Peruvian Paso
Los Angeles, California 2014
The Peruvian Paso breed was developed to carry riders over many miles as they surveyed the vast sugar plantations of Peru. The smooth ride makes it a good breed for older riders here in the U.S.
I wandered down the barn aisles of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center looking at the Peruvian Paso horses dozing in the 100 degree heat. Their heads drooped and their eyes closed. Their ears barely flicked forward as I approached. I liked this buckskin with his messy mane and forelock and his velvety black muzzle. He looked as if he had just woken up.
Later, when I was sitting at my computer, it was hard to get the buckskin portrait to look the way I wanted it to. I used the liquefy filter in Photoshop to get those squiggly lines. And I used Exposure 6 to get the lighting. I wanted his eye to be the focal point and I wanted his unusual coloring to be emphasized. It took two different sessions until I was satisfied.
Chestnut Peruvian Paso
Working on this photo of a chestnut was much easier. My angle was more flattering and the light on his dark coat emphasized the contours of his refined head.