Icelandic Ponies
Mar, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken when in Iceland. I travelled there together with my brother and a friend. We'd been in contact with a local guide before we arrived and asked to be taken 'off the beaten track'.Time
The timing of the photo wasn't of any particular significance . We'd been exploring the beauty of the island and were looking for some foreground interest to draw the eye into the beautiful snow covered mountains in the background.Lighting
The light in Iceland in February is still generally soft and not harsh, regardless of the time of day. It meant there were more photo opportunities in general throughout the albeit, somehwat shorter hours of daylight.Equipment
At this time I was using my bridge camera, a Canon SX40HS.Inspiration
Having spotted the ponies from the road, we stopped and tried to get to the other side of them to capture an image of snowy mountains with the ponies in the foreground. The ponies were having none of it however; they were interested in investigating us! It was impossible to get far enough away from them to be able to compose a photo. The only way to go was to let them come to us and get 'close and personal' with them. This photo was taken as the first few of the herd approached me and before I was engulfed by the rest. There were some fantastic opportunities for images from different angles. At times we lost sight of each other as we took photos from low angles. The ponies would then part and one of us would be revealed!Editing
I used Lightroom to import my photos. I always shoot in RAW format. Lightroom adjustments meant I could give more life the image I had captured. I now also use Photoshop.In my camera bag
I am only gradually expanding my photography equipment. My approach when I decided to become more serious about photography a few years ago, was to invest time and effort in working with what I had, rather than investing in equipment. Since the Icelandic trip however, I have upgraded to a Canon 70D and use a Tamron 18-300mm zoom for general work. I also now have a Rokinon 8mm fish eye lens to bring another dimension to my work and also a Tamron 24-70mm lens for poorer light conditions..Feedback
I think the first piece of advice I'd give is to really get to know your camera and all its settings. That way, when you find yourself in an unexpected situation, you are able to quickly adjust and capture an image which is available, rather than one for which you were prepared. I always try to look for angles and was already moving downwards when taking this photo. I'd suggest experimenting and looking for different ways to "see" everyday situations. Therefore, when a unique opportunity presents itself there will be less time thinking and more time doing!
