April 2021 Breyer Photo Show Results

April 2021: Pony Camp

 

Judging by Darynn Bednarczyk

This month's Photo Show theme was "Pony Camp." Most of us horse enthusiasts have either attended a pony camp, or begged our parents to. I have only attended one pony camp of sorts back in the day - it was a lot of fun, but my horse was also very misbehaved. My photos from that adventure are very similar to the ones depicted here! I enjoyed seeing the spin some of you took on the theme, as it was not limited to just one idea. Anything to do with summer, horses, and like-minded friends is time well-spent. It was a lot of fun sifting through these entries - here are the standouts!

 

 

17 and Under

1^st place:

 

Isabel C., OH

This was by far the entry that most embodied the "Pony Camp" theme. I love the framing here. Close attention has been paid to the composition, and it feels like a moment captured from an actual camp ride. No detail was spared, with miniature Jet Puff marshmallows, homemade flower crowns, and a trail to Narnia... this looks like a lasting pony camp memory!

 

2^nd place:

Caroline H., SC

I believe this is the first activity to embody everyone's pony camp experience. Learning horse anatomy and how to groom and tack up are some of the most important lessons that come from attending camp. I love how that was depicted here in a fun and honest way. Super insightful!

 

3^rd place:

 

Ayla K., WA

This gave me a good chuckle. Great utilization of a model that would otherwise be difficult to incorporate into a realistic scene. I love the story this photo tells and the bravery to throw in some actual paint - all in scale, I might add. Perhaps a halter and lead rope would be useful for pony painting next time!

 

4^th place:

 

Kerri D., IL

I adore practical effects in photography, and this was no exception. This photo was meticulously planned to incorporate the sunset and the warm glow of the fire. The marshmallows look very realistic. I wonder what ghost stories these girls will come up with!

 

5^th place:

 

Kayla C., RI

We have a Pony Camp Scouts meeting here that pulls out all the stops. A real flame was even used to capture this photo - what a great effort! Are those marshmallows actually roasted? Super-cute take on this theme.

 

6^th place:

 

Gabi B., NC

This was another favorire entry of mine - a twist on the common human campfire. Who knows what spooky stories lie in the book titled People...

 

 

 

Honorable Mentions:

 

Kiley C., AZ

This photo gives me summer vibes. I love the colours and the relaxed ambiance. No camp is without that one parent always taking photos!

 

 

Rachel D., IL

This entry was very insightful as well. There is great attention to detail within the brush tote and the background. This is the perfect sunny day for a wash!

 

 

Emersyn F., CA

Nothing like a good ol' pony camp trail ride. I love the feel of this photo. What a fun ride through the grasslands!

 

 

Adrianna B., PA

This entry left a lasting impression on me - true pony camp in today's day and age would obviously include masks. A thoughtful touch to a cute photo!

 

 

Piper C., NY

On the more realistic side of camp experiences, I think this image depicts those memories well. Thanks for the laugh! You deserve the mention.

 

 

 

 

18 and Over

1^st place:

 

Rachel A., NC

This entry immediately caught my attention, and embodies the true "essence" of a pony camp. I appreciate the lighting and physicality here, as dark photography like this can be very difficult. The little hotdog sealed the deal! A perfect evening, sharing stories, snacks, (hotdogs) and horses together. Great job!

 

2^nd place:

 

Maddie M., FL

This entry is full of details, and is a solid second place.The little Apple Barrel paints are fantastic. I love that this feels like a real camp activity, and that this pony is disrupting the party!

 

3^rd place:

 

Jaclyn M., ON, Canada

This is a beautiful entry and clearly demonstrates knowledge of composition and photography. The depth of field really draws your eye to the subject area. I love the tiny details in the apple and water bottle.

 

4^th place:

 

Angela W., ND

This entry made me laugh out loud. I think we have all been there at one point, chasing down rambunctious ponies. It feels as if the dolls are actually in motion, and the real-life background is proportionally in scale.

 

5^th place:

 

Caleb W., OH

I adore the matching t-shirts here! True pony campers would have camp shirts, a detail that is missing from most of the other entries. Great job!

 

6^th place:

 

Chloe W., SC

Though simple, this entry captures that sweet moment of meeting a baby horse. I see this as fitting the theme, because a mare in foal is a true "pony camp out!" Sleeping in the barn is no joke.

 

Honorable Mentions:

 

Annie C., NC

This pony definitely looks like he was painted on by the camp attendees. I love the encouraging body language of the doll - the pony, however, is less than motivated! 

 

 

 

Thank you again to all of our participants - this was certainly a "Pony Camp" to remember! Join us next month for another great Photo Show - we hope you've packed your rugged gear...