I have always loved photography, so combining that with my love of horses is only natural. I have a wide collection of pictures that I have taken over the years, but today I want to focus on some of my favorite ones taken in black and white. There is just something dramatic about a photo that lacks color. It makes the subject appear more soulful and poetic. Photographer Andri Cauldwell once said, " to see in color is a delight for the eye but to see in black and white is a delight to the soul". I couldn't agree more.
This first image is one of my favorite black and white photos that I have ever taken. I was spending the afternoon at Pimlico one sunny day when I took this picture. The race was run and as soon as the horses crossed the wire, the victor was paraded to the winner's circle, surrounded by beaming connections. However, the joy of the winning connections is not what caught my attention that day. Instead, it was the last-place finisher. I remember watching the horse pull up and thinking about how tough this sport can be. The horse and his rider tried as hard as they could, but passed no one. They got lost in the shuffle while other horses were celebrated that day. I decided to show them some love and stayed back to photograph them instead of following the crowd to the winner's circle. The dejected jockey dismounted and immediately hung his head just as I shot the picture. When I saw the resulting image, I nearly deleted the picture because it broke my heart. I could feel his despair just by looking at the expression on his face. The agony of defeat never looked stronger, but the sadness that I felt for him is what kept me from deleting my picture. I realized that I was likely the only person that took his picture that day and I didn't want to be another person to ignore his efforts in a sport that is not easy. So, I kept it as a reminder that every effort matters. I wish I knew the name of the jockey in this picture, but unfortunately I don't have it. Whenever I look back at this picture I often wonder how this jockey is doing and hope that he has found his way to the winner's circle.
This image is a picture of Ribo Bobo. This plucky bay won the Maryland Million Sprint back in 2013. I took this when he was in the winner's circle and was about to be untacked. I love this picture because I think it shows the grace and innocence that is held in the face of a horse. He looks very soulful, in my opinion.
This picture was taken at Pimlico. The horse is not famous and the picture is simple, but I like it. Stakes winner or not, I think all thoroughbreds possess an aura of nobility.
This picture is of a lead pony at Pimlico. I thought that this image displayed the brute strength that horses naturally possess. Despite the fact that this horse is not training as an athlete, you can still see the power that lies underneath.
One of the fun parts about going to the racetrack is people watching. I love seeing the hats that people wear, and I love seeing the fascination that fans have with the animals. The first picture of the woman in the hat was from Maryland Million day, and this picture is from Black-Eyed Susan Day.
I like to think of this shot as "nature's engine". It is always incredible to see the strength and power of a thoroughbred up close.
I love seeing the horses get fancied up for their races. I don't care how many times I see it, it is always great to see horses with their tails braided and their manes neatly pinned up. In my opinion, it always makes them look extra regal.
The two pictures above are of Ben's Cat. I took these pictures at Laurel Park on Maryland Million Day a couple of years back. It was always difficult to get close enough to get a good shot of him. The horse was so popular that the rail would constantly be packed deep whenever he made his appearance. When I think back to when I saw him it is hard to believe that we have lost this Maryland legend. He left the world way to soon, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
The picture above is of Land Over Sea. I took it at Pimlico before her run in the 2016 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. I thought she looked very aristocratic in this shot. She may not have won that day, but she was still a joy to watch.
The three pictures above are of a horse that won a race at Laurel Park one autumn day. After the celebration in the winner's circle, her devoted caretaker got right to work, giving her a well deserved shower.
I really liked how this picture turned out because it focuses on what carries the horse to glory. The legs of a thoroughbred are both mighty and delicate. They can be swift or fragile. This is what propels them to victory and fame.
Ribo Bobo, 2013 Maryland Million Sprint winner. He got a loving squeeze from his rider in the winner's circle before they parted ways for the day.
Above is Goldencents. I took this picture early one morning at "Old Hilltop". The nimble bay was training for the Preakness Stakes at the time. His run in that race resulted in a fifth-place finish, but the colt would later go on to win the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile two consecutive years in a row.
This is a picture of Go Maggie Go before she thundered to victory in the 2016 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. There was no stopping this filly when her jockey let her go. She really lived up to her name that day!
The last picture that I want to share is another shot of what I call "nature's engine". I love the sheer power that can be seen on this majestic animal, and I think that the soap and water emphasizes the muscle. These horses really are athletes and deep inside of this impressive frame is perhaps the most important factor that drives these athletes to grandeur: the heart.
You can find more of my photography at https://www.facebook.com/Chelsea-Lowman-Photography-331822924004/
or on my Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/photos/51205820@N06/