Being Authentic

I could spend hours sitting in pasture fields.  | Equestrian Lifestyle Photgrapher

I've have tried to stick with some sort of format for posting...with no success.  Upon giving a little thought as to why that is, a conclusion has been reached.  I didn't feel that this blog was an accurate representation of who I've become.  It stopped feeling authentic to me.

That's a problem...obviously.

What does feel authentic is being able to write and share photography as I feel inspired to do so.  Whether that is a photograph made for a personal project, a street photography shot, or something for a client.   It makes no difference.  It moved me in some way and if it moves me, if it fires the muse, I want to share it.

Solution...

I'm bringing this blog back into focus.  Focus on me.  My journey as a human being, as a artist, as a lover of life.  The images that I will post here will be the images I love.  The ones that move me.  That inspire me to dig deeper...make better images.  The ones that make me laugh, cry and think.

If your interested in seeing more of my work you will be able to check out both personal projects and work for clients on my website.  I have Galleries and I will be building Portfolios as well.

Skywatch Friday at Darlington Polo Field

Sunset at a Polo Match in Darlington, PA

My entry for SkyWatch Friday.  As Friday in Western PA means POLO then I thought it only fitting to post an image of the Sun going down and warming up the crowd while they wait for the horses to take the field.

What A Difference A Year Makes

I can not believe that it has been over 10 months since I last blogged.  I feel like someone should send me to bed without dinner.  I have no excuse for myself other than I was busy...just like everyone else I know.  So no excuses.  I'm going to start making up for lost time....much writing and photograph posting to commence.  I hope to see you here in a couple of days.

Motion Blur Shot of Glenn Watterson Sr., Darlington Polo Club

The Darlington Polo Club schedule for this season is posted.  As always I'm so excited for the opportunity to catch up with friends and to spend some time behind the lens photographing these magnificently athletic horses.

Tiznow

Tiznow at WinStar Farm

Last week I got to spend a couple of hours at WinStar Farm in Versailles KY (winners of this years Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes). I'll get some of the 'beautiful' pix posted a little later this week. But for now I want to post two of the more humorous photos.

This is the world famous Tiznow, Winner of 6.4 million, 2 time Breeder's Cup Classic Winner, Inductee to the Racing Hall of Fame and a Horse of the Year title. And.....resident GOOF BALL!

I'm pretty sure that these photos are never going to show up in a Stallion Catalogue. Tiznow commands a cover fee of $75,000. That's right.....Tiznow is NOT in a state of recession. Every mare this hunk of love meets means $75k is going in the checkbook at WinStar. Mare owners want to dream of the future "get" commanding big bucks in the sale ring or winning races...not doing improv in comedy clubs....or in the horse world.....pony clubs.

Tiznow at WinStar Farm

Many thanks to the wonderful Shirley McQuillan for arranging this fun tour of WinStar.

Companionship

Bruce's horses Samson and Meg...long time companions.

Snow Angel

Snow Angel's are fun to make.... apparently horses agree!

It's hard work though....

I've seen this look before.....on my husbands face! Looks like all the 'men' in my life and not so happy to have their pictures taken these days.

Saucy Redhead

The Saucy Redhead!

This is Ms. Meg aka Nut Meg. She is one of my winter charges. I have a friend who works in Florida in the winter and his two horses come and stay with us. They are a welcome addition to the herd. Her personality is fantastic. And she is always up for a display of attitude. If memory serves me she is in her early 20's.

Happy Grazing

Pattern

Saving baler twine for a rainy day? Seems a bit crazy as we generate a never ending supply of used twine around here.

Little Man

I've been neglecting little man. Poor pony. I snapped his picture tonight. Black and white pony gets a black and white photograph!

Bye Bye Black Fly

The pesky black flies are all but gone now. A couple of hard frosts saw to that. The above picture is of a horse hair fly whisk to use while riding, to help with fly control, put away till next year....I'm happy to report.

Obie's Environment

Another Sunday With Obie

Obie sends a special 'Thanks' to Sisterella for being such a good sport today and helping him to behave long enough for me to get a couple of good head shoots of him!

Sunday With Obie

I spent an hour hanging in the pasture with Obie today....just the two of us. It was a wonderful way to spend part of the day.

Day 29 - Happy On A Pony

Day 21 - Golden As The Sun

I did my first photo shoot on Saturday....unpaid of course. But planned and executed. It was fun...really fun! As soon as I get a chance to edit (which could take a little while....due to the fact of my Photoshop Disability) I will post some more. But this photo is a little sneak peek of Susan and Peggy Sue!

Day 19 - Black Fly Madness

Ugh....well Fall is definatley around the bend. The Black Flies are driving the horses NUTS! Someone send 100 gallons of pestcide quick.

Obie has a fly mask....he scratches it off after about an hour or so. Why I don't know....I would think that wearing the darn thing would be more comfortable than getting eatin' up by hordes of black flies that know their time of death is near.

Day 10 - Hoofin' It

You know how people take picture of there childrens hands and feet being held by a parent or adult.

Well...I don't have children so I thought I would practice this type of shot on the pony. Scout didn't mind but the Farrier was a little uncomfortable about the camera at first.

Low light handheld shots are challenging. Stopping the motion was tough. Could have cranked up the ISO a little more. I'll try it again the next time the Farrier comes back.

Day 6 - The End

It's okay Charlotte we'll find another activity for fall.....

Charlotte watching the polo ponies leave the field for the last time this season Friday night in Darlington. It's a total bummer.....totally! Sitting here thinking about it is brining on a hissy fit, I can feel it comin'....I think I need a snack and a nap.

Obie

What your opinion on this type of photo. I was drawn to it in the group because his whole self filled the frame. And of course I know him...so I think that this captured his 'self' really well. It's probable a little bit overexposed.