"Rain"
Standing in the rain exudes a sense of surrender. Water or rain can symbolically represent emotion, so this image holds emotion for me; emotion that is right at the surface, raw and visible. I am riding the waves of grief over the sudden death of my grandson Elliott just over two weeks ago. When I thought about selecting the image of the month, this image came immediately to mind.
This image was taken at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sand Point, Idaho on a rainy June 7, 2021. The thought I had when I took the photograph, was how horses simply accept what is. If it's raining, they stand in the rain. I learn so many lessons from my four legged friends. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
"Softly, Three"
From the photo safari at Return to Freedom in San Luis Obispo last month. A small group of photographers had positioned themselves on a rocky outcrop where we thought the horses would gallop by when they left their current position on the next hill. So I left the photographers there, and very slowly walked over to the herd with the intention to get on the other side of them and apply gently pressure so they would go in the direction of the photographers. As I walked through the herd, I got a few shots of them hanging out and grazing together. This is one of them. I liked this group with the wild oats all around them! They just had this softness about them. That's how they were with each other and with me. It was beautiful to stand among the herd!
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo at 6 p.m. June 29, 2023. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
"Grey Mare"
I hosted a photo safari at Return to Freedom in San Luis Obispo this past week. We would go out and observe the horses in the morning and evening and photograph them. This amazing mare is old and wise. She leads a large band of horses and works tirelessly to keep them safe and together. If they get separated, she will get them back together. I have admired her since I first saw her 5 years ago during my first visit to RTF in SLO. So for my first image of the month from this recent visit, I honor Grey Mare!
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo at 5 p.m. June 27, 2023. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
"Return From The Water Hole"
The setting sun is creating this beautiful back light that allows us to capture highlights on the mane, back, tail, and even lights up some of the mist coming from the horse's nose in the foreground as it blows some of the dust out of its nose. I've named this image Return From The Water Hole because of the visible mud on the horses! They've been to their version of the spa.
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo at 7 p.m. June 29, 2018. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
"Solitude"
Another image from the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo. At 6 p.m. in April, the sun is creating this beautiful light that allows us to capture highlights on the mane and tail with a soft lighting all around and some deeper shadows in the landscape forming. I decided to make this image black and white to emphasize light and shadow and form.
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo in April 2020.
"Dinner with a View"
When you visit the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, you start out winding through Oak woods and rolling hills. When you reach the top of the hills, you are treated to views of Morro Bay to the west and the Pismo/Oceano Dunes coastline to the south. I don't know if the horses appreciate the views, but I sure do!
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo in April 2020.
"Stray Strands Delight"
My theme in life this week has been hair, so when I sat down today to select an image of the month, it had to be this one. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy, and my hair began to fall out two days ago. I had long hair to my waist, so there were just these long strands coming into my presence constantly. In honor of all stray strands of hair everywhere - here is your image of the month!
This image was taken in a covered barn with a single light source from windows above the arena in June of 2021. The idea was to capture the essence of motion in the horse with a limited use of light.
View past Images of the Month on Lori's web site.
P.S. If you ever find yourself in a position to donate hair (human hair, horse hair, and even fur), please check out the HUMSUM organization. Hair to help the environment! I cut off 14 inches of my hair (before it was too late) and donated it to this organization.
"Love Me Tender"
What do horses know of "Love"? What does anyone know of "Love"? In February, when we celebrate Valentine's Day and see red and pink heart shaped candy boxes and red roses everywhere, I prefer to go to this sweet place in my heart where I feel at peace and safe. This image takes me right there!
Whatever your plans are for this month, may you find your true feeling of "Love", whatever it may be!
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo in April 2020. The world was reacting to a global pandemic, and these rescued mustangs reminded me what truly matters. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
Featured Image for January 2023
How we greet the new year starts from within. Find your center, connect to your heart, realign with your soul, remember your true essence, bring your attitude of gratitude, and step forward with curiosity. Here's a beautiful horse at Return to Freedom who reminds me of all of these principles. May your 2023 be full of wonder and delight!
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo in April 2020. The image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
Featured Image for December 2022
Horses are complex, and I love how much emotion and personality shows on their face - especially in their eyes. I also love a high contrast close up portrait. I selected this image for this month because I think it's a good reminder to take time to slow down and just be present during the holidays and the end of a year. We're looking back on this year. We're looking forward to a new year. It's the darkest time of the year (winter) here in the northern hemisphere where I live. These are all the reasons I've selected this image to share with you now.
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