Equestrian B&W series

[J D Skate]

I am trying to show motion and form. This is just the first three photos in the series. C&C greatly appreciated.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/JDSKATE/EquestrianBWseries.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/JDSKATE/EquestrianBWseries2.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t260/JDSKATE/EquestrianBWseries3.jpg

[strmrdr]

too dark and the dark border makes it worse.

[feilb]

If you want to show motion, use a longer shutter speed. These are definitely stop action shots.

The last one is the best of the set, just open that shutter up longer. I do like the contrast, but the shadow detail has also been completely destroyed (not exactly desirable).

[csm328]

The sun was behind the horse and the way it cast the shadow forward makes it very dark. Not bad for some nifty fifty shooting. Different angle may have helped. Nice border and presentation though.

[thrumyeye]

First - I like borders, however a little border can go a long way. So try a thinner border so as to frame it, not overwhelm it.

The first shot leaves me wondering what to look at. Had you not cut off the horse's hooves, I think it would have been better.

I like the 2nd one, though agree on the dark shadows.

The third is a very nice shot. Though the shadows are dark, I don't think they're too dark, since you still have a nice sun highlight on the shoulder(?) of the horse. I also think those dark areas are not the focus of the photo, so they needn't be quite so visible. My opinion is all. :) I do like that 3rd shot though. Very nice. I think the dust depicts motion well. Would be fun to see this type of shot with different shutter speeds just to see which one best shows motion.