My Handsome Boy

[Maritimer1]

C&C always welcome, but I'm really just posting because I think he's so pretty<BG>. I know; that's a terrible thing to admit!




947Z0328 Darby by M.J. Hencher, on Flickr

[EmmyJane]

I'm such a novice so I feel like my feedback is unworthy but I agree, Darby is a very pretty boy indeed!

I love the depth of field in this image too

Horses are such beautiful creatures aren't they?

[Donald]

I'm such a novice so I feel like my feedback is unworthy

No way. Please never feel like that. Through offering a comment, you have thought about the image and, as a result, you too have learned. So, it's a win:win situation.

And I agree. The shallow DoF is, I think, what changes this from a 'nice' photo of a horse into a picture.

[PhotoByTrace]

He just invites me to wrap my arms around his neck and give him a scratch. Lovely photo

[Donald]

He just invites me to wrap my arms around his neck and give him a scratch. Lovely photo

Is that me or the horse we're talking about?

[PhotoByTrace]

Lol!

[Maritimer1]

They both have a good, strong jaw and sufficient chin whiskers, don't they, Trace?

[PhotoByTrace]

Indeed Myra!

[Mike Buckley]

It's clear that everyone is having way too much fun in this thread, so I'll do my best to add a bit of boredom.

Darby is such a handsome fella and the pose and light are so pleasing that I'd like to suggest just a few minor adjustments to hopefully take this very deserving image to the next level. Using whatever method you're most comfortable with, try adding just a bit more contrast to the tones in Darby's hair. That will give the image a bit more pop so long as you don't lose any detail in the dark tones. Also bring out the detail of the inside of his ears. Last, the frame is so similar to the color of the sky that I would prefer a bit more separation. I'm not good at suggesting frame colors, so I won't go there.

[Maritimer1]

All good points, Mike. I did just the opposite with his coat, though, as it originally was too dark and without much definition Yes, the sky and frame aren't very attractive together. Decreasing the exposure of the sky didn't help, either. There isn't a trace of colour there to coax through. Not sure how I managed to fade the top of this ears... I hadn't even noticed until you mentioned it. Good eye!

[Mike Buckley]

I did just the opposite with his coat, though, as it originally was too dark and without much definition

That makes sense to me, as that is often a typical problem when photographing black animals. Also, the image has the look of dark hair that was lightened to provide more detail. Consider using the same adjustments but backing off on the opacity. You might find something between the original and the image shown above to be ideal.