Horse Photo Competition 2 2017 : Results

Judges Comment
In a field of many amazing horse photos this competition, this one stands out just a little more with its amazing light, stunning sky, superb landscape, and expert exposure. The horse could have been simply standing, and it would have still been a stellar photo ... but instead, we are given a show! And only now, as I write this comment, about to mention that I wish the sunlight had hit the mane as brilliant as it had the tail, am I realizing that this little horse has a black mane and a white tail! ... just like my own very first horse! Brilliant job on the exposure for a backlit subject ... overall, just a fantastic job. Well done and congrats! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you very much Illona! I took the picture in a gravel-pit in Northern Germany. In the picture you can see the icelandic horse of a friend of mine. The mare is amazing and she masters all sorts of tricks. The picture was taken with my Nikon D300s and the 17-50mm 2.8 from Sigma. I used Photoshop for the editing.
www.fotografie-maraschade.de

Judges Comment
This is an absolutely stunning image and would certainly have been a #1 for its brilliant capture, subject, skies and light. I do feel that there might have been some masking issues in post, with some odd 'yellow' areas on the horse's lower face and darker shadows on the forehead, as well as darkening of the flying mane. It's a tricky masking job for sure! I do feel, though, with this dramatic sky, but mostly because of the incredible subject, it is worth another crack at the masking ... to brighten the horse and mane more evenly, and really bring him forward in this amazing photo. Awesome photo! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
This photo was taken in Morro Bay, CA with my Canon 5DIII and 100-400mm lens. Unfortunately, this horse passed away recently, so this image is especially poignant.
www.photomagicalart.com

Judges Comment
I can't begin to say how much I love this image ... the inviting gaze of the horse, the path in the long grasses, the daisies echoing the white of the horse and the touches of blue in the sky ... an absolutely wonderful capture and such a clean and refined image overall. Great job! ~ illona

Judges Comment
This image was an instant favorite. I think it could probably work in black-and-white or color, the framing is so strong, the angle perfect, and the turn of the horse inviting ... strong contrasts, deep blacks and great highlights ... wonderfully done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
Oh my! What an absolutely brilliant capture of a spunky little pony! ...the wild mane, the saucy expression ... I can only imagine the kick he/she gave before landing. Beautifully captured and managed in post, and a great low angle to capture this wild little beast. Nicely done! ~ illona

Judges Comment
This is simply a fabulous image ... strong framing, wonderful tones, and the perfect angle to look up this slope to this grazing horse. Great exposure and white balance. Brilliantly done. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you very much Ilona! I am Anna Panke from Cologne, Germany. Ever since I saw this location I had this image in my head and luckily I have a very good friend who is always open for my photo ideas, so we snatched her Haflinger and went to take photos there - it was more difficult as it first seemed to get the image like I imagined, but I am very fond of the result. I worked as usual with my Canon 5DIII and this time a 24-70mm 4L here and post-processed via Lightroom & Photpshop.
www.annapanke.de

Judges Comment
The minimalism in this image is wonderful ... the almost monotone quality, the hazy atmosphere, and the evocative motion and distant look of the horse ... all make this a unique photo. Nicely done. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thrilled to have this shot picked out for a Mark of Excellence. This was a mustang in Utah who had just fought with another stallion and was heading to back to his band. Taken with a Canon 7D Mark II.
www.facebook.com/CLawsPhotography

Judges Comment
What a fabulous image and a subject who immediately draws you in with his stare. Beautiful soft tones and strong framing. Nicely done! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Thank you for the Mark of Excellence! My name is Lisa L Kee. I am a hobbyist photographer from Missouri. Image was taken in Kansas at a long term holding ranch for wild horses. Taken with a Canon 7D, Canon 500mm f/4.5 lens. I use Lightroom 3 for post processing.
www.facebook.com/LisaLKeePhotography

Judges Comment
The framing and the contrast between the horse and the foggy backdrop are what makes this image standout. I would almost love to see even more depth explored with this image with a little more contrast -- stronger blacks and a little more boost on the whites. But great image. ~ illona
Photographers Comment
Hi! It was so nice to see that I had two pictures in the top. This was taken in Missouri of one of the wild horses here. Taken with a Canon 7D Mark II.
www.facebook.com/CLawsPhotography

Judges Comment
The framing and cool tones in this image make it an instant hit, and the calm feeling expressed by the horse's quiet eye and the relaxed ears are wonderful. Nice job! ~ illona
Photographers Comment
This image was shot on the beach in Morro Bay, CA using my Canon 5DIII and 100-400mm lens.
www.photomagicalart.com