Shadrakby
leafComment by zeuszen: Not much, really (to improve upon). I think this is a very decent shot. The rider, too, is not inept.
It helps to know (to be able to see) a little about horses and riding to perfect a photo like this. What I mean is that, as an equestrian, I'd like to see a greater engagement of the horse (the horses hind legs deeper under the body) and a little less of a rack (the high and unnatural left front). A looks like a good horse though, with good confirmation and a good carriage (the head slightly in front of the vertical). The rider, although a little heavy, has a good deep seat and appears to be focused.
The setting is, of course, ideal without any visible distractions. The bright, snowy ambiance provides a splendid air supportive of subject and action. I might consider a wider format, which would subordinate the two (horse and rider) to their environment, while retaining focal length and perspective (so no salient detail is lost).
This, however, is a matter of taste and philosophy (regarding the relationship between nature and man). The composition, as is, is quite simple and sensitive to the available space.
I would, however, consider dropping the double border. Even though a Western idyll appears so often adorned with redundant artifice in popular American crafts, this photo is too good for decorum, IMHO.
Message edited by author 2004-02-04 21:04:29.