Campanero - and his Shadow, a photo from Menorca, Balearics

Photographer's Note

Another picture taken during our wonderful Menorcan holiday in May with Philip Dunn. On this occasion, we were taken to a riding stables and allowed to roam around to our hearts' content snapping away. The place was just a few kilometres out from Mahon, the capital of Menorca, but, because I can't remember exactly where it was, I've not added a map reference this time.

I spied this horse poking his nose out of his stable. I presume his name is Campanero but I was amused by his huge mane and also by his long shadow cast on the wall by the strong oblique sunlight.

Incidentally, the gate across the stable doorway is typical of so many old gates in Menorca and fashioned from olive wood.

Shot in RAW and converted and edited in PSE6.

bayno, jusninasirun, SnapRJW, saxo042, lousat, annjackman, RhodieIke, Vasa, Squeakycarrot has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

bayno (16175) 2012-01-11 18:00

Hi John, the lovely side light has created this beautiful long shadow, Campanero is funny and with his long hair looks like a hippye, I really like your framing, beautiful colors and sharp, I also like how you handled the light, with the interior of the barn completely dark, warm regards, Valter

jusninasirun (17138) 2012-01-11 18:55

Hello John,
I like how you have managed this shot under light and shade. Beautiful details and well taken pov of this beautiful horse.
Thanks and kind regards,
Jusni

holmertz (26906) 2012-01-12 3:53

Hello John,
A nice portrait of a kind, containing so much more than just a dreaded pet. There's a lot of local Spanish flavour and fine examples of traditional crafts. The mane is impressive. It looks freshly curled.
Kind regards,
Gert

SnapRJW (18712) 2012-01-12 5:36

I was about to comment on this one when the site fell over John. Let me do it now in case there are further problems. This is a tricky shot to critique. The light is very strong and has given the shot strong colour and extreme contrast. The composition is super, I like the shadow and the well defined detail. I am not sure about the horse's mane, somehow not being able to see his eyes makes it difficult to connect with him. Warm regards Rosemary

Silvio1953 (98093) 2012-01-12 6:27

Ciao John, great portrait of lovely horse, fascinating shadow, fantastic long hairs, excellent clarity and splendid light, very well done my friend, ciao Silvio

saxo042 (31794) 2012-01-12 12:12

Hi John,
The long diagonal shadow of this horse is a very good part of this photo. The warm and pleasant colours are also important. The portrait of the horse is also good but what did he do to his hair?
Kind regards
Gunnar

lousat (57610) 2012-01-12 14:54

Hi John,original capture and beautiful crop!I like the idea and the perfect point of view and light to take so well the horse shadow,excellent colors and sharpness too.Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

emka (58110) 2012-01-12 23:48

Hi John,
Luckily the horses are not pets. (By the way, the word pet in Polish means butt end. My friend thought that "no pets" means no smoking and throwing butts). Sweet campanero and his shadow. Heartwarming photo. the photo holiday in Menorca was a very good investment.

WArm regrads

Malgo

annjackman (13183) 2012-01-13 1:10

Hi John,
I love the shaggy hair style with the ears poking up. The green and orange colours work very well together especially against the black BG and the lovely old olive wood gate. A very small point but I feel that a bit of wall on the left hand side could give a touch more balance to the picture. The other side is wonderful with the shadow of the horse.
The quality, as usual, is excellent. Another great capture from your photo holiday in Menorca.
Best wishes, Ann

RhodieIke (9207) 2012-01-13 6:08

Hi John, Beautiful photo of this shaggy maimed horse, needs a haircut or is it the fashion over their, Ha ha.Fantastic colours, well managed light and interesting note especially the gate made in Olive wood. Cheers Iain.

Glint (5571) 2012-01-14 12:49

Hello John,
this is one of those photos that put a smile on your face.Nice light and simple comp. The shadow adds the extra twitch to the smile.
Reminds me of a photo I posted here once upon a time.
Bev

Vasa (15970) 2012-01-23 17:30

Lovely picture and so good realization John. Your Canon is a good tool with your ideas. All compliments friend!

Branko