"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.
Featured Image for November, 2022
These are working ranch horses at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch near Sand Point, Idaho. In the evening they move the horses down to the meadow for the night, where they graze and live as a herd. I love this capture because of the motion in the mane of the leopard appaloosa in front and center and for the light and contrast. I converted the original color image to black and white because it gave the image more of a focal point. This is another image from my June 2021 stay at the ranch in Idaho. I also submitted this image for the Cowboys and Indians Magazine 2023 Photo Contest. It is my first time entering this contest, so I have no expectations, but I look forward to seeing the images they select to award prizes to.
This image has been added to the Fine Art Gallery.
This is “Lucky,” a working ranch horse at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch near Sand Point, Idaho. I love this capture because of the motion in the mane – how it’s wrapping around Lucky’s neck. It just makes me happy! Hope you like it, too! Featured image for October, 2022.
"Hooves In Motion"
This is an appaloosa running through a field. To create this motion effect, I slowed my shutter speed to 1/100 of a second and panned with the forward motion of the horse, which created the blur of the background. The blur of the horse is simply its movement. This image was created with the intention of communicating the speed, motion, and power of the horse.
Featured Image for August 2022
This is an impromptu portrait of "Love the Night Sky," one of the "Making Pegasus" stallions owned by Greg Davis. I can't get enough of this horse. His coloring and coat patterns are beautiful and his personality is infectious. He's curious, playful, and gentle. Look into those eyes and tell me what you feel.
Featured Image for June 2022
Jupiter is one of the “Making Pegasus” stallions, born in 2019. He is a Clydesdale whose dam was “Bella Donna,” a Sabino Clydesdale. His sire was “Thorpe Hill Royale,” 2016 winner of the Cawdor Cup at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland.
What’s the meaning of his name? Jupiter is the chief Roman god, husband of Juno, and god of light, sky, and weather. I’ve chosen this image of Jupiter for June, since Jupiter and June clearly go together! Spiritually, Jupiter's energy is optimistic, hopeful, compassionate and generous.
This image of Jupiter (the horse) was taken at Greg Davis' Making Pegasus ranch in Lockwood, California on April 21, 2022. The background image of Jupiter (the planet), was found at https://mymodernmet.com/junocam-jupiter-photo-northern-regions/ ~ the image was taken with the Juno cam.
This image of the month has been added to the on line Fine Art Gallery!
"Mustang Mood Light"
I have a whole series of photos of this herd moving across the hill where we were watching them, late in the day. I love the rich color in the dust they stir up when the sun is low in the sky, and the high contrast that produces these beautiful less detailed horse shapes that just represent the whole iconic horse image. I spent a day with the mustangs in San Luis Obispo last month (without my camera!) and just reconnected with them and the magic they bring to my life. They remind me to be present and worry less; to be here now.
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, California on July 17, 2021. This image of the month has been added to the on line Fine Art Gallery!
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