Cavalry Charge: A fairly quick composite from some shots I got yesterday at a WW1 commemoration event. Only a couple of riders in reality, so they tend to look like twins

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

A fairly quick composite from some shots I got yesterday at a WW1 commemoration event. Only a couple of riders in reality, so they tend to look like twins - must be Brothers In Arms! Background is a wall at a local stately home. I've been wanting to do this for a while so was pleased to get the head-on shots. Does it work? Well, not as well as I hoped but I think its reasonably effective. Your opinions valued if you have time to comment.

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deer2ker Loc: Nashville, TN

Absolutely beautiful! The only thing I would want is to see the front horseman in full but that's splitting hairs - great job!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

deer2ker wrote:

Absolutely beautiful! The only thing I would want is to see the front horseman in full but that's splitting hairs - great job!

Crikey, that was a fast response deer2ker! Hmmm, my wife said something similar- I set him there to give the impression he was almost upon the viewer. Perhaps it’s not worked too well in that regard. Many thanks for taking the time to comment, it’s appreciated.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Having grown up with horses and riding most of my life, the horses are bunched too close together. They could not have moved at the implied speed that close in formation and with those long poles. However, taking into consideration artistic license, I like the way you lined them up and I like the background. It complements the colors of the uniforms. I think it looks good.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

kenievans wrote:

Having grown up with horses and riding most of my life, the horses are bunched too close together. They could not have moved at the implied speed that close in formation and with those long poles. However, taking into consideration artistic license, I like the way you lined them up and I like the background. It complements the colors of the uniforms. I think it looks good.

Yes, I take your point Keni. It is of course how many artists depicted charges, simply for the drama - Charge of The Light Brigade is a prime example I think. I can well imagine wanting a bit of space in which to manoeuvre, particularly when wielding a lance. Thanks for your input, glad you like it.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Powerful image!
I can’t imagine how you could have composed it for greater impact!
Amazing artistry....

Dave

Pixie Jackie Loc: New Hampshire seacoast

Well, Magnetoman, I would say that your composite is a complete success! Beautifully done with lots of drama. I agree with you that the rider in front gives the impression that he's coming right at the viewer. And as far as the horses being close together, well that's just the compressed effect you get at that angle. Looking at the original "Charge of the Light Brigade", the horses are very close together. Yup, it's a winner! You did very well and should be proud of it! -- Pixie Jackie

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Uuglypher wrote:

Powerful image!
I can’t imagine how you could have composed it for greater impact!
Amazing artistry....

Dave

Thanks Dave. This one came together quite easily (unlike some I struggle with). It’s a simple composite not requiring too much finesse!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Pixie Jackie wrote:

Well, Magnetoman, I would say that your composite ... (show quote)

Thank you PJ, your comments are very kind. Looking through my telephoto whilst squatting down to get the level I wanted, he certainly gave me the feeling my number might be up!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The clarity, color and brightness of the leader - including with sun shining on him - give a 3D feel that is quite mesmerizing! Cutting off a couple of poles and horses' feet give me a sense of turmoil that adds to the drama. Love it, Dave.

Stephan G

magnetoman wrote:

A fairly quick composite from some shots I got yesterday at a WW1 commemoration event. Only a couple of riders in reality, so they tend to look like twins - must be Brothers In Arms! Background is a wall at a local stately home. I've been wanting to do this for a while so was pleased to get the head-on shots. Does it work? Well, not as well as I hoped but I think its reasonably effective. Your opinions valued if you have time to comment.

Reminded me of the picture of my uncle who was in the Polish Hussars cavalry just before the start of WWII.

Great work.

Interesting to note that the cavalry was used successfully against the invading German tanks.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Overall I like this composite. For me composites are fun to do. I do like the coloring, and the idea of the composite. But to my eyes it looks like the horses are floating and not running on the ground.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

The clarity, color and brightness of the leader - including with sun shining on him - give a 3D feel that is quite mesmerizing! Cutting off a couple of poles and horses' feet give me a sense of turmoil that adds to the drama. Love it, Dave.

Thanks Linda.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Stephan G wrote:

Reminded me of the picture of my uncle who was in the Polish Hussars cavalry just before the start of WWII.

Great work.

Interesting to note that the cavalry was used successfully against the invading German tanks.

A lot of them transferred from horseback to the new tanks in WW1 - it must have seemed like hell being couped-up in those so noisy machines! Pretty barbaric times however you fought, and both horse and tank suffered badly in the mud. Brave fellows, all. Thanks for commenting Stephan.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

NJFrank wrote:

Overall I like this composite. For me composites are fun to do. I do like the coloring, and the idea of the composite. But to my eyes it looks like the horses are floating and not running on the ground.

The ‘floating’ effect didn’t bother me Frank - it seems to convey the speed of the horses (for me), but I understand your concerns, we see these things differently and that’s OK. Glad you like it generally and thanks for commenting.