Horses

Not really wild life, but I wasn't sure where to post. A few horse shots that I took today of a friend's animals. Thanks for looking and C & C is welcome.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/stock28/7185884​936/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/stock28/7185883​318/

excellent shots, beautifully done, really like 1

Thank you.

Nice.
I prefer #2 because the twisted legs in #1 is troubling.

EL_PIC wrote in post #14424596
Nice.
I prefer #2 because the twisted legs in #1 is troubling.

Twisted legs?

#1 would have been better if the light had better from camera right. But, of course, you can't control that. It's still nice.

#2 is cropped a little too tight and is slightly underexposed. I would up the exposure a little, I'm guessing 1/3 to 2/3 stop. And then up contrast a little. Of course, the main thing is that the horse's ears (both) aren't up.

Thank you for the comments and suggestions. I will work with it a bit to see if it improves. I don't know much about horses so didn't know about the ears.

Go to my website and look at the couple "portrait" type photos in my opening slideshow. I think they are about 3rd and 4th. That's how the ears should be.

I did see your site. They are very nice photos and I noticed the ears. Something I didn't know. Thanks for your ideas.

Use an assistant to perk the ears up. A plastic bag on the end of a stick or a colapsable light reflector will work well. Have the assistant stand off camera where you want the horse to look (near the ground works best) and lightly shake the bag or fold and open the reflector. A little goes a long way. Remember, horses are flight animals but they are curious too. A gentle cue will get their attention but a big one may cause a panic with a 1000 pound animal. Someone who understands horse behavior will be the best assistant.

Bob

Thanks for the tips. Never shot horses before and don't know much about them. Was just at a friends house and took advantage of the situation to shoot something new. If I shoot them again I will try your ideas. Thanks again.

I like them both but #1 really shows personality in the horse.

Hot Bob wrote in post #14443595
Use an assistant to perk the ears up. A plastic bag on the end of a stick or a colapsable light reflector will work well. Have the assistant stand off camera where you want the horse to look (near the ground works best) and lightly shake the bag or fold and open the reflector. A little goes a long way. Remember, horses are flight animals but they are curious too. A gentle cue will get their attention but a big one may cause a panic with a 1000 pound animal. Someone who understands horse behavior will be the best assistant.

Bob

Of course, this sometimes ends up causing you to do cloning!

HI here a couple i have taken in my travels
He is a warmblood stallion we have a mare in foal to him.