Photographer's Note
This is an Icelandic stallion that I found along the road, when we were driving along side Hϊnafjφrdur. During the summertime prized stallions are placed with a group of mares and their foals in order to bring us new, great horses :)
I think his expression is so typical for the Icelandic stallions, proud, beautiful, wild and free. If we can tame them it is because they let us.
The icelandic horse is rather small, about 125-145 cm high, but they are strong enough to carry a full grown man for hours. They are real survivors, smart, brave, fast and intelligent.
Unlike ordinary horses, they are blessed with two more gaits, except the ususal three (walk, trot and gallop), the Icelanders also have tφlt and pace.
The tφlt is called "the gift from god", it is very pleasant to ride in tφlt, the rider sits comfortable almost completely still.
Well trained horses goes in tφlt in different speed, from almost none speed at all to very, very high speed.
We also compete with the horses by showing their gaits, the ultimate competition horse is beautiful and powerful, shows the gaits with high movements (legs) and are able to be controlled in different speed. (I will post some pictures of from the Nordic championships for Icelandic horses later, and show you some tφlt!)
I was close to drive to the owner of this beautiful stallion and ask for a good prize, I fell in love with him!
He posed for my camera like a photo model, (and that is not the way horses usually act) I have 10 more pictures of him in different angles, I have posted some of them as a WS.
The first word that come to my mind when I saw him was Pride, Courage, Beauty.
And that is three words that describe the Icelandic horse very well.
Tech: Scanned from 135 mm, "repaired" with Neat Image, PS: auto levels, saturation + 10, USM, added frame.
sohrab, Roly, Riz, elihesamian, Catli, Endy, nwoehnl, Oldtree, mpb001, christina, bobll7, efimoore, Hanssie, jrj, Cool-ice, avigur_11, danielswalsh, ChrisJ, iNNOCENt, ninadev, pulezan, Spoony, fredon, Georges, CoolDan, pyorg, Beckii, Rinie_Hoff, Pompey, smeagol, jhm, dmitriy55, digi-mom, Paker, ivanhooace, lolo-06, Auslander, tranlinh, klyee75, balatrek, Jason_teale, vasariste έχουν(ει) επιλέξει αυτή τη σημείωση ως χρήσιμη
Critiques | Translate
sohrab
(7439) 2004-09-22 14:06
you've described the horse so well frida and these words bring out your passion for horses.
the photograph is greati love the way the hair is flying in the wind. i'd love to see more photographs of this horse. maybe i'll some even better than this. the only thing that this photograph lacks is high energy , i'd love to see a high energy shot of this horse.:)
take care
Roly
(2024) 2004-09-22 14:09
Great portrait. I like the tight framing, the level of detail is very good and the background satisfactorily blurred. I like the expression on the model's face, although I would have preferred a smile.
MARIUS
(2240) 2004-09-22 14:11 [Comment]
Riz
(0) 2004-09-22 14:27
I can really feel the connection to you and this horse. nice composition and detail great job
alainh
(33209) 2004-09-22 14:47
bonjour Frida.
superbe composition. le vent est ton alliι et fait danser la criniere de ce beau cheval.
tres bonne lumiere.
bravo
alain
Catli
(550) 2004-09-22 15:10
This picture does indeed bring out the character traits that you describe of an icelandic horse. He looks so proud and free! Thanks for sharing.
Endy
(1025) 2004-09-22 15:13
A beautiful capture of this horse with its mane in the wind. The sharpness is excellent and permits to admire its hairs. A good depth of field emphasing the "expression" of the horse.
Well done Frida and thanks for sharing!
nwoehnl
(122) 2004-09-22 15:31
Wonderful, Frida - your heart-felt love for horses produced another beautiful photo. Wonderful how the sunlight enhances his skin and mane, and you also got a fine profile posing that really seems to echo the characteristics you are describing in your note. The DOF-ed out fellow horse in the back is an engaging detail, and I also like the WS - what a poser this guy is ;-) Well done.
Oldtree
(2457) 2004-09-22 16:10
Hi Frida,
The light on the skin of this horse displays every detail. Masterfully captured, and yes this seems to be a really proud and strong horse, and I think it would be a shame to take this horse to a different place because his home is iceland .
Thanks for posting this one.
flydragon
(0) 2004-09-22 16:46
Wowww Frida long time u didnt sent a picture
u right this horse look so proud and also beautifull
ypur picture is also verry nice and sharp
this horse for sure was waiting for you to get a
good portrait ,o)
well done
••simon••
MyriamVillert
(3223) 2004-09-22 17:24
Criniθre au vent ... vraiment magnifique ! des couleurs ιclatantes et un cadrage portrait superbe !
Fιlicitations Frida ! :o)
mpb001
(4602) 2004-09-22 17:27
A stunning, beautiful shot, Frida! This composition and is really super. The horse in the distance facing the opposite direction is perfect. Great shot.
dudes
(370) 2004-09-22 17:51
Wow! What a personality!!! Incredible, this horse's nearly human attitude. congrats. Take care
christina
(2040) 2004-09-22 18:11
This image is all about the spirit of freedom and beauty. I am impressed with you ability to capture the personality of the horse. Very Beautiful!
Christina
bobll7
(200) 2004-09-22 22:31
He sure did pose...! He almost has a smile! What a beautiful animal and a terrific picture. Colors and sharpness are there (maybe a little bit too much? looks like artifacts in the grass) , and the composition is great, with the other horse in the background. A very fine picture and a great note on top of it. Well done.
markvdberg (18) 2004-09-22 23:16 [Comment]
efimoore
(2126) 2004-09-23 0:09
Impressive shot of this beautiful horse. Tanned, blonde with hair waving in the wind posing for a profile shot, you are right - looks like a photo model. Nice blurry background which emphasize the beauty of this proud house. Well done.
elihesamian
(26149) 2004-09-23 4:50
Congratulation,Farida.
A very strong,a very beautiful shot,vivid,lively & lovely ,too.Great DOF managed,here.A nice horse portrait shot,very well captured,nicely done,Farida,...Really I like it alot,...thanks for posting.
Sincerely,Mohammad.
Hanssie
(11022) 2004-09-23 5:01
Came back from Jersey, expected 7 pictures, only a horse......
I saw the WS, but this original is the most beautiful, a very "strong" pose of the horse,
nice sharpness and colours.
Great work, Frida !
jrj
(34843) 2004-09-23 5:04
Very fine compo. Excellent cropping and focus on the head here. Very good job Frida - a pix full of life.
Cool-ice
(5289) 2004-09-24 2:14
The feeling of liberty is fantastic in this photo; and this horse is proud !
Perfect light and sharpness.
Really a great shot, congratulations Frida.
merpb
(2001) 2004-09-24 2:36 [Comment]
avigur_11
(22553) 2004-09-24 8:47
This is beautiful, Frida. He has hairs of a beautiful model or a movie star. Very well captured.
France
(125) 2004-09-26 20:14
Splendid portrait of Icelandic horse. The light and sharpness are perfect. The colors are bright and well saturated. I like the recall of the subject in the background with the other fuzzy horse. And the mane with the wind proves that's Iceland is a windy country.
danielswalsh
(13597) 2004-09-28 9:01
Lovely shot Frida;
It's as if the horse was psing for the camera, swinging it's mane to get the best shot. hahah
Very well captured, nice color saturation, and clarity in this shot.
Cheers!
- Dan
carper
(96) 2004-09-29 3:19
Wauw Frida,
I have miss this beauty, really great shot, good capture, great colours, fantastic dof, very good photo, my compliment to you.
iNNOCENt
(271) 2004-09-29 15:03
Yeah, this is a gorgeous shot! I like the level of details in this shot. The exposure is perfect. I like the hair cut ;-)
However, I think you could have added just a bit of a blink in her eye by using small amount of fill flash. Judging by the lens you used you were close enough for the flash to make a necessary effect.
I like it a lot, thank you for sharing!
ninadev
(5377) 2004-09-29 19:20
A pure beauty... the horse... and the pic... He seems to be posing for you. Yes, it's a superb stallion, with it's mane in the wind, a very intelligent eye. The composition with its head in the clouds and the mare in a blurred background is just great. Is he dreaming of his foals to come ?
emralc (174) 2004-09-30 6:23 [Comment]
pulezan
(841) 2004-09-30 13:42
Where did you found a horse model? The way you captured it is great. I like how everything else is blured. Very detailed photo, nice colours and great light. Maybee is a nonsense, but this horse look prety happy :)
vedran
rjamin
(1169) 2004-10-02 4:52 [Comment]
fredon
(5052) 2004-10-03 2:32
What a proud look! A great King-horse portrait. The DOF is well chosen and the details of the face are very well captured. I like the way the wind are blowing in the horse tail. A very nice work.
fred
Georges
(11185) 2004-10-04 5:48
Super la nettetι est extra et la prise de vue verticale trθs bien faite.
Chapeau pour cette prise c'est parfait Frida bravo.
joseelias
(0) 2004-10-04 7:46
This is a masterpiece! Fabulous light, colors and DOF. The framing is very well managed and the dinamic in the horses hair is the main detail that make this photo stand out.
manny
(22032) 2004-10-05 7:00
Very good colors...friendly coz of the paste shade. Very good composition. A pleasing greeting to the eyes.
CoolDan
(2516) 2004-10-08 11:05
On voit la fiertι dans le port de tκte de l'animal. Trθs belle nettetι de l'image Frida. c'est un magnifique portrait d'une superbe bκte. Bravo.
Beckii
(60) 2004-10-19 18:47
What a beautiful horse, he is such a beautiful colour, I agree it looks as if he is posing for the camera, waving his mane like the models do with the wind in their hair, nice composition and colours :-) thank you for your very informative note as well
Rinie_Hoff
(9340) 2004-10-19 19:09
Hey Frida, this is really an excellent capture, very good composition, and indeed a very, very proud animal. The DoF is great, pronoucing his head and neck very well, and leaving the NG more undefined, yet very lush and green.
Your note is excellent, especially for people who know nothing about these beautiful horses. Very well done!
yesterday
(9833) 2004-10-20 8:28 [Comment]
cessy
(13647) 2004-11-12 7:52
beautiful horse, excellent portrait, Frida. The lighting and the sharpness of your shot, allow us to see how beautiful this horse is.
alon
(1289) 2004-12-31 17:52
I really like this photo. Great composition and the result is razor sharp with live colors.
well done!
Vagabond
(5848) 2005-04-13 15:14
Very good picture with excellent composition, high sharpness and good colours, congratulations ..
michalu
(810) 2005-05-22 8:17
Hallo Frida
Oh yes He is the king of Iceland. Very good shot: colors , cadr and moment. I love it!
Regards
Michael
davide7755 (4) 2005-06-06 8:37 [Comment]
lolo-06
(169) 2005-08-19 15:14
Hello Frida,
Superb shot
An excellent light and beautiful colors.
This horse is "so pretty" told my daughter and I approved.
Very nice portrait. Well done
KellEy
(1237) 2005-08-19 16:11
Very nice note and very nice photo.
I adore the background. The only thing that's better is the expression in your subject.
tranlinh
(108) 2005-09-09 6:01
Hi Frida!
nice portrait :):):),lively background.
well done
thanks for sharing!
regards,
sergio1
(12152) 2005-09-22 12:34
Me encantan los caballos y esta toma es espectacular.
Gracias por mostrala.
klyee75
(778) 2005-11-30 19:52
This is incredible sharp. Beautiful horse with the wind blowing just like a model.
The horse looks so proud and free!
Tracker
(1942) 2006-01-16 3:37
Hi Frida,
So beautiful creature! I like the horses a lot but I never could make something like yours shot :) Colours, compo, light and sharpening are excellent. A fluttering bang personifies freedom and independence. Surprisingly clever and quiet look. Thanks for the good picture.
Regards,
Denis
KyleIda
(121) 2006-01-16 10:04
Technically great, depth of field, frame, etc. Very sharp as well. Captures an emotion and a personality, which can often be the difference between a good photo and a great one.
balatrek
(7455) 2006-05-13 10:06
Hola Frida
Es uno de los mejores retratos de caballos que he podido ver en toda mi vida, fantastico, enhorabuena.
Josι
mmdon573
(512) 2006-05-21 18:16 [Comment]
batalay
(41261) 2006-10-17 18:32
Hello Frida,
This is a masterful shot of your horse, revealing wonderful artistic intuition. I am a physicist-artist, and author of a recent book on Leonardo that has become a best seller, surprising my publisher, family and friends, and especially me! The book is entitled, 'Math and the Mona Lisa,' and in discussing the science underlying art, I wrote about a recent discovery. The English-born psychologrist-art lover Christopher Tyler made an astonishing discovery just eight years ago that in all great portraits a line drawn vertically down the middle of the canvas (the bisector) passes through an eye (either leading eye or trailing eye), but not through the nose. This is true of the Mona Lisa, and in the two other portraits Leonardo painted. It's even true in some of Picasso's works, where if he had known of the principle, to be different he would have put an eye in the lower right corner, but some obscure. It is a principle that had never been formalized, but the truly talented artist intuitively gravitates to it. He/she focuses on one eye. I imagine, the insightful observer also gravitates to portraits where the bisector goes through an eye. What your picture reveals is that the scheme works with horses and other animals as well. Greetings from Virginia, Bulent (My personal website is http://www.bulentatalay.com)
djanloo
(422) 2006-10-29 6:14
Hi Frida,
Fantastic portrait for this beautiful horse!
I really love the old camera you used here.
It's a pearl :-)
Great colors, sharpness of subject and blurry background...
tfs
Gianluca
Jason_teale
(717) 2007-03-11 0:45
Wow the sharpness and detail of this shot is amazing. I really like this portrait. I see a lot of character in this animal's face. It really is a great shot!
Noeleon (0) 2007-03-26 17:48 [Comment]
ommishra (1160) 2007-11-25 10:09 [Comment]
ricard
(653) 2008-02-22 10:40
Great "portrait"! ;-)
I'm gonna post one like this one of these days.
When i was in Iceland two years ago i found a lot of beautiful horses on my way.
Good work.
marietom
(34611) 2008-03-02 1:03
Hello Frida,
Criniθre au vent, superbe portrait, avec de trθs belles couleurs. Bravo !
Marie, qui revient
zahoor_salmi
(1053) 2008-11-10 18:29 [Comment]
kiks
(12805) 2010-08-15 23:54
A horse with 'personality' and captured it very well.
Best regards
KIKs
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Frida Hermansson (Rhiannon)
(1728)
- Genre: Άνθρωποι
- Medium: Έγχρωμο
- Date Taken: 2004-07-05
- Categories: Καθημερινότητα
- Camera: Canon EOS 650, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
- Έκδοση φωτογραφίας: Πρωτότυπη έκδοση, Workshop
- Θέμα(τα): Animaux, Horses, A gift from the Gods - The Icelandic Horse, My own favourite photos, My favorites, World of Horses, Kezeg / Horses / Chevaux, Favorites continue... #6, wildhorses, Photos to remenber III [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2004-09-22 14:02
- Αγαπημένα: 7 [view]