"Golden"
The hills this past June had turned golden and made a
beautiful setting for photographing the mustangs as they moved about the land
at the Sanctuary. I like how this shot shows the freeze brand on his neck
and the number on his rump and conveys movement.
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary
in San Luis Obispo, California during our June 2023 Equine Photography
Workshop. 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.
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.
"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.
"Bear's Mares Kicking Up Dust"
Running Bear's mares are running up a trail on a dry summer afternoon, which leaves a cloud of dust in their wake. I just like the shape of the horses in this image and the light. Enjoy!
This image was taken in Lompoc on a Return to Freedom photo safari on July 10th.
"Shades of Gray"
I liked the flowing manes of these mustangs and how they were running side by side, so I cropped in on the heads. I like the mystery of "who's behind the horse in front?!" I like the white eyelashes, too! Enjoy.
This image was taken at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, California on March 16, 2021.
For more information on the Mustangs living in sanctuary, how to sponsor a Mustang, or to register for a tour or photo safari, visit the Return to Freedom website.
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