Helkoryo
Followa young group of Camargue mares at sunset
a young group of Camargue mares at sunset
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Top Shot Award 21
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 36
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Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 33
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Behind The Lens
Location
Shot at a secret location in the Camargue South of FranceTime
We started shooting very late into the afternoon, with the intention of catching the lovely low dusk light.Lighting
We were so lucky with the sunset, the time of year and the clouds and dust gave us the most wonderful colours and the mud and mess created by the horses galloping in the water set this off to perfection.Equipment
Canon 70d with 2.8L is 70/200 lens handheld as with shooting the fast moving horses we had to change position very quickly.Inspiration
We were on an organized private trip to shoot the beautiful Camargue white horses. This particular shoot was with a group of younger mares in the marshes. You will note they are a darker beige colour than the pure white adults. The foals are actually born brown and turn lighter with age. This younger group of mares were more flightly and quite unpredictable to shoot. Having shot them galloping across the sands we decided to go for a muddy shot as the usually clean waters were low due to a lack of rain and thick with much from the marsh bed. They started to gallop and I loved the idea of the brown sludge being kicked up rather than the clear waters so went for the shot.Editing
I did a little cropping in lightroom on this shot but overall I was pretty pleased with the original as it stood.In my camera bag
I always carry a backup point and shoot panasonic lumix is my baby camera of choice. My 24 and 50mm 2.8 fixed lenses and the one I used for this shot. I always take water to drink and sometimes a biscuit if I am going to be out for a while. Spare memory cards are a must and of course spare batteries. Shooting in the wet marshlands does of course mean you and your equipment will get soaked so I take a small towel and lint free cloth. Wearing waders is essential and I also take a big black bag to sit on. On this particular shoot we had to be armed with mosquito repellent as they were pretty vicious in the area.Feedback
When shooting the wild horses, be prepared to turn or adjust your view quickly to get the shot you want as they are unpredictable. That said it is vitally important to keep still on the spot as they horses begin to gallop towards you. They will always run around you but clearly at full gallop in a group they wont be able to avoid you if you move at the last moment. Go with an idea in mind of the shots you want but be flexible as with the changing light and conditions you can get some lovely shots that are very different from the norm. Expect to get very muddy and expect your equipment to get muddy and or dusty. Live in the moment though, enjoy the adrenalin rush as you watch these magnificent animals you will find yourself taking in the sounds of their hooves pounding on the ground and in the water too.... just don't forget to press the trigger button.