Keep in mind that you only use it handheld, so maybe you want to invest your money in a lens with a wide aperture and a good tripod.

 

[photograham]

I know a LOT of people like good photos of their favorite horse... good luck with your business

 

[iflynething]

Invest in a monopod also. It's not fun to stand with a couple pound lens and body for ANY extended amount of time



~Michael~

 

[Derrel]

I would purchase a "fast" lens that would work well in horse arenas. My suggestion for a starter would be the Canon 85mm f/1.8. It will be light, easily maneuverable, and very sharp, and will allow you to maintain a good distance between your subjects and you.

An f/4 zoom lens and a Rebel is simply too slow of a maximum aperture for any horse arena I have ever been to. The EF 85mm 1.8 is a very affordable, professionally capable lens. No zoom, but it will allow you to make photos the zoom lens simply could not get under indoor, artificial light situations. An f/4 lens will not be able to focus nearly as well as the 85/1.8 under poor lighting conditions.

 

[Lens Lenders]

In Canada, fees paid to rent equipment for a paid job can be tax-deductible.

Ask your tax preparer if there are tax advantages for you.

 

[AQHAWP]

Thanks for all your input and opinions. I just purchased a Canon 50D instead of the Rebel Xsi. I'm still looking at lenses but I believe I may go with the 85mm f/1.8 and the f/4 IS (I just plan on shooting outdoors for now, so this will work until I buy a f/2.8 IS if need be).