Snow Time: This was taken last weekend, when the UK suffered another cold bite and we saw a fair covering of snow - for the South Coast that is, some places got considerably more and...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This was taken last weekend, when the UK suffered another cold bite and we saw a fair covering of snow - for the South Coast that is, some places got considerably more and the usual disruptions occurred. It was all over within three days - gone.

The scene is Corfe Castle common, where locals have the right to leave their horses free. The owners of most we saw happened along to give them their breakfast, which probably cheered them up, but they didn't look too impressed with the conditions. I've opted to show the snow falling as that's what I saw - had I used a longer shutter speed it would have disappeared and, in my view, lessened the impact. Any constructive critique is welcome should you feel inclined.

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Joe Blow

Snow is difficult to shoot. You pretty well need to do close ups as the snow mimics noise and the further from the camera, the more it distorts the shot.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

For me the immediate impact is the contrast between horse color and surroundings. Then I find interest in the position/posture of the horse, along with the low angle and snowy ground, and the feeling of desolate and cold. The falling snowflakes are very small and I'm not really aware of them without your mention, Dave.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

magnetoman wrote:

This was taken last weekend, when the UK suffered ... (show quote)

Well, Dave, you have duly captured the falling snow, detail of the fallen snow, and the garron’s staid endurance what nature delivers. I’d say you got the essentials.
A good, engaging image.

Dave

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Joe Blow wrote:

Snow is difficult to shoot. You pretty well need to do close ups as the snow mimics noise and the further from the camera, the more it distorts the shot.

You’ll have to forgive any shortcomings Joe, we’ve only seen the stuff two or three times in ten years and it hasn’t lasted (I’m pleased to say). Thanks for commenting.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

For me the immediate impact is the contrast between horse color and surroundings. Then I find interest in the position/posture of the horse, along with the low angle and snowy ground, and the feeling of desolate and cold. The falling snowflakes are very small and I'm not really aware of them without your mention, Dave.

She’s up on a bit of a hill, hence the low angle Linda - and it was the ‘cold and lonely’ feel that attracted me. Small snow is good by the way!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Uuglypher wrote:

Well, Dave, you have duly captured the falling snow, detail of the fallen snow, and the garron’s staid endurance what nature delivers. I’d say you got the essentials.
A good, engaging image.

Dave

Thanks Dave - poor things don’t get any choice but to stick it out in all weathers, but at least the owners were turning up to check them out and give them a treat.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

For me there is a while lot to like about this shot. The angle it was shot at the position and look of the horse. The only drawback for me, and I realize you had control over it, is the falling snow. It only shows up against the darker horse. One side of my brain knows it is snow, the other side thinks it's dirty sensors. Just another torment in my world. LOL

ediesaul

I really like this photo. If it were mine, I'd cut just a bit off the right side. To my eye, doing that would balance the bulk of the horse with more white space on the left. Other than that, I think the image conveys what you want and the snow is definitely part of the story.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

NJFrank wrote:

For me there is a while lot to like about this shot. The angle it was shot at the position and look of the horse. The only drawback for me, and I realize you had control over it, is the falling snow. It only shows up against the darker horse. One side of my brain knows it is snow, the other side thinks it's dirty sensors. Just another torment in my world. LOL

Sorry - my phone is a bit fiddly and the reply wizzed off before I typed it!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

NJFrank wrote:

For me there is a while lot to like about this shot. The angle it was shot at the position and look of the horse. The only drawback for me, and I realize you had control over it, is the falling snow. It only shows up against the darker horse. One side of my brain knows it is snow, the other side thinks it's dirty sensors. Just another torment in my world. LOL

Thanks for the comments. I do get what you’re saying - perhaps I should add some more obvious snow.
Certainly didn’t mean to torment!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ediesaul wrote:

I really like this photo. If it were mine, I'd cut just a bit off the right side. To my eye, doing that would balance the bulk of the horse with more white space on the left. Other than that, I think the image conveys what you want and the snow is definitely part of the story.

Funny enough Edie I added to both sides - and the foreground - by blending two shots. As I’ve said before, you have a good eye for that sort of detail. Appreciate your help.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Great empathy.
Since I see the essence of this shot as the horse enduring the snow, I would crop both sides, the right just a bit, the left quite a bit, to the point of leaving "psychological balance" for the horse's gaze.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

artBob wrote:

Great empathy.
Since I see the essence of this shot as the horse enduring the snow, I would crop both sides, the right just a bit, the left quite a bit, to the point of leaving "psychological balance" for the horse's gaze.

Yes, I see the merit in the crop suggestions Bob - and I'm surprised it works for me. The original shot was near your suggestion but unfortunately I'd inadvertently chopped-off the bottom of his feet, so I added some from a second shot and extended the sides a bit at the same time. Now I feel the bottom correction alone would have sufficed, and somewhat less would have done. The closer crop also helps with the snowfall for me. Thanks for your help and here's the result.

As an aside, my wife took a similar shot from a little further up the hill and, whilst the horse's pose isn't quite as appealing as here, the depth of background in her shot adds another dimension entirely - perhaps I could persuade her to loan it to me!

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Linda2 Loc: Yakima Wa.

I love it! I just want to give him a hug and a carrot!!!

magnetoman wrote:

Yes, I see the merit in the crop suggestions Bob -... (show quote)