I believe I broke some "rules" and I really enjoy doing that when it works. I am not sure if these work. What do you think?

Peg, congrats on the new filly, I have a new palomino foal a two weeks old) too but in the past few days I've not been able to find it. The horses are turned out on about 10k acres and it's very rugged and steep in places so somtimes they can hide well. I hope a grizzly or cougar did not get him . . . both are very common occurances where I live.

Anyhow, back to your shots.

The second one works okay but is that directional blur on the background? The grass looks like its not blurd, so that leads me to believe it's a PS action shot rather then a pan with slow shutter speed. Also I'm picking up some shifts in and around the horses which look un natural. . . I also would want to see more head space in front of the foal.


The first one does not work for me becaues of the crop. I think if it were cropped tighter or more lose, I'd like it better. man it sure must be fun shooting horses that little guy, post a few more if you dont mind. . .

Thanks Tony. I agree with you. I am putting up that shot again with different PS. My goal was to take the fencing out and not touch the horses. I do sometimes get carried away so I will ask you to keep me in check. Is this one better?

The third of this group is the only one that I left the fence in but I used that Orton thing. I really hate to see fencing as a distraction. I know you do not like PS much, but I hope I can create images that PS is not an obvious technique but used to make the orginal good image better. I will put up the orginals later if you would like to compare.

That cropped tight foal was mostly in camera. The one listed here with her head up was from the same series shot. I am always amazed they can seem so big and run so fast but when they curl up you understand how they fit in the mare.

Thanks for the congrats but they will go to my friend who owns this pair.
Congrats to you and I hope you will post some of him.

Those are too sweet Peggy. I love them all

those all are nice. I think a bit too much soft techniqe on the full frontal portrait, but the first two look great - much better on the fence job!!! Way to go! Great stuff!

I still am praying that I find the little guy alive, i'm headed out tonight to find him, pray the cougars or bears did not get him . . .

Lovely! I like the second series, #3, the best. Upon reflecton I think that's because you've made excellent use of the whole frame (rule of thirds, but on the diagonal) and you've incorporated those ever-so-attractive-to-the-eye diagonal lines throughout the composition. It has what one might call "that professional look."

I wonder if your original image contains more detail in the strongly lit areas of the filly's face. If so, it would be nice to see that detail in this picture. If the detail isn't there in the original one has to assume that the exposure was a bit off. Did you use auto or manual exposure? Check your histogram during this series of shots? Still, quite lovely. Thanks for sharing these.

Thanks all for taking a look and taking the time to jot down your thoughts. Much appreciated.

The two more I am posting, give you an idea as to what I am starting with and the conditions. With this mare being a first time mom, I wasn't sure how receptive she would be. The filly would walk right up to me and stick her nose in the lens. Mom on the other hand was not always that happy to see me as you can see in the shot she is giving me the evil eye!

I had two bodies and two different lenses so I could just switch. Yes, Buddy you are right. I did shoot in auto mode since I kept changing positions, distances, lighting .... all in a very short period of time. I wish I could think faster on the fly. Studio work seems to have more control but these two would have made a mess.


Side note- this little girl is marked with what is called a medicine hat. Suppose to be good luck.

Tony - Hope you find that foal and mare in great condition!

UPDATE: no luck finding the foal, I'm not giving up yet! The forcast if for a foot of snow today and over night so I'm sure if the foal's still alive she will be with mom tomorrow! Pray. . . .

Amazing when you realize how important images can be to people. This mare died due to colic. Wish your mare were closer Tony!
Anyone got a good outlet for goats milk?
Also any advice in raising this sweet filly?

I am so sorry to hear that! I do know what you mean though. I got a tear jerking email from a client, whose horse she was posed with had died. She told me how much it meant to her to have those photos. Not even men who read the email were able to keep a dry eye. Very touching.

I have an 11x14, matted to 16x20 for her