Bob Wills
October 2022 - Wild Mustangs
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
I took these wild mustang images in Utah before the PSA conference in SLC. I am combining five horse images plus one B&W photo from the Roy (WA) rodeo into my composite for the month. Since we can show just the result and three images, I'll leave out the background and group of mustangs on the left since they are more obvious.
I had a ridiculously demanding time creating a shadow for the gray mustang, so I'm going to ask for your help on that one. I struggled but did use one drop shadow transformed for the palomino's shadow. The light was at various angles from all my shots as we spent nearly ten hours at the BLM site shooting (digitally!) these endangered animals.
What other things should, could or must I have done to create a decent composition?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Hi Bob, you have done well in masking out the horses and placing them. Slight adjustments in perspective and scale can improve the composite. I wonder why you made the rodeo image so transparent? The tree appearing through this is a bit disturbing, if you don't mind my saying so.
With regard to your issue on the shadow/s - if you used a drop shadow, did you separate that to its own layer before transforming it? That way, it takes only a few minutes to transform and reposition shadows.
Posted: 10/07/2022 02:47:10
With regard to your issue on the shadow/s - if you used a drop shadow, did you separate that to its own layer before transforming it? That way, it takes only a few minutes to transform and reposition shadows.
Posted: 10/07/2022 02:47:10
(Groups 18 & 29)
Thanks, Bob. I used the transparent bronc buster as a thought, not a component. My idea was that I would humanize the thought that they are glad they are free, and not a horse for entertainment, or that the viewer would see what could happen if they were broken.
You are right about the bush. It needs to be moved and bothered me a lot during the process.
I ended up with a smart object instead of a separate layer for my drop shadows and when I went to the drop shadow in the smart layer, I made the mess of my Transform on the palomino, so hoping I can get a better reference for creating drop shadows from the group. I'm using PSCC 2022.
Posted: 10/07/2022 09:23:14
You are right about the bush. It needs to be moved and bothered me a lot during the process.
I ended up with a smart object instead of a separate layer for my drop shadows and when I went to the drop shadow in the smart layer, I made the mess of my Transform on the palomino, so hoping I can get a better reference for creating drop shadows from the group. I'm using PSCC 2022.
Posted: 10/07/2022 09:23:14
I like the composition especially the palomino trotting into the scene. I think the grey could be reduced insize a little as seems bit big as he is further away.
Agree about the tree and also perhaps not have the rodeo shot so transparent?
Being a horse lover I am not a fan of rodeos as the tight cinch they use on the animals belly is, as far as I am concerned, the reason they buck!! Posted: 10/07/2022 11:19:53
Agree about the tree and also perhaps not have the rodeo shot so transparent?
Being a horse lover I am not a fan of rodeos as the tight cinch they use on the animals belly is, as far as I am concerned, the reason they buck!! Posted: 10/07/2022 11:19:53
(Groups 18 & 29)
Thanks, Angela. I wanted to figure out the shadow issue on the gray/grey mare and then I will reduce his size. Good comment. Yes, as a male of the species, I KNOW that a tight groin cinch makes animals buck! My wife helped me make the transparency correct, and she is usually a tremendous help, but I'll decide when I get it closer to finished. I am hoping for the bush and its shadow to move well for me. Posted: 10/07/2022 11:59:41
I agree with everyone that the tree is a major distraction and needs to be removed...Also there should be a shadow on the ground of the dark horse in the right background, as it looks like he is floating now.. I fail to see the connection of the horses and the transparent cowboy....
Shirley Posted: 10/15/2022 22:59:30
Shirley Posted: 10/15/2022 22:59:30
(Groups 18 & 29)
Thank you, Shirley. Posted: 10/16/2022 10:24:08
Good image Bob. If I might suggest, a little more separation between the two horses on the right. Also I agree with the comments on the bush and the shadow of the bottom right horse. You might also consider putting some grass in front of the horses hoof to ground it. Posted: 10/28/2022 13:53:40
(Groups 18 & 29)
Thanks, Fred. I still must find a good reference for adding shadows under my subjects. Dorinda thought the cowboy added "the old west" to the story. Good suggestion about the grass. Posted: 10/28/2022 14:09:43