Q:
I consider Alys an expert! Does she have any advice for taking these wonderful photos? Not just equipment (although that is always of interest), but time of day, how to get those amazing action shots, beautiful portraits, etc. I enjoy her photography so much! Thank you, Alys.
Betsy McGrath
New York, NY
A: Obviously good equipment does help a great deal, and you need a camera that is capable of shooting at high speed. I use a Canon 7D that was very generously given to me by the Mosses. A telephoto zoom lens helps me get close to the action when I’m shooting in a large paddock.
Light is one of the most important factors. Good light can make all the difference to a photo. In the summer I try to shoot early or late to avoid too much glare. The light is softer earlier on in the day especially in KY where we are quite humid. In the dead of winter it is pretty much the opposite—I go and shoot once the sun is at full strength.
As far as the action shots go, a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time. Most of the time the horses are pretty tranquil here so there isn’t a lot of action. The best time to shoot is when they are first turned back out. The yearlings and foals will usually run and play for a little while after they have been up and in separate stalls for a few hours.
I walk the fields and paddocks quite frequently as I find that is the best way to get to know the young stock and I always carry a camera, which often can lead to some nice shots. I am a total amateur so don’t let that hold you back. Invest in a decent camera and lens and fire away!!
Our Expert
Client Management, Lane’s End
Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Heidi,
Wishing you all the best of luck in locating B.a Joker! Thank you for sharing the story of him and Keyeaster. Glad Key is still with Ellen, and I do hope Joker can be found soon.
Also, happy to hear that your sister is feeling much better and that things are looking up for your nephew.
All the best!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
So much to catch up with…… the photo and accompanying article about Scenic Blast was great. Love that those two are best pals. The reunion video posted….. Poignant and beautiful to see the friendship and love. Thank you Ann Maree and Judy – I think I’ve watched it three or four times now. It never fails to move me. To all, and especially Zenyatta and soon to be newborn foal, a wonderful good night’s rest and a lovely Thursday. We look forward to hearing the news. Thank you Lane’s End for keeping us in Zenny’s world.
maureen phi-llips
Good night Z nation fans, hope it was a great day. Good night Queen Z, Prince and baby z. Sweet dreams to all.
maureen phi-llips
Good morning everyone, hoping today is the best day yet, may the Blessings of the Lord be with everyone, Amen.Blessings to you too Queen Z, Prince and little z. It is well.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Hi to all!! I’m catching up again.
Want to wish the magnificent Storm Cat a Happy Birthday, what a grand old man you are!!
Sue Noel, I just love your inciteful, sometimes humorous stories. It would be wonderful if all pets had a “mom” like you, who tried so hard to understand them and make them happy. Bless your heart.
Heidi, what a sad story about your horses, I pray you will find your B a Joker so you can rest easy that he is happy and taken care of.
Congrats to Paynter on his first real workout. isn’t it amazing what a few prayers and a horse with the heart of a lion can do. pup
love to my girl and her sassy boy
Especially Horses / So Cal
Sorry I’m asking this…..but what’s Zeny’s due date? Should I be checking in for a birth announcement starting today…this weekend….or starting next week?
carolinarkansas
we think its in a couple of weeks…we also think V is due around the same time with Z’s full sibling….PACE….PACE….PACE….
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Especially Horses:
I think the consensus is anytime from the 28th of February to 3rd week in March. Hugs, JB
Linda in NJ
Catching up! Happy Belated Birthday Storm Cat!!!!! 30 years old–sounds old to you, but it sounds young to me! Lol!
Zenny: Thinking of you, and tapping my toes!!
– Linda
Linda in NJ
Hi Judy:
I left you a message back on page 9. Just wanted to be sure you saw it, so I am moving it to this page.
***I was hoping to make it out for Ebby’s next race. Is she still slotted for March 16th? And that’s at Santa Anita, right?
Another thought is the Santa Anita Derby. If I don’t make either of those, then I am definitely coming out to Hollywood Park for the Gold Cup.
– Linda
shirleeinindy
Rachel is doing better than expected per post on Stonestreet facebook. Outside in the sleet with her blanket on. Also some cute pictures of Ojos and Little Rachel as well as Ojos foal. All seem to be doing well.
shirleeinindy
Just saw on facebook that Mucho Macho Man has a virus and will miss his next race. Poor baby is having a hard 2013. Get well soon Muchie.
Lise from Maine
Hi!
I hope and pray that Zenyatta has a safe delivery.
I am eager to hear about the delivery.
Is it a boy or a girl?
Thank you!