Pickers n Mules - Any feedback welcome / Comments, Critiques: Went to the Loachapoka Syrup Soppin festival today and got some good shots of the mules used to squeeze the sorgum and...

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

Went to the Loachapoka Syrup Soppin festival today and got some good shots of the mules used to squeeze the sorgum and molassas syrup, and of a grizzled banjo picker, who says banjo pickers never smile!! :)

Getting a snack

Up Close and Personal

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I love sorghum molasses and it makes it even sweeter when pressed with animal power. Great shots. Do you have any of the mules at work?

roadapplemax Loc: Browns Valley Ca

I love sorghum but a country girl should know that those ain't mules. They are draft horses. This is a mule.

Paw Paw Bill Loc: d

I kept looking around in the picture for some shot of a mule behind the horses, but no luck. Sorry, roadapplemax is right "those ain't mules".

Please don't be offended, we (those who know mules) find it funny, but, are not making fun of you. We just want to "not have you ignorant, brethren,".

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

All I can say to that is that the owner said they were mules, but I do agree they did look more like a Morgan. And yes, here's a shot of one working the cane press - with a rider.

at work

close up of rider and mule

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

These were taken with a Cannon Powershot SX120, I'll have to go get the camera and find what settings I used and post them later.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

mahma wrote:

All I can say to that is that the owner said they were mules, but I do agree they did look more like a Morgan. And yes, here's a shot of one working the cane press - with a rider.

Looks like draft mules to me.

jokescache1 Loc: SW Utah

hate to get into a disgreement in the middle..but I agree
with country mamma--look like some mules I've seen[don't worry about "draft"-all mules are draft/riders--either/or--both]LOL..--joe

roadapplemax Loc: Browns Valley Ca

Let me settle this once and for all. I am a retired
police det. and private investigator so it was quite easy
to locate and talk to Mr Emory Combs who owns those
purebred Belgium draft horses in Alabama. There
were also some mules there but not in these photos.
I bring to this descussion many decades of riding, driving and training all breeds of horses and some mules, hence my user name.....Roadapplemax Those people I spoke
to in Alabama were the friendliest, most hospitable folks
anywhere. I will attend the next Syrup Sopping Day.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

roadapplemax wrote:

Let me settle this once and for all. I am a retir... (show quote)

I stand corrected.

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

roadapplemax wrote:

Let me settle this once and for all. I am a retir... (show quote)

But do you think you'll be able to find Loachapoka? LOL, many a folk don't and miss out on some of the best fried apple and peach pies, bar-b-q, and other delicacies, not to mention the freshly made - on site by the way - sorgham and molassas syrups. There is approximately 20,000, yes that is 20 thousand, people who visit this sleepy town on the outskirts of Auburn, Alabama, once a year just to partake in the festivities. Welcome to one and all who'd like to attend.

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

Ok, now that we've decided that these were in fact horses, not mules, can we critique my photos please?

Here's the stats on them in order of the first 3.
#1 - ISO 200, 1/125, F8
#2 - same
#3 - 1/400 F2.8

Thank you!

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

Ok I will throw in my opinion for what it is worth. The first one is an interesting picture, but you have cut the near horses nose off. I would have liked it more had you backed off and included more foreground.
Number two the same you have chopped the end of her nose off. Three is the best. Though a little fill flash (may or may not be a good idea with horses) or reflector would have taken some of the shadows off of her face. I realize at events like this you take what you can get.
The ladder is a bit distracting in the first banjo player photo. I think it looks like you caught him at an awkward moment also. Maybe one of him really getting into his playing. The last banjo player is out of focus.

mahma Loc: Lower Alabama

I agree with you about the horses muzzles I hadn't realized that I had nipped them off. :oops: :oops:

The banjo player tho was taken indoors in a poorly/mood lit converted storeroom of an old Feed-n-Seed and the ladder was a part of the background of the stage. The shots were taken with a built in flash.

gayellen Loc: Arkansas

But do you think you'll be able to find Loachapoka? LOL, many a folk don't and miss out on some of the best fried apple and peach pies, bar-b-q, and other delicacies, not to mention the freshly made - on site by the way - sorgham and molassas syrups. There is approximately 20,000, yes that is 20 thousand, people who visit this sleepy town on the outskirts of Auburn, Alabama, once a year just to partake in the festivities. Welcome to one and all who'd like to attend.[/quote]

When is this wonderful festival scheduled for next year?