Small Wonders
The happy family
Posted by Linda (Riga/Sigulda, Latvia) on 22 May 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
One day this week i went to photography horses herding nearby. I hadn't been near any horses for years and was surprised how cute, sweet and humanlike they are. That day i didn't get any good photos, it was past midday and the light was falling very sharply, so i went next day again, this time taking some sugar cubes with me and gettting friends with some new horses, particulary these three, who were very interested in my camera, pockets and more sugar cubes. I don't know if these particular horses are really related, though the foal was keeping with the smaller horse a lot. Both bigger horses are mares, I think. They stood caressing each other like this for several minutes. This is one of the best shots i got that day, although it is at 400 ISO, so the background is annoyingly grainy. Though i didn't get many other good shots, i may be posting horse photos for a while now:).
Then i finally realised i really need to get a tripod, becouse some 97% of my shots aren't sharp in 100% crop. I have looked at some, but the choice is so wide and i have no idea, what a good tripod needs to be like/have, will be glad for any basic suggestions about that.
I'm new in photography and will be grateful for any tips, critiques and comments. Especially for critiques - I really want to improve:).
Thanks for visiting and ... enjoy
MMC Photos from THE COLONY, United States
This is a great chance shot. The middle horse has such a look while nipping at mom.
22 May 2009 6:33am
@MMC Photos: Thank you, she was the liveliest of them three:)
@Eros: Thnk you so much, Eros
Ragnar from Tromsø, Norway
This is just great Linda! I love the composition, you can really feel the family love. You did a great job capturing this!
When it comes to a tripod, I just juse a cheap model from Hama. It is one of their lightest models and so easy to cary around (and I acctually do travel with it, and attach it to my camera bag, something I wouldnt have if it was a bigger and heavier model). But of course, it is not all that sturdy. I am looking to get a bigger and sturdyer model with a ball head. So if money is a issue at the moment, buy the cheapest you can find that will extend to around 150 cm, and then save for a better one for later. Becaues a cheap tripod is heaven compared to no tripod at all!
22 May 2009 7:53am
@Ragnar: Thank you very much, Ragnar, i'll bear it in mind
Sarito from Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Lovely shot.. It looks like they are related :).
22 May 2009 8:09am
@Sarito: Thank you, Sarito, they surely have some affection towards each other
Sussi from Landskrona, Sweden
Great photo showing a true friendship between the horses, wonderful to see!
22 May 2009 8:43am
@Sussi: Thank you, Sussi
Lee from Fort Frances Ontario, Canada
A cool shot of theses horses. Perfect timing.
As for a tripod. You enjoy nature photography. Consider what you are taking pictures of. Now consider what size lens you are using. The heavier and longer the lens, the more sturdy the tripod needed. If you are shooting wildlife, a tripod is almost useless. You'll never get it set up before the animal or bird moves on. A mono pod works best for wildlife I find. However, the best solution is to lean against a tree or post.
If you are shooting on a windy day, you definately need a heavy sturdy tripod. Also take into consideration thease of set up and tear down of the tripod.
I have owned at least six tripods in my life. I have only ever used one a few times. They are definately worth it. It is also worth spending as much as you can afford on the best quality now. That way you won't need to upgrade as soon.
Above all have fun.
22 May 2009 11:34am
@Lee: Thank you very much for your advice and sharing your experience, Lee. It made me understand a tripod is not a panacea and even harder is to find a good tripod with no need to upgrade soon. Still i want it and i hope i do enaugh research for it not to go on trial and error basis:).
Earnest from Oklahoma, United States
Horses show a lot of affection -- good to see it!
22 May 2009 2:59pm
@Earnest: Thanks, Earnest, i think they do
@Ravi: thanks, Ravi
Steven from Chicagoland, United States
Love your composition and your caption perfectly describes what you captured. I like all the colors, too.
22 May 2009 6:01pm
@Steven: Thank you, Steven, it was the best shot of horses i got, i think
Ajay from Pune, India
Well, this day you really managed really good lighting and the shot. I love the brightness and warmth of colours in the shot.
22 May 2009 8:27pm
@Ajay: Thank you, Ajay
ManuelaR from Hainburg (Frankfurt/Main), Germany
Many congrats on your spotlight!
24 May 2009 9:48am
@ManuelaR: Thank you a lot
Magda from Vancouver, Canada
Congratulations on the Spotlight!!!! Bravo! Outstanding photograph!
24 May 2009 4:40pm
@Magda: Thank you very much Magda, your comments are much appreciated
@Daniel: Thank you
K.B.R from Switzerland
a beautiful moment of tenderness, these horses are a beautiful family
24 May 2009 6:50pm
@K.B.R: Thank you very much
@Alessandro: Thanks for stopping by
@Eleftheria: Thank you
Nikon D60
1/2000 second
F/5.3
ISO 400
150 mm