Hills of Guatemala

Gallery: Man & NaturePosted August 26, 201090 views6 comments

I took this photo about a month ago in the hills near Palencia and Buena Vista in Guatemala, in less than ideal conditions. My friend from work invited me to go visit his hometown in Guatemala but told me to leave my good camera at home because it would be taken from me. I thought he was being overly cautious so I brought it anyway. After the 1st 2 days there, 2 of his family members had their cell phones forcefully taken, so I decided to leave my expensive camera at his parents house and borrowed a point and shoot from his sister just to take a couple of photos to remember the trip. We took a couple of unbroke horses with no saddles and just a lead rope to control it. I took this photo after I finally got up off the ground after being thrown off. I didn't crop out anything and this is full frame. I wish I took my good camera since this is only 1 mp. Just wanted to show you guys this area and the horse that threw me off. Sorry for the long story, just wanted to explain the sub-par quality. Thanks for looking and any advice on changing anything to improve this shot.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Buck Ward on August 27, 2010 at 9:23 PM

A good story.

Picture could have been better with better light, if you could have been a bot closer to the horse, and/or if the horse weren't behind vegetation. The misty countryside looks like it could be quite photogenic with the right conditions. Too bad it is too dangerous to take the tools one needs.

Registered on December 8, 2003, 96 Posts, 1917 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on August 28, 2010 at 1:54 PM

Tony, too bad about having to use the p&s camera. This looks like awesome country to photograph. Glad you gave us a look at it.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on August 28, 2010 at 1:58 PM

Man, I hate having to worry about taking my (expensive) gear anywhere. There is a hill near the city I live here a lot of hikers were mugged at one time. This resulted in me never taking anything of value up. Recently I felt I had to photography something there (with my 500mm lens) and decided to ignore any past experiences and stories and took it anyway (several times). Man I felt so free! Of course I had no incidents, but it made me realise again how awful it is too live in fear of such things.
Anyway, about your image; I love that rugged scenery! The fact that a horse is tranquilly grazing add a lot as well. My only nit is the blown sky, I would not mind it being very bright, but this is a bit too. If at all possible with your PS, bracketing exposure could have solved this.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on August 29, 2010 at 1:16 AM

Thanks for the story behind the image, it really adds something. Yes, it's really too bad that there are places where you can't feel safe with your gear, and it really makes me appreciate the good ole' USA and my ability to carry some "protection" with me.

This looks like neat country, and the mist really adds to it. The horse shows up well, it just would have been better if it weren't behind the bush. I'm gonna say you probably did really well to take this right after you got bucked off!!!!!

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on August 30, 2010 at 1:56 AM

Pretty nice shot from a 1MP point & shoot, Tony! The only down side is the blown out sky and hillsides in the back.

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Colvin on August 30, 2010 at 11:34 AM

Thank you all for the responses and advice. This is a beautiful area. It was dark and rained most of the time I was there. The big hill in this photo is solid rock with some trees and greenery growing through it. Like they say, it's best to be familiar with your equipment before going on a trip like this. I will definitely go back to this place again with my own equipment and remember the advice that was given to me from you guys. Thanks again, it is amazing that photographers with so much talent and knowledge are willing to share it with total strangers.

Registered on December 2, 2009, 15 Posts, 93 Comments