The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Second day of photographing wild horses., I was so excited, so I probably was a bit careless in my shooting. The sky was a bright midday smokey sky which could not be avoided because of travel time to the herd. Nevertheless, I am hooked on these creatures.
Specific Feedback
I’m studying other photographers work for composition inspiration, along with feedback here in preparation for a upcoming trip to two wild horse herds in Colorado in October. I want to be able to capture the essence of these animals in their naural habitat. Since light is nearly everything, I plan to photograph more at sunrise and sunset in the future.
I have already made notes on improving exposure and composition. Wish we had more mustang photographers in this group.
Technical Details
Edited in LR / Topaz AI /PS. I did replace the ugly sky.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
It’s a good crop of the original Gary, losing some of the background on the left leaves a stronger image fully focused on the horse. You also seem to have added a new sky, these can add greater impact to a picture but have to match the lighting, (e.g. strong blue sky when a subject is clearly in low light doesn’t work!).
I think that your work on the horse has maybe increased the exposure a little too much, a few stronger blacks in the face would increase the contrast and IMHO might give a stronger image.
Enjoy the trip to Colorado, I look forward to seeing some of the results.
The image you have posted of a battle-scarred blue roan is beautiful. The battle-scars show how tough life can be for a wild horse. I certainly wouldn’t be hiding any of his injuries.
Here’s my take on your image. I love the raw file. I think you have pushed the exposure too much in your processing. His eyes are way too light IMO. The right eye almost looks injured?
Lose the imported sky. I reckon the sky looks good the way it is. The horse is the hero not the sky. The pose is fine. He is quite chunky and has a friendly and attentive look about him.
I am very envious of your upcoming trip! Early morning and late afternoon would be ideal as would high cloud. For portrait shots, if you have an off-sider, utilize noise (clicking and soft talking). You need to get the horses’ attention. Sometimes an off-sider standing directly behind (of course not close!) so the horse turns it’s head around to check out the offisider while you’re standing horizontal to horse to shoot some lovely over-the-shoulder images. Fast shutter to catch lovely manes flowing.
This may have gone a little too dark for your liking. I’ve added a bit more room on the top and softened the background. Desaturated greens and yellows. Dodged and burned his mane to show a bit more scruffiness (wildness) and added a graduated burn from the right.
I do appreciate the detailed thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to point out options.
Ps here is the map of the horse herds in Colorado. I will be visiting number 1&3 in October. Maybe a trip in the winter.
