Sandra, Jack, Sammi, & Seamus

I just did my first pet shoot with a great family and two gorgeous Australian Shepherds. I'd love to do a lot more of these, as dogs sure put their ears up with much less effort than the horses!

Sandra was such a great help; both her son and the pups listened to her 99% of the time. Gosh, it was such a nice change, as I usually don't have too much control over what's happening.

Jack, the little guy, is such a sweetheart and was so well behaved the whole time. Of course, it took a some bribing with a treat and a toy, but that worked for the dogs too. ;)

Here are some highlights, they're too cute not to post:


At the pre-shoot consultation. Jake was playing cowboy. This particular horse didn't need help with getting his ears up! :D


Meet Sammi...


...and Seamus


Jake serious (but still adorable)


Sammi sitting pretty.


Seamus looking quite dapper.


I love this shot of the three of them.


I even talked Sandra into posing for a few. ;)

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To see if people actually read this, I'm offering 50% off my first 10 pet appointments. Just mention this line and I'll give you the discount to help me build my pet portfolio. I'm not kiddin', so don't miss out!

My Horses, Daily Inspiration

Currently, I own two horses; my muse, Apache, and my life-long dream, a mare named Daisy. Right now they are both basically pasture ornaments, fat and sassy, 'cause I'm so busy with work.

I board them, but it's just a small private pasture, so I get to pamper my ponies twice daily, and of course, clean up all the "used" feed.

As a photographer, I obviously have hundreds of images captured of these guys over the years, so I figured I'd share some of my favorite photos and thoughts, as a tribute to my daily inspiration.

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Apache, my 18 going on 3 y.o. Arabian gelding, is directly responsible for my current profession, amongst other things, such as broken arms and concussions. ;) He is a typical Arab; he outsmarts me half the time, loves to play, and is extremely sensitive and quick.

My dad bought him for me when I was just 9. I broke him and taught him to jump, even though we had to work extra hard for ribbons, as an (gasp) Arab in the hunter ring. He, in turn, kept me away from "bad" crowds, gave me a sense of responsibility and a shoulder to cry on.

I will care for and adore this horse until he dies, no matter what. I owe him at least that much after all he's done for me over the years.


Apache has been with me since he was a weanling and I was 9.
The shots above are of him as a youngster, some of my first.


Apache and I jumping at a "B" hunter show when he was 5.
This shot was published in On Course magazine. :D


From my first photography class in college, Apache was 9.


He gave me a great eye shot when I first went pro.


These two are from the past year, playing in the pasture.


Had some fun making this one into fine art.

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My Hanoverian Daisy was purchased from a great dressage trainer back in Illinois. At my boarding facility one day, I saw her galloping in the pasture for the first time and somehow knew she'd be mine.

She was indeed for sale, but the price was too high. I begged the owner and she accepted 1/3 of the original price and payments, just because I promised to give her a great home.

So bought her as my foundation broodmare, as she has some really nice bloodlines and even though she's not completely sound, when she is, she has some moves, inherited from her daddy, Donavan.

From the Riverland Farm website:

"At the 1988 100 Day Test, Donavan earned 136.16 points as Reserve Champion of 18 stallions tested. Among his scores were 9's on rideability, willingness to work, trot, jump ability, and a 10 on canter."

I wouldn't be able to part with Daisy either. She has a dream date set up next spring with Salto so she can finally start earning her feed; she's not a dainty eater. I can't wait to see her first baby!


Daisy also gave me an eye shot. The silhouette is Apache. Wish I could say it was planned, but it was plain good luck. :D


Head shot.


Play time.


Great light, watching me from across the pasture.


Montage of Daisy yawning. "Modeling is such hard work!"

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Now you guys know all about my babies. If I haven't met yours yet, I can't wait to. They can't wait to meet me either, as I always bring treats, sometimes my "Mini Whinnies" if I have a fresh batch.

I can't help it, my horses have me well trained! ;)

Rainy Day Makes for Interesting Images

I had a great time shooting for clients at the Gila County Fair this past Saturday. The show began during a pretty good morning shower. Actually, the rain made for some interesting images and the overcast sky gave us great light. Definitely a change from hot, dry Phoenix!

Ariana is so much fun to photograph, she's just a doll. Her new pinto pony is named Mr. Bojangles or "Bandit" for short. He was a stud for part of his life, but now he's a happy show pony with his new little girl. Those two are just darling together, don'tcha think?

The cuteness factor at the fair was amazing, especially during the lead line class. I love shooting kids because they are completely relaxed and natural, unlike many adults who tend to get tense and self conscious. I also love the fact that kids, like horses, are endlessly unpredictable.

I wasn't completely sure how the images would turn out because of the rain, but I was extremely happy with the results, especially with the questionable backgrounds. So here are a few more of my favorites that I just had to share.