Event photography & expectations

[Twizzel]

Hi, I just wanted to hear your views on this topic... I work freelance for an equestrian event tog, and the images that this tog and his team produce are in my opinion of a really good professional quality and sell very well, people always comment on how good the photos are- always sharp, nice colours etc.

I have recently started competing horses, and for the last 2 shows have been photographed by 2 different photographers. The first I bought a photo from, not because it was particularly good photographically wise (the horse was out of focus, photo taken into the sun) but because it was the first show we did, so more sentimental.

The 2nd photographer photographed us at this weekend's show, but the images are out of focus, whole rider heads chopped off, feet chopped off, bits of ring boundary rope in the shot (all taken from outside the ring), timing off- taken at wrong point of stride... printing from what sounds like a home printer in 6x4, 8x5 or A4 only.

Is it me or are these basic things that any event photographer should grasp before going pro? I've seen shots put onto these photographers websites that I would have deleted straight away... am I expecting too much? I'd take the photos myself but obviously it's slightly harder when competing

Any thoughts?

 

[Kaouthia]

Is it me or are these basic things that any event photographer should grasp before going pro?

Of course, but this is really no different to how it is with wedding photography or any other type. Some guy gets [insert Canon or Nikon brand entry level el-cheapo DSLR here] and 2 weeks later things he's a "pro" and starts advertising his services.

If you're attending events with photographers like that, I'd complain to the event organiser (and convince others to do so). He won't be around long.

 

[trevorbray]

If you're attending events with photographers like that, I'd complain to the event organiser (and convince others to do so). He won't be around long.

This approach works really well. I shoot equine events myself. Most organsers take complaints seriously.
They want competitors to enjoy the whole experience and enter again and again. Very few shows are put on just for the fun of it. They're looking at making a profit.

 

[neil_g]

i know, its shocking.

we cased out the competition around here equestrian wise and theyre mediocre to poor mostly. not that im blowing my own trumpet, like you say there were chopped heads, poorly framed, OOF shots on their gallery for sale..

on the bright side it leaves a lot of room to muscle in on their "patch"