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Self Critique
I worked hard to get some candid images along with action of movement. Tried my best to avoid the bright overcast sky. It was midday when the horses are not real active. Learned a bit of moving among them on foot. The camera and long lens was on a monopod.
Creative direction
I captured this stallion in an easy walk across the plateau; in this image he was looking directly at me, after this image I moved to the right to continue photographing him. No sky in this image, the image is not cropped. I feel the image has decent room in front of him and the bokey is pretty good. Editing was minimal, the Z8 did a good job on the RAW image.
Specific Feedback
I has just begun photographing wild horses and I am hooked on it. This was the 3rd time shooting horses with my 180-600 mm sense. I have noted that at the far reach of the lens that the in focus are can be tight, looking for comment on the focus are and the rest of the image. it was taken midday, the sky was a brigh overcast. comments on light/ colr welcome.
Technical Details
Lightly edited in LR/PS, may opening up shadows on right side of the horse. Some sharpening in Topaz Photo AI.
Description
On a 3 week trip to northern Wyoming, I booked a tour to see the wild mustangs of the Pryor Mountain herd. It was a 5 hour round trip by jeep to see the herd on a mountain plateau at 9,000 feet. There were approximately 125 horses there and we spent 2 hours photographing them; it was heaven. Our guide was very helpful. l took about 1,000 images, a few gems, most the sign of a beginner. I plan to continue to photograph other herds in the coming months; I’m hooked.
Critique Template
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A lovely image of a beautiful mustang. I’m enjoying seeing the tiny vegetation around his hooves. A gentle breeze blowing his mane and tale add to the movement. You have mastered the midday sun!
The image is great as presented, but I wouldn’t be able to help myself to not do more subtle changes, like masking the horse and adding a little more contrast while keeping a close eye on that lovely blaze. I see you have removed that rock on the RHS, so if it’s within your ethics, I would also remove the brighter spot of rocks between his ears. A low opacity clone brush over those brighter, eye-grabbing rocks would complete the changes. It’s a great image as is. These are only suggestions.
That you Glenys for your commentary, I did mask the horse, evidently not enough on one of our screens. I try sending myself an image to judge how I have done. Also, I do tend to miss subtle distractions, in that I need to be more diligent. Cheers!
Gary, my comments are only suggestive and most certainly subjective.
I sit fairly relaxed in a big office chair when I edit. I find that even shifting my position in the chair; up, down or sideways, changes the overall appearance of the image.
Gary, this is a wonderful image of a magnificent animal. I like the position in the frame and the head on look. I think you’ve done a good job of processing. It’s hard to get everything perfect. @glennie has provided some great suggestions. I don’t have anything to add there. I just enjoy seeing a wonderful animal. I would love to photograph them sometime, too.
I also have the Z8 and had the 180-600 before selling it for the 800 PF. Great equipment all around.
I’ve seen some pretty impressive images of your mustang herds. It’s a worthwhile endeavour for sure. I’m sure your mustangs have the same challenges as our Aussie brumbies.
