Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

Hi,

Took my camera to the yard yesterday to practice...still lots to learn but here are a couple to see, thoughts much appreciated

thanks

Vicky

Vicky Buckley wrote:

Hi VIcky

It's nice to see a new member posting on the forum. Hopefully you'll get some feedback.

I know nothing about equestrian photography, so can't really comment much except to say that I think the second shot is the best of the bunch for me. You've eliminated the bald sky and you've obviously thought about shutter speed to capture the movement. The fact that you've cut off the horse's tail might count against it. The background fence posts don't help much, but there might not have been much you could do about them. It would have been nice to have got a bit more light on the horse's face and front.

The last photo has an almost arty feel about it and could have scored much higher with me but it's let down by its composition. Too much bald sky and not enough horse. The lighting on the horse's face is very nice.

As I say, I know nothing about horses so take my comments for what they're worth and don't be put off by them. Let's see more of your photos...

Thanks Paul...I took these photos in full sun on the day which I shouldnt of done but I do like the 'arty' look photo the best. I will try and take a bit of the sky out though as you said.

Vicky

Hi Vicky

That last photo keeps drawing my eye. I think if you crop down some of the sky it would improve it a great deal.

I thought more people would have commented......

I have looked at some amazing photos of horses in Black and White photography magazine. Have a go at getting a low angle and setting the horse against the sky or some trees so the background is nice and soft and it not too cluttered. If I can remember I will bring the magazine next week so you can have a look. The second photo shows the power of the horse, nice shot.

I've been looking at these for a while before I put my thoughts down - I like the way you have confidently caught the action, the drawback being the backgrounds and the lighting.

Backgrounds can distract from an image and almost always bright areas will catchg our eyes and pull our attention. So think about where you stand and what is beyond the horses themselves.

The lighting is very strong - a bright overcast day might well be kinder to the subjects. Also the lighting is from the side/back of the horse. This means that there isn;t much light on the front, where really I feel it should be.

That action is great though and you've made a good bold start that just needs a little refining.