704 PHOTOGRAPHING HORSES. 



head will as a rule be unnaturally exaggerated, because the 

 length of focus of an ordinary lens is much shorter than 

 that of the eyes of an ordinary observer. If the perspec- 

 tive is not natural, the photograph cannot be artistic. 



In order to preserve harmony in the graceful curves of 

 the upper line of the body, the horse, to look his best, should 

 have his ears pricked forward, his head carried high, and, 

 if possible, he should not have his tail tucked in between 

 his legs. When standing still, he will look to most 

 advantage when the fore leg of the observer's side is 

 more advanced than the other, and when the hind leg 

 of the same side is more drawn back than the other 

 hind leg (Figs. 308 and 593). Unless the background be 

 a specially prepared one, the horse should be well away 

 from it, and it should be out of focus, so that he may 

 stand out in bold relief. As a rule, the animal, even 

 when he is a grey or white, should be placed, more or 

 less, against the sky. If possible, the horse should not 

 be put, as is frequently done, close against a building, 

 the lines of which would prevent the eye from following 

 the contours of the animal. Horses look more animated 

 and hold themselves better, away from their stables, than 

 near them ; and especially when they are in an open 

 plain. 



A reinless bridle is seldom if ever seen' on a horse, 

 except in photographs (Figs. 566 and 585). 



