Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #20

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

Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.
Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.

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

Alys Emson

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.

Reader Interactions

825 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thank you, Alys, for all of the fabulous photos that you’ve shared here on Zenny’s site. I’m always delighted by them and so many are artistically stunning — great lighting and expressive images woven into this tapestry of colour.

    I’m glad to hear that Mr & Mrs. M are supporting your giftedness, but I’m certainly not surprised. They are just terrific people.

    KISSES TO MY BIG GIRL, Z_12 AND THAT MUCH-ANTICIPATED MYSTERY BABY.

    P.S. Apologies if the gist of this appears twice, but my first message didn’t appear…..

  2. / Reply

    I have told several of my friends what an inspiration Zenyatta’s website is; everybody loves her so (including me; I tear up every time I talk about her) and like they all have said, Alys…you have our dream job! If Zenny ever needed a babysitter, we’d all come running. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for sharing this beloved mare with all of us! We appreciate you, the Mosses and everyone connected with Zenny’s welfare! Looking so forward to the birth of her new baby! Ride in the sunshine! Hugs from Fort Worth, Texas!

  3. / Reply

    P.S. I forgot where I was going at the beginning…..if you ever get down or need a boost in spirits, just read Zenyatta’s website. After reading just a few of the posts, you will find yourself smiling and enjoying the day. For real! :o)

  4. / Reply

    Thanks Alys. Photographing animals & children is not a easy task, neither will stay still for very long, but you make it look easy. Your photographs are exquisite.
    Zenny looks like she is enjoying herself & looks good in her mud wrap. ;-);-)

  6. / Reply

    Betsy and Alys, I’ve been wondering this exact same thing for a very long time so I’m thrilled to see it here today! Alys, you might consider yourself an amateur but I think you have a real gift for composition, framing a shot, and capturing just the right moment… your pictures are so lovely. Just your explanation of the light alone shows what care and thought you put into them, and I’m sure it also takes lots of practice to see what works and what doesn’t. We on this board are so appreciative of all your wonderful pictures and we’re always greedy for more. It seems like you enjoy taking them as well and I honestly think you might be able to carve out a second career as a photographer if you wanted to.

    Thanks as usual to Lane’s End, Team Z, the Mosses, and now to Betsy and to Alys, Official Photographer to the One and Only Zenyatta.

  9. / Reply

    Alys,
    We’re so envious of you and sure you have to pinch yourself thinking how fortunate you are to be able to take these stunning pics of our big girl. I just stare at them for long periods…very calming effect. Thank The Mosses for us that they provided you with a nice camera. Be sure to take lots of pics of Zenny’s new foal, ok?

  10. / Reply

    dear max dont know if you’ve been on kautos twitter today he;s on our news at ten tonight am not sure if you could see it on internet it’s ITV.COM I also saw a tweet from rehoming racehorses and clicked on their facebook page I sent a donation by text supreme glory lives there (his forever home) he was 2nd in the grand national in2003 when monte’s pass won further down a poor thin horse called dave who now looks a picture when I think of what would happen to these beautiful creatures if it was’nt for these charities it’s just too cruel how do you manage without poultry on thanksgiving and christmas?am a bit of a chocaholic myself belgian and swiss yummy!!hugs sheena

  11. / Reply

    Alys… Like so many have said: you might say you’re an amateur but, not to me. The pics you take are breath taking. Keep up the good work and Thank you so much!

  12. / Reply

    Omg what a great job getting to take pics of all the great horses at Lanes End especially Queen Z, she looks great and God willing will have another good birthing experience.

  13. / Reply

    Alys,
    Thank you for the info and the picture of Zenyatta. She looks so very majestic. She is the ruler of all she surveys, and don’t any of us forget it.

    This Blog is one of the high points of my days. It has been special to talk Zenyatta and horses with so many other fans.

  14. / Reply

    Lol Alys, you have just convinced me as to whether I should save up for the 7D or the 5D. I am also an amateur, and have spent the past year + shooting races with a 10 year old Canon Rebel xt. I know I have to upgrade and was leaning towards the 7D, so now I’m convinced!!! You have a great eye for catching the essence of the horse which is something that I believe comes from within. Awesome photos from one amateur to another!

  15. / Reply

    Thank You Alys! I just love to see the new photos posted of our Queen and 12Z and soon next month 13Z!! I love your photo’s! You have one of the BEST jobs in this world!!

  16. / Reply

    I know the spirit of the great Alydar is dancing with joy across the paddocks at Calumet. His great grandson Point Given is coming home.

    Hopefully, Calumet will give the fans access as Lanes End, Three Chimneys and Stonestreet have to the horses and their lives.

  17. / Reply

    Alys, you are absolutely a gifted and talented woman! You have the best career in the world! Love love love your photographs! Breathtaking! Thank you so much for sharing and thank you to the Moss Family and all connections for keeping us up to date on Zenyatta! Cannot wait till 13Zenyatta is born! #SoExcited!

  18. / Reply

    Alys,
    Thank you for the wonderful sharing of information you always give to us. Your photos are so ‘in the moment’, so personal. Zenny always shows her very best through your lens (and your eyes and heart).

    So much inspiration! Zenny is truly so noble – a gift for us and everyone who loves one of God’s greatest creations.

    Thanks again, so much, Alys, for brightening our day.
    With love to you and everyone at Lane’s Ends,
    Elizabeth

  19. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing your tips with us, Alys. (Great question, Betsy) You may be an amateur, but your pictures are always fabulous. Of course, Zenyatta has never taken a bad picture, I’m sure! Let me know if you ever want to trade jobs. You have the best job in the world!

  21. / Reply

    Thanks for giving us insight into your photographic skills. You do a great job and it is very appreciated by all. Love this picture today. Zenny, you remind me I need to make a spa appointment!! You obviously are enjoying your mudbaths.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Alys and Lane’s End thank you for sharing our Wonderful Beautiful girl. I know I can never get enough of her. I also know that everything I have shown my classes of Zenyatta or Baby Z they have really enjoyed. I feel blessed to be part of her life and all of her children’s lives. I LOVE YOU Queen Zenyatta FOREVER, Shari XXXOOO

  23. / Reply

    She remains the most beautiful horse in the world. Thank you so much for these great pictures Alys! You do such a wonderful job keeping us connected to her.

  24. / Reply

    Just yesterday I thought to myself that it was time for a new photo of the Queen!, and there it is. Be careful for what you wish for it just might come true., I think that the way the saying goes.

    Thanks Alys, I agree with everybody else that you do such a wonderful job of taking great pics of our lovely gal and the Prince.

    she does look stunning in this picture. If you ask me, it is the Queen making you look good, she is smart and know you are there to capture her so she always gives you her best angle. Great job though.

    Any news of Rachel A today?

    Blessings to all.

  26. / Reply

    Alys
    Thank you for sharing your suggestions on equipment & how to take photos.
    Maybe Lane’s End could have a Fan Photo Shoot Day!
    It could be limited to a certain number based on a drawing.
    That would be a dream event for most of us.
    Your photos capture the beauty & essence of Zenyatta and the other horses.
    That is a gift .
    Keta

  27. / Reply

    I Am Lava Man‏ tweets on travel with HE’S HAD ENOUGH to Gulstream Too Cute!!
    Time to dust off my travel trunk.
    He’s Had Enough and I are flying to Florida now.
    Looking forward to landing and coaching the big guy!
    In the air now
    BecerrasStable This time we are going FedEx

    He’s Had Enough is arguing over the inflight movie & snacks.
    Gotta school him on travel w/ me. But that’s ok did the same w/ IHA
    #upstartcolts

    Sooo I was the big celebrity at the Memphis Fed Ex some people came out especially to see me. Vanning to Gulfstream now.

    Jose Becerra‏@BecerrasStable tweet @
    HesHadEnough it’s your time to shine youngster.
    You have the best wingman in the game w/@IamLavaMan!
    Listen and learn #road2thederby

  28. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet on MOL
    Trainer Daniel Clarken has used electric fans too help Miracles of Life get through temperatures around 40 degrees last weekend. Seems fine
    Keta Note: That is 40 C

    • / Reply

      Take good care of our girls,Daniel!
      This weekend….hope it cools down for them. I am so anxious for this race.
      Love my MOL( feral filly) and the delightful,Lauren.

      • / Reply

        Lucky they’re not in Perth – has been over the century mark for around a month now: which is probably why Barakey (11 from 11) is coming to Melbourne to get cool.

  29. / Reply

    Ortensia, Woorim in Oakleigh Plate comebacks
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 20/2/2013 at 12:45pm
    International sprinter Ortensia and last year’s winner Woorim head a field of 14 to contest the $400,000 Group One Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday.
    Ortensia will make her return to Australian racing from barrier four in the sprint after winning Group One races in Dubai and England last year.
    Woorim winning the Sportingbet Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield – photo by Race Horse Photos Australia
    The Queensland-trained Woorim resumes in gate 13 after an extended break but won the Oakleigh Plate when first-up in 2012.
    West Australian star Barakey will put an unbeaten record on the line from barrier eight
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/ortensia-woorim-in-plate-comebacks/189963 #ixzz2LP7vL56B

  30. / Reply

    Yes indeed our QUEEN certainly defines the words Regal and Majestic, as suggested above. She should be the new definition of both words whenever the next dictionary comes out. Alys, keep on doing whatever you are doing–it works!! And, why does it not surprise us that the Mosses are so generous? To them and to Dottie and John it just comes naturally.

    Keta, I loved the tweet from my friend Lava Man. You tell e’m Coach!

    Re Rachel Alexandra, I read a brief release this afternoon entitled “Rachel Alexandra’s Health Improving.” The vets at Rood & Riddle say she took a short walk outside Monday morning and ate a small amount of grass. The veterinarians attribute her improvement to Rachel being “smart and strong willed.” I (Anne speaking now) realize this is from yesterday, but I just read it this afternoon, so it seems like progress is being made. :-)

    Time to go back to the beginning to gaze at our Regal Majesty.

    Oh yes–read today in LA Times–Hollywood Park will NOT have Fri night racing anymore. The have given up trying to attract the younger generation who come for the concerts, but do not return for the other racing days. In addition, the trainers have said they prefer afternoon racing. (At least Hollypark will be having racing for the upcoming meets this year–all in daylight,)

    NOW it’s time to gaze…

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