Mica bites at Cremosso's legs as all three mustangs run in the snow
This year in Colorado has been an unpredictable one in regards to the weather. We have had cold and snow, and now warm sunny days, but the threat of snow is still real, with March and April sometimes our snowiest months, and although plants and trees are budding, it is too early to be taking beautiful green spring shots. So I prepare for the bad weather, and when it comes, I get out with my camera.
There are many expensive camera and lens covers that you can buy, but you can also use a plastic bag with a rubber band. When it is snowing, if I am out a short amount of time, I will usually not even cover my camera, but will dry it off thoroughly once I get back inside. The lens hood provides shelter for the lens so that the snow does not get in unless the wind is blowing at you. Rain is tougher on a camera and lens than snow, so make sure you cover your camera and lens carefully in the rain.
Mica, Cremosso and Claro
This winter I had many days of snow, and the easiest subjects for me to shoot were my adopted mustangs, Mica and the Cremello Colts.
A high shutter speed is necessary to capture the flying snow
If it is overcast and snowing, you will need to increase your ISO in order to have enough light, and if you are shooting action, this is even more important. In this image of Cremosso and Mica running toward me, I have my shutter speed set at 1/640 in order to freeze the snow as it flies up under their feet.
When horses are running toward you, you can get away with a lower shutter speed than 1/1000 to freeze the action, but if they are running by you, make sure you have a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 in order to freeze the action.
Horses running by you need a higher shutter speed
Spring will be here to stay soon, but in the meantime, you can still get out and shoot!