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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Nine: Composition -- putting it together > Rocking horse, Cave Creek, Arizona, 2015
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13-FEB-2015

Rocking horse, Cave Creek, Arizona, 2015

I found this rocking horse just outside of a craft shop. I was drawn to it by the both the lighting and the background. I composed the image by gradually shifting my vantage point so that the horse’s illuminated ear points directly at a softly focused metallic star in the background. The diagonal thrust of the ear echoes the diagonal thrust of the star points, and links the energetic, bowed horses head to the dynamic force of the star.

FujiFilm X-T1
1/200s f/5.8 at 120.6mm iso320 full exif

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Phil Douglis20-Mar-2015 02:03
Thanks so much for your comment, Jane. When I compose images, I always try to consider movement as a potential part of my message. You are right -- the horse moving from the light into the darkness is not only aesthetically pleasing -- it represents potential power. The diagonal thrust of those ears and the mane repeat the diagonal energy of the star in the background as well. The horse is a symbol of enormous energy -- the open mouth and bowed head suggest its capability of explosive force.
janescottcumming19-Mar-2015 20:08
Wonderful light on the ears of the horse. I also like this composition because it allows the horse room to move through the photograph, The direction of his movement and going from light to dark is very pleasing to the eye.
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