"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.
"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.
"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!
"July Sunset"
I love watching the horses move together and I love a sunset, so here you go! This image has been added to the on line Fine Art Gallery!
This image was taken in San Luis Obispo on a Return to Freedom photo safari on July 17, 2021.
"Sensing"
Wild horses are always using their eyes, ears, and sense of smell to inform their next move. To approach, to run, to move away, to explore… they use the data they collect through their sensing to decide if it’s safe to explore, safe to connect, and ultimately, when it is safe to rest and to sleep.
I was in a conversation this morning about the uncertainty of the future. From a grand scale for the human population, the pandemic is still unpredictable, financial investment analysts are shrugging their shoulders, and severe weather events can occur almost anywhere. L.A. had tornado warnings last month! So, now is a really good time to go inward and do some personal sensing about what’s really important TODAY.
Live life like there’s no tomorrow. Be your ultimate self in every moment, today.
This image was taken in San Luis Obispo on a Return to Freedom photo safari on March 15, 2021.
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