Join me on Facebook | Google+ | Twitter | 500px | Instagram
~~~~~~~~~
The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Although small and often pony-sized, they are considered horses by most Icelandic breed registries. The breed develops late, but is long-lived and hardy. The breed was developed from ponies brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Horses were worshipped in Norse mythology, and these beliefs were brought to Iceland by the original settlers. The Icelandic breed is mentioned in both literature and historical records throughout Icelandic history, from the 9th century on, with the first historical reference to an individual horse appearing in the 12th century. Selective breeding has been used over the centuries to develop the breed into its current form. Natural selection has also played a role, with the harsh Icelandic climate killing many horses through cold and starvation. In the late 18th century, much of the breed was wiped out in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. They are still used for traditional farm work in Iceland, as well as for leisure, showing and racing.
It is difficult to say which is my favorite shot from my trip to Iceland, however series of these shots of Icelandic horses in the mist must be one of the most mystical photoshoot ever. I remember that we drove back to Reykjavik from already amazing time at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (where I got rather wet from the ever present spray of water). As it was nearly sunset time I was getting more and more restless about the right location for the setting sun. As we drove along the road we noticed group of horses on the field with the mist that was slowly picking up. Icelandic horses were on top of the list of shots I wanted to leave that amazing country with. I managed to get some photos with reasonably good light and background before this moment, however I could have never imagined situation like this. Some shots can be carefully planned and executed, some will never repeat itself, this is definitely one of those. Part of that amazing experience was also the chance to watch how the whole scene “grew on us”. If I was there with a person that is not into photography, I would have taken one or two shots and got back to car. The freedom to explore the whole scene and situation with someone that has the same interest (obsession) gave me opportunity to emerge into the moment and capture better and better photos (completely forgetting that I’m taking photos across sharply wired fence in rather high and very wet grass).
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Lens’s focal length: 70.00 - 200.00 mm, Photo Focal length: 70.00 mm, Aperture: 4.0, Exposure time: 1/60 s, ISO: 200
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova -
www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
