Fresh!
Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan 2012
Our local guide, Anvar, took us to see the Akhal Teke horses at a stable in the Ferghana Valley. The trainer was proud of his horses and brought this young stallion out for me to appraise. The horse, excited to be released from his stall, began to rear and buck. Although the young groom used no stud chain, he was able to handle the horse.
The stallion was about 15 1/2 hands. He had the slender build of a working Thoroughbred race horse with long legs and a fine head. His coat did have a glimmer of the metallic sheen that is prized in Akhal Teke horses. You can see from his expression that he has a good disposition even though he is about to explode with energy. All the men at the stable beamed with pride as we admired this beautiful animal.
I used a high key technique on this shot (in Photoshop) to emphasize the metallic sheen of the horses coat. Not only does it emphasize the horse, it fades out the rather industrial background which doesn’t add in this case. When shooting horses, you will need to have a fast shutter speed especially if they are free and running or bucking. (1/800 to 1/1000) Try several angles for a flattering portrait. Some head on shots that include the chest and legs do not flatter the horse. Take some head shots, but from an angle. Try to get the ears in a forward position…ask your handler to help here. Much easier if you both speak the same language!
Horse Proud
To learn more about Uzbekistan or to plan your own trip to see the Akhal Teke contact Penelope at www.uzbekjourneys.com