Oliver Morton  


Jousting by Oliver Morton

August 2019 - Jousting

August 2019 - Oliver Morton

Original

About the Image(s)

Jousting is Maryland’s state sport and last weekend I attended one of the tournaments. The youngest jouster was only five years old! After the amateurs made their jousting runs, the professionals took over. The jousters must spear three rings set at different locations along a 90 yard course… and they must travel the 90 yards in nine seconds or less. (A fast gallop.) The rings are progressively smaller, down to a hole of ¼” (about the size of the opening in a life saver).

Photographing the jousters was challenging. Getting the right shutter speed and maintaining a reasonable depth of field is only part of the problem. Since they are traveling so quickly, timing the shot is difficult. My post-processing was focused on showing the jouster’s face so that his intensity was apparent, while highlighting the ring that is about to be lanced.

Data: Canon 5D4, 100-400mm lens at 400mm; 1/800 sec; f/13; ISO 3200.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Great shot, and thanks for the story-telling. You *do* get out to the greatest places to shoot.   Posted: 08/03/2019 10:44:00
Oliver Morton   Oliver Morton
Thank you, Stephen. I enjoy going to slightly "unusual" places. The people there are usually fascinating.
  Posted: 08/05/2019 18:52:30



Richard Siersma   Richard Siersma
Nice shot Pete, your timing was perfect and you have told the story. I may be wrong but I assume these competitors are riding a horse, perhaps including a portion of saddle or the reins would complete the story. Great expression, it's sharp where it needs to be sharp and you have done a good job in post processing.   Posted: 08/05/2019 17:10:46
Oliver Morton   Oliver Morton
Richard, at first I didn't think I had a photograph that showed the horse. However, after reading your comment I went back an double-checked. And, I found one! The rider's mouth doesn't show, but it shows the ring about to be speared. Thanks for the motivation!   Posted: 08/05/2019 19:26:05
Comment Image



Barbara E Miller   Barbara E Miller
The jouster is marvellous his expression, the mouth open to emphasise his concentration--great! But I did wonder about the omission of the horse. I read the word 'gallop' so I knew they were there. Your initial image is the best. Thanks for the explanation is adds importantly to one's understanding of the image. Good work Pete   Posted: 08/07/2019 06:49:34



Dave Edwards   Dave Edwards
(Group 51)
Very creative and "fun" photo. Exposure, composition, use of shallow depth of field, all good. I prefer to include the horse, but that's just me. Nicely done.   Posted: 08/11/2019 10:37:39



 
Nice shot; Good post processing to improve the exposure on the man's face. I would have burned in the light area at the top.   Posted: 08/15/2019 12:02:18
Oliver Morton   Oliver Morton
Nick, thank you for your compliment and suggestion. I'll play with the lighting a bit more.

  Posted: 08/25/2019 16:37:30