Horse in Sunlight

[Yukondar]

I've tried a couple of times to take some shots in a nearby riding arena but the lighting is always a bit difficult and horses generally don't pose on command. I did manage to get one shot which sort of worked but I'm not sure how to use it. My first crack at it with post-production is posted below. All I've really done is to crop it a bit to remove the extra space and added a soft glow to help bring out the streaming light and kicked up dust. What can the DPS community suggest to improve this photo? I need a lot of help with my post production skills...(and my photography skills for that matter )

Thanks,
Dar



Creation Date: 2010:03:28 16:33:04
Model: NIKON D90
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Focal Length: 90mm
Exposure Time: 1/30 Sec.
Aperture: f7.1
Exif Image Width: 4288 pixels
Exif Image Height: 2848 pixels
Exposure Program: Manual Control
Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure
White Balance: Manual White Balance
ISO Speed Rating: 10 (400)
Metering Mode: Spot
Flash: Flash Not Fired;
Focus: AF-S
White Balance Adjustment: 0
Lens: 18-105mm f3.5-f5.6

[GirlyGirlSebas]

I really like the direction you're going with this one. I like the beams of light and the squares of light on the ground. However, I do find myself wishing you were zoomed in a bit more on the horse and rider so I can enjoy how the light flows over them. Maybe you can try this one with less of the window and beams...maybe narrowing down to only 6 squares of light on the ground.

[Yukondar]

I guess I shouldn't be afraid to crop. I tried out your suggestion and ya, that does improve it. The light made the windows blown out anyway. My instinct was to put the horse and rider down in the corner and emphasise the streaming light because the horse was blurry from the slow shutter speed.

Thanks