Mary Ann Carrasco
October 2026 - Stallion Clashes
Original
About the Image(s)
I took this image in June 2026 near Benton Springs CA using the Nikon Z9 with 100-400 lens, f/8, ISO 560, 1/400. When two males rear up on their hind legs like this it can be bachelor stallions attempting to steal another's mares, fighting over limited resources or young bachelors practicing this.
I did editing in camera raw, photoshop and Nik Silver Efex Pro.
I added a vignette and border. I look forward to your comments.
10 comments posted
This is a great shot...it is So much better than your color original. Your PP skills are evident! I have traveled to herd wildlife sanctuaries in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. I know it is difficult to capture the "Clashes" these horses present...timing is everything. Good job! Posted: 10/01/2026 17:43:20
Thank you! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:38:06
Really good! Excellent focus on the horses with an incredible background. The vignette is a good idea. You should be very proud of this one! Posted: 10/05/2026 19:59:14
Thank you! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:38:22
Now this is the best so far and what you hope to see when you are near wild horse and more than one stallion. Your timing is spot on and the shot is pin sharp. The backdrop is just wonderful and your conversion has been handled very well.
Would have loved to have taken this. Posted: 10/11/2026 10:10:35
Would have loved to have taken this. Posted: 10/11/2026 10:10:35
Thank you! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:38:40
Wow! Mary Ann, this image has real impact! Yes, you've captured the behaviour of two significant males at the perfect point, but it's with the scale of 'simple' dramatic landscape that is a perfect backdrop. You've made that landscape subservient to the horses perfectly, but somehow keeping the drama of it clear. Wold be good printed large! Posted: 10/14/2026 21:44:44
Thank you! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:38:59
Just great conversion of a great picture.
The background is also great and really well edited.
A detail: there is a dark point (spot) almost at the upper border. I think it is just some rock darker than other, but emphasized with the editing.
A suggestion: the background is so wonderful, I would have kept it all, the 2 horses would have been "smaller", and the attitude of the white one is great. A choice. Posted: 10/15/2026 14:02:02
The background is also great and really well edited.
A detail: there is a dark point (spot) almost at the upper border. I think it is just some rock darker than other, but emphasized with the editing.
A suggestion: the background is so wonderful, I would have kept it all, the 2 horses would have been "smaller", and the attitude of the white one is great. A choice. Posted: 10/15/2026 14:02:02
Thank you for your suggestion. It is another way to tell the story with the background more of the subject. Posted: 10/16/2026 17:39:59