...Well actually, they are just playing.


Yesterday morning, I was thinking about different photo ops in my neck of the woods. I've been looking for something a little unusual.

So, I saw this field of horses. I've driven by them hundreds of times, always saying that 'someday I'll stop and take some photos of them.'

Well I decided that the time was now. So I drove back and walked up to the fence. Well there is about 20 horses in this field, and immedialtely they started playing - or showing off a bit. It was as if they were competing for my attention! It was great! These 2 paint horses paired up, and started pitching and frolicking. A few others were running around, and several other pairs began playing (pitching) too. They had the opportunity to move to the other side of the pasture, and out of my view, but they moved right in front of me!

I couldn't get enough!

There was even a newborn foal, which was nursing, then laying down by its mama - which I captured as well.

Anyway, I think that this may be my favorite out of the bunch.

What do you think?

Lesson learned - Stop putting off those photo ops that are in your area!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Kathy

This is great, Kathy! I love it. I had a similar opportunity to shoot two horses in the same way but they were situated on a beautiful green hillside. I missed it cuz we were driving in a car!!

Ray

Wow, the horse with the white face looks really striking. A great model. I don't get to be around horses very much, but when they play it sure is fun to watch. Nice capture!

Spike

Thanks Ray & Spike!

Usually I love black & white and sepia tones. But with this image, I'm not so sure. Something isn't quite right to me, but I just can't figure it out.

Perhaps I should keep it in color?

This is the absolute original. I thought that the other 2 rear ends were distracting - so I cloned them out.

I'm thinking that this print may be strong enough to enter it into a juried photo contest this fall in the 'American West' Catagory. Its a pretty tough contest!

Anyway, your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated, as well as possible Titles.

'Lets Dance' for a Title?

Thanks everyone!

Kathy

Found these workers at working 1920's era farm.

If we'd had time I'd have shot something like this in Belgium.
The main E17 motorway was closed by an accident, so we went off along single-track roads trying to work around the delays.
Came across a working farm, not a living museum exhibit, where they were ploughing with a lovely looking horse. The dust blowing up behind and the back lit sun was stunning...
But we were getting close to missing the ferry back from Calais to the UK and work :(

One day I'm not going to have to go to work, and I can concentrate on my photography.
Just let me get this house paid off first !!

I think this is a great photo Kathy. I am not sure which I like better though the color or the black and white.
Thanks for sharring the photo and of course your lesson. Shoot away!
Why didn't you post it in the Critique Forum?
Brian

Great advice and great shot. I think I like the first version here in black and white. I think you're right about cloning out the two rear ends, it is a better composition without.

Thanks Ray & Spike!

Usually I love black & white and sepia tones. But with this image, I'm not so sure. Something isn't quite right to me, but I just can't figure it out.

Perhaps I should keep it in color?

Kathy

I thought there was a problem of seperation of the subjects from the background in the BW version which is completely cleared up in the color version. Very good timing on this shot.