Proud Arabian Mare

[Hinta]

I took this shot on auto....plan to take lessons on how to use added features. The camera is a Canon T1i. Photo untouched. When I learn how to use photoshop I will remove the steel fence post as I see it as a distraction. The mare is in the center of the shot but I have been studying Arabian action shots the pros take and this is close to it. I'm pleased with it but look forward to any suggestions on improvement etc. Thanks

[sk66]

It's a very nice picture. The power line and iron post need to go.

You should probably read the critique forum rules....

[Hinta]

I am new to this and this is my second submission for critique. I thought I read the forum rules but could you tell me where I went wrong. I want to post correctly. Thank you for your help.

[mrteacherdude]

You need to post exif data for the actual camera parameters as well as your request for critique. Even if the camera was set on auto, which is part of the exif data, we need to see things like the camera and model (which you did post), aperture, ISO, shutter speed, focus mode. It's also helpful to see things like the lens you used and the focal length for the shot, and the time of day. Even if the critique request is for composition only, it's often useful to see the data in case someone has potential input on other technical aspects of how/when the image was captured, exposure, shadow problems, etc; even if it is to agree with the settings and commend you for doing a good job with that

It's often very helpful if you have a specific question as well. I know this part can be difficult, but it does help. For instance, you've already addressed the presence of the post and wire as a "problem," which sk66 agreed with, and you indicated you will learn to remove. But you may ask if anyone sees anything else in the photo that is distracting. I know that after looking at my photos for a long time, I don't see some things that other people pick up on immediately. Similarly, I pick up on things in other people's photos that they didn't see. For instance, I'm thinking that the old branch sticking up from behind the mare's back leg could be removed to clean up that part of the photo.

If you haven't already done so, you may want to look around awhile through the various critique threads here. This will likely give you a good idea of the types of posts that work well for getting responses and following the "rules," and those that don't.

You should be able to edit your original post to add the necessary data. Also, while not required, it is possible to make your image appear larger on this page. When you grab the link from Flickr, if you grab the one that is for "medium size" for this particular image, it will display at 640 x 529, which is within the size guidelines for posting here. It is not required that you post it this large, but it does help us see the image a little better without following the link to get to the larger image on Flickr.

Hope this helps. Hope I didn't miss anything.

[Hinta]

Thank you so much for the info. I will pay more attention the next time. Much appreciated.
Pam

[crockny]

Beautiful horse in a really nice pose. My suggestion would be to think about your background in advance and position yourself so that when the horse passes a more photogenic background you will ready ... the background you have doesn't really do the horse justice ...

[Hinta]

Thank you crockny for your input. True about the background. I am limited to backgrounds where we live. She is running in a 40x60 ring and buildings are close to the ring so I have two possible areas to shoot. I was hoping to improve the background in photoshop when I learn how to use it. I have kept every picture I have taken in hopes to improve in photoshop. I don't like changing too much in the photo....just enough to improve it but not change it. I am new to serious photography and plan to take courses to educate myself and improve my shots. This site is excellent for suggestions for improvement and I am open to all. Thank you again. Pam