Photo finish

[Conk]

Here are a couple more horse racing photos. Kind of an extension of "photo finish not needed".
What are your opinions on the blur in the colour version? Any other points of critique would also be appreciated.

http://www.pbase.com/image/20636023.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/20636018.jpg

[SoCal69]

My own (amateur) opinion on the blur is that it is fine. Adds the sense of motion to the photo. However, the result might have been better if the blur was on the background and the horses were sharp. Just my personal opinion though.

[stopbath]

Personally, I think in the second shot there should be no blur at all. Finish by a nose shots (I feel) should be crisp and clear. No room for any doubt. Alternatively, more (horse) blur could have come in handy to show how fast and fleeting the moment at the finish line is... but I think the level of blur is wrong (for me.)

[Ikinaa]

socal69 wrote:
My own (amateur) opinion on the blur is that it is fine. Adds the sense of motion to the photo. However, the result might have been better if the blur was on the background and the horses were sharp. Just my personal opinion though.

Yes, I'm no horse race addict, but I would say, unless the results are interesting for You, it's the horses and the jockeys(?) that are important. Try panning, the horses are not blurred, but the background. It gives another effect of speed.

[Conk]

Thanks people. I whole heartedly agree. The blur in the #2 photo should be with the background and not the horses.
They were difficult shots as I had to hold the camera high to avoid photographing the backs of everyone's head.