A herd of 46 horses heading towards the feed truck for their daily feeding.
A herd of 46 horses heading towards the feed truck for their daily feeding.
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Awards
Contender in the Photography Awards
Chatter Award
Contest Finalist in Winter Moments Photo Contest
Zenith Award
Curator's Selection
Tamron AF 18-200mm lens
Top Shot Award 21
Staff Favorite
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this photo at the 4UR Ranch in Creede, Colorado.Time
This was early morning, just after 8am on our way to feed the horses.Lighting
It was relatively cloudy as the sun was coming up. On the east side of the valley, there's a mountain range that diffuses the light. It also lets the soft ambient light illuminate the whole valley before the sun's rays peak over the ridge. There's a sweet spot where you can get some some light that's not too dynamic before the sun fully rises over the peaks.Equipment
This was shot with a Nikon D800E with a 80-400mm f5.6 lens.Inspiration
We just received a snow storm the day before so I knew it would be fresh in the upper part of the valley since the horse were lower, towards the ranch the night before. We decided to feed at the top of the valley on this particular morning so they would follow us up. We hurried to the top gate; this provided us enough time to get ready as they charged through the snow to the feed truck. This is one of my favorite scenes, 50 horses charging through the snow for their morning meal. After seeing this a few times, I waited for the perfect conditions to ensure I would capture this magnificent sight.... this wasn't my first attempt at this.Editing
I use Lightroom primarily and if it's needed I will export it to Luminar 4 or Photoshop, depending on what it needs. On this photo I only needed Lightroom.In my camera bag
I usually have a Nikon D800E and Nikon D850 with me in the bag with plenty of batteries. The three lenses I carry with me always are the 50mm f1.8, 80-400mm f5.6 and my 14-24mm f2.8. I will usually have some battery powered LED light cubes, a head lamp and some other weird things for night shoots or lighting experiments. I will usually have some polarizing and ND filters as well. I also always have my Manfrotto tripod with quick release plates on every camera and lens so I can switch seamlessly.Feedback
Take some time to observe, take in the environment and watch what's happening. Be patient and let the creatively flow without taking a picture. Visualize. Have an idea in your head as to what you want the photo to look like, what's the feeling, what's the story it's telling? Don't get discouraged or frustrated, keep at it. Sometimes walking away for a brief period helps me bring some perspective and creativity when I return to project. I may give it a break but I don't quit on it. Furthermore, always be prepared for the unexpected. After I feel I have captured what I was after, I still wait and hold out longer, just in case. I'm never too eager to put away my gear; every time I'm about to pack it up, I find myself getting it out again because something has changed. Finally, when the moment comes and what you're after appears, let yourself go. I find myself rushing around like a crazy person when shooting. The excitement overcomes me as I rush around shooting away. It's that thrill that keeps me going and excited. Have fun and believe in yourself