The other day I watched a video podcast of The Grid, produced by NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals). The hosts, Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski, showed a series of photographs that were submitted for critique on a previous show. All of the photos had obvious flaws, and they used this podcast to contrast the flawed photos with much better photos of similar subjects. Much of the critique was worthwhile, but I had to take exception to of few of their points, one of which was that, according to the show hosts, for outstanding photos you have to visit outstanding locales. While it is a lot easier to get beautiful photos in beautiful locations, interesting, even outstanding subjects, can often be found in our own backyard. What really matters is the light, composition and processing. One day last week Eddie was leaving our resort to go to the gym, when he saw a newly born foal in the pasture across the street. He called me and I immediately grabbed by camera and hopped on my bike. I spent the next hour or so taking photos of the foal — I think it was a filly (girl). It was late morning, so the light was overly harsh, but I did not want to miss the opportunity to photograph the foal. And I guess I made the right choice, because I’ve passed the field everyday for the past week, and the horses have not been back.
