Three wild mustangs running on a hill below the Rocky Mountains on Wild Horse Mesa
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Contest Finalist in Wildlife Wanderlust Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Animal Kingdom Photo Contest vol2
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo of these three wild mustangs was taken on Wild Horse Mesa, a high 8,000 foot mesa under the majestic 14,000 foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The panoramic high peaks of the Rocky Mountains created a wonderful backdrop for this image.Time
I got up at 4 am in midsummer and drove 3 hours to get to Wild Horse Mesa at Sunrise. I hiked in for several more hours before coming across these three beautiful wild mustangs up on a hill on the mesa in the early morning light.Lighting
There was a magical warm light coming from the east as the sun rose above the mountains lighting up the horses' manes and backs.Equipment
I shot this image with a Canon 5D Mark III using a Canon 100-400 II lens on a tripod.Inspiration
I am currently in the process of creating a photo-series on wild horses in the Southwest. My sole purpose on this shoot was to find and photograph the wild mustangs. After hiking for several hours, I came across these three mustangs on a hill above me. After curiously staring at me for a few moments, they ran off over the mesa, with the majestic background of mountains, clouds, and sky...this is the moment I took the photograph.Editing
I shoot all raw and do most of my post processing in Camera Raw and Photoshop.In my camera bag
In my camera bag I have the Canon 5 D Mark III, Canon 100-400II lens, Canon 24-105 lens, canon flash.Feedback
Most of the wild horses I find are curious and will pause for a moment, before running off. In my experience, I find walking slowly, quietly and pausing, makes the horses more comfortable with my presence. I also suggest to have a tripod and long lens, as the wild horses keep their distance and usually do not stay around for long.