Merriewold would like to express our thanks to everyone that participated in this year’s contest.  The event is always great fun for us and the number of entries grows every year!  We had 189 this year – up from 164 in 2014.  Participants were from 5 countries – USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and Sweden, and  31 states.

This year’s Judge, Susan Derr Drake, took the time to write a few comments for each of the top four winning images.
AND THE WINNERS ARE….
(click on images to enlarge)

First Place:  Rain Koko’s Gigolo
by Claudia Kunne

“The photographic excellence of Rain Koko’s Gigolo also captures the Morgan horse’s classic characteristics of a compact, muscular but refined build with a long and well-muscled croup, laid back shoulders with a well-arched neck and expressive head. This photo was taken at that perfect moment in time when the stunning animated motion was stopped in focus and the horse seems to look right through you as the nostrils take in all that you are. The backlighting of the mane, tail and body give texture and shape to their inherent beauty. Wow!”

Second Place:  Colours of Australia
by Michele Meijer

“In stride with natural animation, in nature’s picturesque setting, with a rainbow of colors throughout, while capturing the bold beauty of the Morgan horse, puts this photo at the top of the list. You can feel their strength, elastic freedom and the essence of versatility to do anything for which the Morgan is famous.  Compositionally, the strong ‘Golden Ratio’ really works combined with the sharp focus of the subject. Stunning!”

Third Place:  Big Ridge Lippitt Robin by Alex Whitfield

“A wonderful quality of the Morgan horse is it’s ability to connect lovingly to people, as seen in this very powerful photo.  The horse emotionally and physically touches the heart center while the young one provides the space to soak up all that the horse has to offer. The knowing eye patiently waits for whatever may come next.  Perhaps this is the ultimate joy and why we engage with them.  Love!”

Fourth Place:  Man Meeting Morgans by Monica Hammond

“Compositionally our eyes softly and continuously move circularly within the photo as though spiraling to a deeper connection between the three with each round. Trust, curiosity and reaching out to engage with each other, so classic of the Morgan horse, exudes from all three. The man kneeling below eye level reflects the trust back to the horses, especially the one feeling safe enough to stay down. The black and white aspect enhances the serenity felt.  Aww…some!”

“It was such an honor to view this year’s 189 beautiful photos.  Each and every photo has a unique quality gifting the observer.  Thank you to Merriewold for providing the opportunity to share such beautiful and heart touching moments of the Morgan horse for us all.”
~  Susan Derr Drake

We would also like to share some Tips from the Judge:

1.   Get a dust-proof, weather-proof, kick-proof camera case and keep your camera with you and shoot, shoot, shoot.

2.   When photographing horses that you want to reduce distortion because of  their large size;   you can take the photo from as far away as possible and  zoom in with the longest lens.  You can also photograph them from the ¾ to full side position rather than straight in front.  Or, you may want that unusual  artistic shot from the front or back with great distortion to emphasize a  particular trait.  Be creative and try many possibilities.

3.  Notice your foregrounds and backgrounds.  Move so that the background   does not distract from the subject (like a pole out of a head) or move so that  the background frames the subject (like trees on either side) or so that the  roads, fences or rivers lead to the subject.

4.  The eyes are the windows to the soul.  Make sure they are in the light and are in focus for a more expressive photo.

5.  Timing is everything.  The position of legs, ears, tail and head can make a  goodphoto great.

6.   Allow your feelings to guide you to the perfect place, composition, and timing of clicking the shutter.   When you press the button you feel ‘that’s it!’.   You  know it is the shot before you even look at it.   And be ok with shooting hundreds of photos to get the ‘one’.  Their contrast contributes to your richer appreciation of the ‘one’.   Have fun!
To view all the Photos from the 2015 Merriewold Morgans International Morgan Horse Photo Contest,   CLICK HERE

Another contest comes to an end,  congratulations not only to the winners but to everyone that participated!   Until next year,  keep those cameras out and clicking,  Happy Photo Shooting!

Diana Wold
Jackie Brittain

Grab your cameras!   Search through your photos!  Join in the fun and win great prizes!  Merriewold Morgans is having our 6th Annual Photo Contest celebrating the Magnificent Morgan Horse.  Entry is FREE and will be judged by renowned Equestrian, Grand Prix Dressage competitor, author and artist,  Susan Derr Drake.

Prizes

1st Place Prize is a HERO GoPro video and photo camera with helmet strap and 32gb chip valued at $160.

HERO makes it easy to capture and share your world. Featuring high-quality 1080p30 and 720p60 video, HERO captures the same immersive footage that’s made GoPro one of the best-selling cameras in the world. User-friendly modes include QuikCapture, which lets you power on the camera and start recording with the press of a single button, and Burst Photo, which captures fast-action sequences at up to 5 frames per second. Wearable, gear-mountable and integrated into a rugged housing¹ that’s waterproof to 131’ (40m), HERO helps you capture photos and videos that make you look like just that: a HERO.

2nd Place Prize is trail gear insulated saddle bags in brown by Weaver valued at $60.

Weaver Trail Gear Saddle Bags are durably-constructed from 600D polyester with a weather-resistant polyurethane coating, these bags feature adjustable webbing straps for stability and nickel plated mounting grommets.  With ample room for storage, this design features two padded main compartments, one with an insulated insert perfect for food and drinks and one with additional interior pockets. Both main compartments feature a handy front pocket and flap secured with a quick-release buckle. Side pockets (one with a hook and loop closure and one with a waterproof zipper) keep small items like cell phones, cameras and keys close at hand.  Also features two mesh side pockets for easy access and cleanout as well as reflective piping for added visibility.

3rd Place Prize is a MEFOTO Walkabout monopod in purple valued at $50.

Monopods are surprisingly useful.  Seriously!  We know from experience that once you own a monopod, it’s something you just can’t live without.  Why?  Here are some examples: Say you’re on an outing where you need just a little lightweight stability, such as a wedding, sports event, or graduation; the MeFOTO WalkAbout Monopod is made for precisely that, walking about while taking photos or video without the hassle of setting up a tripod.  And if strolling is on your agenda, it converts to a walking stick!

How to Enter:

Submit via email, by September 1, 2015, 1-3 of your images in the format stated below in the rules.

Submit to: (photos@merriewoldmorgans.com)

Rules:

1. Amateurs only. (‘amateur’ means you do not get paid for your work.)
2. Morgan horses only. (Horses can be at liberty or under saddle.)
3. Photography only. No “graphics”, logos or Photoshop-type entries allowed. Minor adjustments such as light/contrast, cropping, etc., is allowed using your favorite graphics/image program.
4. You may enter up to 3 images.  (Previous years 1st-3rd winning entries can not be resubmitted and are not eligible to win again.)
5. Entries must be received by September 1, 2015.
6. Email digital files only. No snailmail entries.
7. Entries must be .jpg at 72 dpi and a minimum of 600w x 400h pixels and a  maximum of 1200w x 600h pixels.
8. Your full name, Country (if from the USA also include your state) and the photo title must be included in email. Name your file with title of your photo. I.e., attachment file example: myprettymorgan.jpg

Schedule:

• May thru September 1, 2015: Entries received.
• During the month of September: Judging.
• October 2015: Winners announced in the Fall Newsletter issue. *Sign up for our Newsletter here!

Legals:

1. Subscription to our Newsletter is not required to enter.
2. Merriewold Morgans, it’s partners or sponsors are not responsible for any copyright infringement concerning the entries submitted by you and posted on the http://merriewoldmorgans.com website.
3. Email submittal of your entries warrants and guarantees that you are the original creator and owner of each entry image.
4. No monetary award will be afforded in lieu of prizes.
5. By submitting your entry, you acknowledge and give consent for the display of said images on the http://merriewoldmorgans.com website indefinitely and without monetary consideration. Consent also applies to any winning images that “may” be used in advertising campaigns; media promoting or reporting on the contest for this, or coming years.

Judge:

Susan Derr Drake – Grand Prix Dressage Rider and Coach, Photo Journalist, Artist and Author.

Born in the Year of the Horse, Susan has devoted her life to all things Horse.  She has trained in all disciplines and styles of riding with many breeds - including, competing in 116 different Dressage Grand Prixs and training others to achieve that level of excellence.  She has studied alternative horse healing and she promotes that which is the highest good for the horse.

As a photojournalist, she worked for Horse Action News for years and had the cover story and photo of the Dressage World Championships for the California Horse Trader.  For many years she was a horse show photographer and videographer.

As a fine artist years ago, she won many awards for her oil paintings. Susan is looking forward to returning to that media to share the beauty of horses in oils.

Susan has written a book called, Reflections, Equus and Us, which tells of a magical journey touching on man’s relationship with the horse.   You can learn more about it here:   http://www.ridingaids.com/book-reflections-equus-.html

Sponsors:

     Merriewold Morgans

     Samy’s Camera

     Farm Supply Company

     deCastro Studios

Equestrian Healing Service

Riding Aids