Last Friday I took myself off to Wittering Grange Equestrian Centre to attend the Master Horse Photography Course run by Matthew Roberts and Andrew James.

This course is designed for anyone looking to improve their photography skills and well worth booking if you are interested in equestrian photography. Myself and a group of 12 others were initially given a talk about what makes great photography opposed to an alright shot of the horses backside as it’s flown past and you’ve totally missed it. Our initial talk was informative and a great starting point regarding settings, cameras and equipment and best practice. We then got straight out there to meet our first horse and rider.

Matt and Andrew had organised a team of very talented riders and horses. We were all given the opportunity to practice and try again while working with not so perfect weather conditions. We were split into two smaller groups on several occasions which allowed lots of help and advice as and when it was needed.

I am not a great photographer, I was probably the least organised or talented on the day with a flat camera battery and less than adequate memory card but it didn’t matter, there was a lovely atmosphere within the group and always help at hand. It was a really enjoyable day, great location offering all sorts of fences to work with, a total of 6 different top horses and riders and Matt and Andrew really know their stuff. They shared their knowledge and enthusiasm for photography and made everyone (including riders and horses) feel at ease.

I learnt a huge amount on the course and I am really looking forward to getting out there at every opportunity to practice. Rockingham Horse Trials here I come.