Horse Photo Competition 1 2018 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $606.00
  • Judges Comment
  • This image was not only an instant fave in this competition, but continues to hold a top spot in its incredible depth, subtle tones, and tight crop. The angle leaves the viewer almost dizzy as we try to decipher what is up and what is down, and the tight crop echoes the close quarters of the herd. Stunning tones and textures, and the lines of the horses' backs and rumps repeating each other, all make for an incredibly strong image. Nicely done, and congrats! ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • I took this photograph in Arles (southern France); I was impressed by those Camargue horses waiting to be loaded on the truck after the Abrivado show in the Arles roman arena. it was summer 2008 and I shot with my first digital camera, a Nikon D80, and an old 1985' lens, a Nikkor 105mm f/2.8, very useful to have a tight crop and to close the composition (I loved this lens!). I post processed the image with PS.
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is such a whimsical and magical photo, and I truly hope it is not a composite, but is, in fact, the real deal ... that you had this stunning draft horse actually walking down this narrow cobblestoned street. I can almost hear his hooves on the bricks! Sheer whimsy! ...and and truly wonderful job in post. Nicely done. ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you very much, dear Illona! And of course that's not a composite, we photographed the "Schwarzwälder Fuchs" "Sancho" one morning on the historic bridge "Krämerbrücke" in Erfurt, Germany, and he did a great job. For us it was a very special and a bit magical moment too. Sancho only had one neck ring that I removed in post-processing in Photoshop...
  • www.elfmet.de
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • What a fabulously fun and simple image ... the curved lines of the racked ground, the pebbled pathway, the low vegetation and then the horses' hooves and hocks are all a wonderful mix of textures ... and the fun twist of five hooves (vs. 4) makes the viewer look twice. Nicely captured and rendering in post. ~ illona
  • www.magdalenastrakova.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • While there are countless photos shot at such a similar angle to this one, this image stands out. By shooting vertically vs. horizontally, the crop is tight on the horse, and this works to draw our eye past the soft lines of its rump, back and neck, and move directly to the perfectly captured eye. Only once the viewer has thoroughly enjoyed the calm gaze and eye of this horse, will they leave it long enough to explore the incredible textures of this horse's mane and soft ears ... yet always coming back to that incredible eye. Beautifully captured and managed in post. ~ illona
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you Ilona! It#s Anna from Cologne again. Although it is a common pose, I simply love to do it - always aspiring to still create something unique and beautiful. It was taken as usual with my Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the 70-200mm 2.8L and handled in post via Lightroom & Photoshop.
  • www.annapanke.de
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is a tremendous study of this palamino's head and intricate halter. Wonderful capture of its profile and alert ears, and great details where they need to be. Nicely captured and rendered into black-and-white! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Not only is this photo taken in a truly stunning location, the magnificence of this stallion, with his strongly arched neck and flared nostrils, has been captured in the perfect stride. Beautifully seen, framed, and managed in post. Nicely done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • What a fabulous and fun capture of this sleepy white horse peering above the other members of his herd. Wonderfully seen, captured and managed in post. Nicely done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is such a fabulous study of this pony ... so simple in its presentation of a white backdrop, yet so rich in textures and tones ... from the soft chest and belly coat to the frosty tips of its mane, the thick wavy curls of its forelock to that slightly alarmed, almost challenging eye ... all so well captured and managed in post. Nicely done! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • This is a wonderful image ... the receding lines of brick pillars, the softening depth of field, and the strong focus on the magnificent, calm horse ... all work to create an image that is all about this incredible animal. Although it adds wonderful texture, I do find the tree trunk in the top left corner to be at odds with the horse's head and neck and wonder if a different angle or portion of this promenade could have been used so that the trunk didn't conflict so strongly. Either way, this is a wonderful photo! ~ illona
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • Photographing this predominantly white pinto against dark doors allows the horse to stand out. The strong contrast of this image, along with it's general simplicity and symmetry makes the horse the center of this image. Well seen and captured. ~ illona