How can I make this better?

[DyeMyEyes]

This was a very quick snapshot from when I was asked to hold one of the horses during a riding clinic. Please let me know what you think. (It was shot in .jpg, there is no raw file.)

Thanks!

http://cartesianequestrian.smugmug.com/Horse/June-11-KChadderton-Clinic/i-4Pf3Ng9/0/O/DSC0473.jpg

(Lets see if that link works.. it didn't want to load the picture.)

 

[dxqcanada5]

You needed more of the horse. The shot is too close (... or not close enough).

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

You have to uncheck the "retrieve file and store locally" box, in the "from URL" dialogue box.

 

[DyeMyEyes]

In that case,

Here is the photo in question.

And here is one a little further out, as dxq recommended.

 

[AgentDrex]

Horses are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! Show more of it in the frame, such as this junky photo I did...you'll do better...just would like to see more of the horse...:

 

[The_Traveler]

You don't have to show everything, we all know that the rest of the horse is attached. This is a nice sharp picture and has some good deign elements.

Put the strong element (the eye) in a strong place, minimize the stuff that doesn't add to the composition.
The picture has detail but it is rather bland so use sharpening to show that detail. They eye is a bottomless dark pool, lighten it and give us some contact with the animal.

 

[AgentDrex]

Well, considering you were holding the horse, I suppose it would have been a bit tough to get the whole horse in frame...my bad...sorry 'bout that

 

[DyeMyEyes]

Well, considering you were holding the horse, I suppose it would have been a bit tough to get the whole horse in frame...my bad...sorry 'bout that

Yep! I had my 55-200mm attached and couldn't have been any further away without setting him free.

I really appreciate the advice, Traveler. I can see now that the eye should be warmer. I think I had a UV filter on, would a polarizer have helped reduce the reflection?

 

[gsgary]

Did you take any shots when your were not holding him ?

 

[gsgary]

Next time shoot from farther away at 200mm you will get a nicer shot
1 of mine at 200mm on full frame

 

[DyeMyEyes]

I did. I took a ton of shots before and after holding that horse. Typically, I include more of the horse and/or rider but this particular last-minute shot came out so crisply, I had to share. Now that I'm seeing it from another perspective, I would rather have the detail of the eye not the reflection of me.