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November 2013
The story behind it
01/11/2013
This is one of many photographs that I took of a group of "garrano" semi-wild horses, in the mountains of Gerês (north of Portugal). They were beautifully grazing in a birch forest, close to the main road. I was with other two friends of mine, all relaxed and respecting the rules and rythms of Nature and of Photography.Some people rushed in, while we were there. They marvelled at the animals, but stayed only for 1 minute, rushing. Our careful observation and time were prized with great moments, such as this.
Before, I had a slight discussion with a so-called Park Guard, since he was misinforming us about mountain access.
The whole story behind this photo has been published on paper, on the chronicle "Photographs with stories behind the lens" that I most gladly write in zOOm Photography Magazine (in Portuguese).
Comment
Technical issues
01/11/2013
Originally, this picture is vertical and in colour (RAW), captured with a digital SLR, at focal length of 170mm, f/2.8, ISO 1600 and an exposure time of 1/250s. I had to be fast, opening the lens and much as possible, under the forest canopy. All movements, except mine, were fast. After several attempts, and only at 14m from this horse (this info is available under the EXIF), the horse rolls and rises majestically, shaking off dust. And I caught the moment. No tripod.
The photo was converted to B&W on LR4, close to a blue-filter conversion, and cropped to 1x1. Add a bit of film-noise, at post-production.
Critial review
01/11/2013
This is an unique photograph for its captured occasion, on the moment itself but also because it is not common to see this event with the "garranos". It was by the ease with which the horses were, after several minutes with them, that this moment arrived.The composition at the center gives the photograph strength. The textures, lines, blacks, shadows and glows are the visual input about this picture. The other, just as important, is the very successful freezing. The dust, leaves and twigs have been captured flying in the air, wonderfully well. The horsehair has also been registered in exceptional detail and beautiful form.
Even with the "crop", the photograph has detail to handle a reasonable magnification.
Where you should place it
01/11/2013
The print of this photograph on a fiber-based paper is just stunning. The image shadows and blacks, added to the paper texture, render a lovely final print.I'd suggest this photo, with its 1x1 proportions, in a more private room or office. Not a too a big print, but with a size of around 30cm x 30cm, at least. I also see this photo with a wide passpartout, white.
