Alongside the Christkindelmarkt in Leeds (see yesterday's post) was a small traditional funfair with all my favourite attractions, including dodgems and an old-fashioned carousel. I love these brightly painted horses that glide up and down their brass poles. Riding these as a child, I used to really feel as though I was galloping on the dream horse I longed for.
In fact, the rides are properly called 'Gallopers'. The one in Leeds is owned by James A Crow and Sons, and they travel with it round all the major fairs in the UK. It really is beautiful. All the horses are individually painted - works of art in their own way.
I didn't find it very easy to photograph. I had to go in close, as it was hemmed in by other stalls and I couldn't stand back to photograph the whole carousel. But all the lights and colours mean that the individual horses don't really stand out from the background. I tried selectively darkening the photo, to emphasise one horse. Now I can't decide which version I prefer!
I really like the second one.
ReplyDeleteYes, I see what you mean. Probably the second one because it really does highlight the horse - and even more the movement of the horse.
ReplyDeleteThe second one. Definitely. I love carousel horses. But I tend to go in really close when I photograph them!
ReplyDelete(That's from my other identity, btw)
I think the second one as it selects the horse (galloper). Another shot to try; select a fairly slow shutter speed, or if you can't select speed on your camera, choose a low ISO number, then pan the camera. Keep the horse in the centre of the shot while you follow the horse, releasing the shutter while panning. That way you will get the horse sharp and a blur or light trail on the lights. Something to try. I've done it a lot at fairs and fairground rides.
ReplyDeleteThe first is warmer, the second shows the horse better, both are magic..
ReplyDeleteI like them both and can understand why you can't decide which one you like best. In the first one, we can take part in all the excitement of the carousel...the lights, the movement and the other horses. In the second one, we can appreciate this particular horse and it's beauty. They are both lovely pictures, I guess it just depends exactly what message you want to give. :o) Cat
ReplyDeleteJust catching up - we have a similar fayre in Sheffield at the mo - I love the old carousels. Love the old Victorian pub
ReplyDeleteI do like the 2nd photo best. I have enjoyed my photos of the Disneyland carousel. Like your photos. Like how the horse and colors stand out in the last photo.
ReplyDeleteI just love carousels/merry-go-rounds...whatever they are called. I always have. But then I've always loved horses in any form. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful detail on the horse! Both pictures are lovely.
ReplyDeleteBoth pictures are good in their own right. You did very well given the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteOh they are both just delightful. I tried to photograph some children at Jardins des Plantes last June. It's very hard whent the carrousel is whirling!! Good job.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your nice visits and comments to my blog. I do appreciate them all.
V
The second -- such a beautiful horse!
ReplyDeleteLove the second one the best. The colors and patterns are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of the carousel on the Brighton Pier. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThe first one is my favorite for the excitement of the place. The second one because it highlights a stolen moment from all the excitement. ~Lili
ReplyDeleteThose are so beautiful. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI like the post processing you did on #2, but I still think I like #1 a titch better. The front horse is strong enough to stand out from the others.
ReplyDelete