Wild Horse Portrait

I spend a good deal of time photographing the wild horses that live along the coast of North Carolina. Specifically the horses living within the boundaries of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve and those living on Shackleford Banks, a part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Typically I try to include a good deal of the surrounding environment in my photos. After all, without some environment it's a bit hard to tell a wild horse from a domestic one. Lately, however, I've been enjoying doing some more intimate shots and radical crops. This is partially inspired by the work I've been seeing from some "name" equestrian fine art photographers and also as an exercise to stretch my artistic legs a bit.

I should note that a long telephoto lens is used to make these kinds of shots. Park and reserve rules restrict visitors from approaching closer than within 50 feet of the horses. I wouldn't want to promote unethical behavior that might result in harm to the horse or observer.

The image was taken Thursday evening on the tidal flats area of the Rachel Carson Reserve. I'd love to hear your thoughts.