Down the Stretch: Below is a sequence of five pictures photographed at the Belmont Park Racetrack. All were taken at the equivalent 35mm value of approximately 700mm. The horse...

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Below is a sequence of five pictures photographed at the Belmont Park Racetrack. All were taken at the equivalent 35mm value of approximately 700mm. The horse carrying the jockey with the purple hat was the eventual winner. I am curious as to which image you think could stand alone?

Critique, comments or suggestions always welcomed. Thanks. 8-)

Select download for additional resolution.

Photo #1: ISO 160, f/5.6, 1/800 sec

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Photo #2: ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/500 sec

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Photo #3: ISO 100, f/5.6, 1/500 sec

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Photo #4: ISO 125, f/5.6, 1/500 sec

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Photo #5: ISO 160, f/5.6, 1/640 sec

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

#2 and #3 for me show great action and suspense, since the horses are so close together; you want to know how the story ends!

In both, I'd probably crop out a little of the foreground. #3 is cool for the clearer view of dirt being kicked up.

#4 would be a different story as the lead horse seems to be pulling away, so not the uncertainty or excitement of the previous two.

I don't like #5 because I am uncomfortable with the use of a whip (I know it's common).

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Linda From Maine wrote:

#2 and #3 for me show great action and suspense, since the horses are so close together; you want to know how the story ends!

In both, I'd probably crop out a little of the foreground. #3 is cool for the clearer view of dirt being kicked up.

#4 would be a different story as the lead horse seems to be pulling away, so not the uncertainty or excitement of the previous two.

I don't like #5 because I am uncomfortable with the use of a whip (I know it's common).

Thank you Linda for taking the time to give a detailed response. You made valid points. Using the crop on a horse is certainly controversial, and here is a link to a somewhat balanced opinion regarding it:

http://www.igha.org/tb_whip.html

Keep in mind that a feeling of dislike (even disgust) of subject or content in an image means there was an emotional response by the viewer, which is one of the goals of many photographers. :)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Bmac wrote:

...
Keep in mind that a feeling of dislike (even disgust) of subject or content in an image means there was an emotional response by the viewer, which is one of the goals of many photographers. :)

Absolutely. Though at this decade of my life, I just want to stay in my happy place as much as possible :)

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Linda From Maine wrote:

Absolutely. Though at this decade of my life, I just want to stay in my happy place as much as possible :)

Me too. :D :thumbup:

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

#4 shows the action and has a better background, shows a real competition...#5 shows the power and the action..these would be my pics!

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

I enjoyed this series, Bmac. As an old track vet, I'll tell you plainly one can not love both horses and horse racing. I've dealt too often with the often catastrophic damage it does to the animals. However, that's me, and you can take that for what it's worth.

In this series, I actually like the first shot best. I'd crop it a bit closer to pull them in better, but I think the feeling of the pack all tightly grouped like that gives a better idea of how competitive they are, and the rail isn't distracting from the horses in this.

Nice job catching them so well.

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Bmac wrote:

Below is a sequence of five pictures photographed at the Belmont Park Racetrack. All were taken at the equivalent 35mm value of approximately 700mm. The horse carrying the jockey with the purple hat was the eventual winner. I am curious as to which image you think could stand alone?

Critique, comments or suggestions always welcomed. Thanks. 8-)

Select download for additional resolution.

Great series Bmac, well done. I like #3, it shows most of the field, good action, and the winner is in the lead.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

rlaugh wrote:

#4 shows the action and has a better background, shows a real competition...#5 shows the power and the action..these would be my pics!

Thanks for opining Bob. I wish that in #4 the last horse was not cut in half. I was considering cropping him out altogether. At this point I think only the last image can stand outside the sequence. Closer is many times better. 8-)

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Treepusher wrote:

I enjoyed this series, Bmac. As an old track vet, ... (show quote)

Thanks for the input Randy. Your points are well taken regarding the photographs. As for cropping in more I do not think I have the necessary image quality to accomplish that. 8-)

angler Loc: StHelens England

Numbers 3 an 5 for me Bmac.Number 3 involves all the horses and jockeys in a better frame and 5 shows the outcome of tne race.All excellent shots though. :thumbup: ;)

FrodoBaggins Loc: Texas

Very nice series Bmac ! I think 3,4&5 have the best action and 5 is just really cool and gritty and dirty and did I say cool? 👍

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

angler wrote:

Numbers 3 an 5 for me Bmac.Number 3 involves all the horses and jockeys in a better frame and 5 shows the outcome of tne race.All excellent shots though. :thumbup: ;)

MY exact response

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

gregoryd45 wrote:

Great series Bmac, well done. I like #3, it shows most of the field, good action, and the winner is in the lead.

Thanks for making a selection and taking a look Gregory. 8-)

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

angler wrote:

Numbers 3 an 5 for me Bmac.Number 3 involves all the horses and jockeys in a better frame and 5 shows the outcome of tne race.All excellent shots though. :thumbup: ;)

Thanks for the input Jim. :thumbup: