2011: A Look Back at Some of My Favorite Photography Moments

First off I want to thank everyone for your support, some very fun times and choosing me for your photography needs.  Although photography is the way I pay my bills and have had a few not so great experiences- I love my job!  

I thumbed through the images I took in 2011, which was close to 100,000. A majority of those were at equestrian events, but many were portraits, other events, practice shots and my own personal photos of family and friends.   The images I chose weren't necessarily the best images, but ones that spark a memory, brought a smile to my face  and a few "bloopers".

Please enjoy  and  I look forward to a great 2012!

In January I took a trip to Colorado with my horse judging team. We took a couple quick trips to Rocky Mountain National Park. Since I have only been there in the summer, I was so glad to see it in the winter and yes it is beautiful! The scenery is something I will always remember, but  watching the girls attempting to walk on the ice and snow was much more entertaining. 

Texas is not really known for large snow amounts, but it seems the past few years we have been getting much more than normal.  The horses seem to enjoy it for short periods of time, but I really think they were ready for our normal Texas winters.

Its all about the kids! Several of my favorite moments. Starting at the top row a little on the images.
I watch this toddler throughout the whole show, never stopping and full of energy. Near the end of the days I think her batteries wore out.
We do snow angels, why not a dirt angel!
Doing some backdrop photos, I just thought this was the cutest team.  Cute pony and one happy child.
Nothing like friends and a well broke horse for a good laugh and a great way to end the day.
I LOVE lead line classes. Great way to start your show career with high fives and blue ribbons.
Had to throw a non horse image in. Being a Dachshunds owner, I just loved this session with her new dog.
I photographed a local Equestrian Special Olympics and this youngster just won a medal.   In this case the saying "a picture is worth a 1000 words" is very appropriate.
Last minute touch ups

Had the pleasure of photographing some cool horses this year, so many colors and patterns.  Was amazed at how many Leopards I saw. The Dressage image is an App/ Friesian cross!

Barrel Racing can make some interesting Hair-dos

I have been visiting and photographing the horses at Remember Me Rescue for a few years now. The horses pictured above are Perfect Peace, King of Speed and Light on Broadway  I am always impressed by the intelligence of the Thoroughbred and how willing they are to learn and trust. In the lower center photo Donna is using pool noodles to de-sensitize and I had to laugh since pool noodles are what I I use to get horses attention and get that nice arched neck.  King wasn't even phased. The center right images is available for purchase and profits will benefit RMR.  In the below images, is permanent resident Yeah Me Do "Yammi"

What a fun bridal session. Even the dog smiled!

Taken before a trail ride, this border collie looks like he has it all under control

I photographed several events, although I think I should call them milestones. The background image is of the Bar J Wranglers, from Jackson Hole Wyoming, they performed at a 75th birthday surprise party (man with the surprised look) and I have to say I really enjoyed their performance. The other top photo was a coming home event for one of our Marines.  The turn out was unbelievable and everyone wanted to shake this Marine's hand. I made sure I shook his hand and thanked him before I left. I photographed a young ladies birthday party, and a group of teenager girls are so fun to photograph.  They do not cover their faces  when they see you coming, instead they strike a pose.  One of the most heartfelt moments I had all year was at 65th birthday party, were a father did the opposite and gave his kids presents. These presents were some important symbols of their father's life; world champion belt buckle, bronze star to name a few. This act literally brought tears to my eyes. The last image was taken at a wedding, I have a ton of images of this young man dancing, he had some moves.

This is really my least liked photo of the year, but it was did change my life for a few months. Early May I broke my ankle in 2 places, as well has breaking a few ribs. I was bed ridden for a few weeks to "avoid" surgery. Thank goodness those days of being confined to the house paid off.  I did avoid surgery and used the time to research photography techniques, update my website and practice a little photo shop.

My broken ankle cause my family to delay our annual trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, something I look forward to the minute we leave the previous year.  The scenery is incredible and the wildlife is abundant. I love the mountains and my favorite one is Long's Peak, which can be seen from many different points of the park.

I do believe this would be classified as a Photo Bomb

Not sure if these would be considered a photo bomb, but more of a total photo take over

Some of my favorite photos to take during equestrian events, is candids and the lineup. Many times the subject doesn't even know I am taking the photo and they are much more relaxed.  Can also catch some sweet moments with the rider and their horse.

If I said once, I have said it 100 times, those who help me get horses attention and ears up, work harder than me.

I love the connection humans have with horses or is the connection horse have with humans.

This turned out to be a favorite spot for me to do photos.  No traffic, good light and nice scenery. I only used it twice, but I did try to find similar spots for other photos. Larissa was working on a modeling portfolio and we got some great shots of her.  Thanks to JJ's Designs for lending some awesome outfits

Some photo sessions can get a little long, so sometimes goofing off happens and I am sure to catch it on camera.  If someone comes by on a Harley  during a photo shoot, why not stop them and ask to pose with you. If you text during a session, be sure to put your hat on sideways.  Never hurts to dance in between frames. If there is a chair and it starts to rain, pick it up and put it over your head and act like a rock star.  If you are 6 foot, get on a kids mechanical horse, no one will ever see. Give your steer a kiss, they kiss back, and their tongue even gets stuck in your hair.  Goofy faces are always good.  Not sure how to pose next, just strike the famous Karate Kid pose.  Bringing your boyfriend and a rope with you to a session will invoke some fun

October was a fun and uplifting month.  Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month I photographed several events  that were fund raisers for different non-profit organizations.

So much pink! 

So much support!

Saw many tears and cheers

Met many survivors, fighters and loved ones.

Admired the volunteers who put in countless hours organising these events, and the many volunteers who made this events possible.

Cheered for those who raised the funds and obtained sponsorships for research, the under insured and awareness.

Prayed along side of all of them

When geese interrupt your session, chase them! Another favorite place ( and family)  to take photos, too bad it is in their own front yard and not a public place. Jealous! Their place is beautiful.

Who says chivalry is dead. After finishing her class her saddle came loose. After dismounting and fixing her saddle, she looked around for a mounting block, but none was around.  Her horse was very tall, so one of the gentlemen in the staging area offered a knee as everyone in the stand cheered her on.

Once again I attended the Breeder's Cup.  We also did some farm tours, watched some morning workouts, attended a luncheon and took a look at some of the horses in the Keeneland sales.  Starting at the top and moving clockwise,  yes that is Goldikova and she looked right at me ;[) , Sarafina getting a little excited in the post parade- I think she was trying to get all the photographer's attention that were behind her and had the cameras pointed else were. St Nicholas Abbey looking my way while in the winner's circle after winning the Breeder's Cup Turf.  Euroears during morning work out, he is gorgeous.  We had as special visit with the great Peppers Pride who was heavy in foal. My daughter had two hyperventilating moments-1st meeting one of her favorite racehorses; Blind Luck and second, meeting and even getting hug from Mike Smith. Center is Court Vision after winning the Breeder's Cup Mile as a long shot.

Its all about the blanket!

Thanks to Three Chimneys and Lanes End for hosting open houses so we could visit some our favorite stallions.
Can you name all the above stallions? 1st person to name them all in order top row 1st, left to right will win a 11 x 14 print of one of the above images of their choice.

Rocky Mountain National Park Babies

I think this years record snowfall and snow melt, along with daily rain showers made quite an impact on the vegetation available to the grazing wildlife of Rocky Mountain National Park. I have never seen so many healthy happy babies in the years I have been going there.  Love the babies and seeing so many was one of the best parts of my trip this year.

This fawn and its mother walked right in front of us.  The mother quickly ran off and left the fawn staring at us for a few seconds before following its mothers cue



Took this in the early evening when a large herd came down for the evening to graze.  These little ones had a lot of energy bottled up after a day of napping and I was glad to watch them unleash their energy.

Watched this pair from the road for awhile as they ate.  After a few minutes, they decided to move on and came toward us.  Mom stopped and gave us a stare as to say excuse us we are coming that way, so we moved on and let them by.  Its their home, we are just visitors ;-)

A large evening thunderstorm was headed our way when we came across a group of elk cows and calves. They were extremely vocal and it was amazing to listen on how they communicated.  My daughter recorded them and I am trying to figure out how to load on here.  Not sure if they were gathering in a tight group in anticipation of the storms on the way.

This one was extremely curious of us and showed no fear. We seem to notice many of the elk and moose ignoring people this year,  We witnessed the Timber Creek Campground as it was "invaded" by a group of elk and walked around campsites and giving the campers a close-up view and some great stories to tell their friends.

TWINS!!!! Absolutely adorable and quite the attraction as their mother ate.  They were in the horse pasture at Winding River Resort, so the line across the photo is the fence.  Also heard a great conversation from a couple of campers. Female camper; the mom looks a little thin
Male camper; she has twins
Female camper; I had twins and was never that thin
Male camper; She has to search and work for her food, the hardest thing you had to do was peel potatoes.

Watching his fans

Sorry had to include another...those eyes!

More playtime photos

I took 1000's of photos on this trip and if you want to take the time to look at them please feel free.  The ones posted on this site are available for purchase and will be adding more soon.

Getting ready for vacation and wanting  to learn on improving your photography skills contact me for photography lessons.



Rocky Mountain National Park Trip 2010 – Part I

After a 13 hour drive we arrived at approximately 6pm to our 1st cabin in Estes Park. I love the trails and scenery of the East Side of the park, but not a big fan of the crowds. We took a quick drive to Sheep Lake / Horseshoe Park area and then drove up Beak Lake Road before returning to the cabin to eat and get ready for bed. The next morning Tom & I drove up early to Sprague & Bear Lakes to catch the stillness and uncrowdness of the lakes at sunrise. This on our list of must do’s when we visit. We returned to the cabin with donuts in hand for the girls, who were dressed and ready to go for our 1st hike. We made a poor decision for our 1st hike by choosing West Creek Falls. The elevation of the falls and trailhead were deceiving and looked like an easy hike, but in actuality you have to hike up a steep trail and then hike back down the other side. We made it to the top of the trail, but decided to head back, knowing the return would have been too much as were all ready winded and almost out of water. It was too much for us flat-landers. We did enjoy the view and the numerous birds, especially hummingbirds that were on the trail. Back at the cabin we enjoyed a relaxing lunch next to the Fall River at our cabin at Castle Mountain Lodge and listening to the sounds of the river. We headed out to Cub Lake, since we knew that was an easy hike. Later in the evening we went up the Avuial Fan, another must do. We prefer to go in the early evening, because mid-day it is packed. We arrived at the perfect time, as we meet the nicest couple who had a great spotting scope and showed up some large Big Horn Sheep rams on the side of the mountain. FINALLY in the many years of going to RMNP we saw some rams. The couple let us use their scope we could see them up close and were hard to see with the naked eye. I took a few photos, but they were too far and since it was dusk, the photos were very grainy and under exposed, but I’ll share anyways since they were so magnificent to watch.

The next day we repeated the trip to Sprague & Bear Lake, but this time with the girls and a little later. We decided to hike up to Bierstadt Lake from Bear Lake and then down to the Bierstadt trailhead. We still had to do some uphill to the Bierstadt, but nothing if we started at the trailhead, that is quite a hike up. We took the shuttle back to Bear Lake. Be sure to make use of the shuttles in RMNP, makes it much easier for those like us that are not use to hiking in thinner air, higher altitudes and steeper grades. It also helps cut back with air pollution in the park by having fewer vehicles. Bierstadt Lake was not my favorite, but still beautiful and I have heard it has can be if you arrive at sunrise. The hike down the trail does have some breath-taking views. We had to hurry back to the cabin in time for check out time and move to the cabin on the west side for the remainder of the trip. After packing up within a matter of minutes we were on our way. We took our time since we couldn’t check in for several hours and made a side trip to Granby for the week’s groceries.

The west-side has a total different look than the more crowded east-side. It is less rocky and more forested, although over the past few years most of the lodge pole pines have succumbed to the pine beetle infestation and sadly has changed the look of the west-side. There is also the Kawuneeche Valley which has the Colorado River and is much wetter which is ideal for our favorite RMNP animal, the moose! Mary always counts how many “sightings” we have each year and broke it this year with 70. I am sure some of these are repeated moose, but that is why we say moose sightings. We went out every evening to go on our moose hunt. I can’t and won’t bore you with by recounting all the sightings, but we did have fun looking for and watching them. We saw several cow and calf pairs which always fun to watch. One of the most memorable sightings was watching and pair cross the Colorado River and then watched the cow jump a fence and waited patiently for her calf to jump also. He ran up and down the fence line for at least 30 minutes, I am sure scared to death as several other people joined in the watch. While we remained in our car to watch, they all got out of their vehicles to get a better shot. I rather miss the “perfect” shot, then to stress the wildlife. The wildlife is use to the cars and people on trails & roadsides but leave you vehicle and get off the trails it stress the animals and puts yourself in danger. Seems this year was the year of the smart people, “schmert” as the girls were calling them. We watch as a couple got closer and closer to a moose cow as the moose watched them closely. They were lucky as she didn’t have a calf with her and soon took off into a deeper vegetated area. Not only did they stress the moose and endanger their selves, they ruined it for anyone who wanted to properly observe her. The lady walked up to our truck and proudly announced that we walked along the tree-line as she did, we could see it up close. I quickly replied, “We are not that stupid and you’re lucky she did not have a calf or she might have come after you”. She said,” I know, one chased me yesterday”. I don’t think it dawned on her that I just called her stupid. We joked about her throughout the trip as we came across several others that basically did the same thing. Most of them had a small point and shoot camera and since most of this happened at dusk, not to be a photo snob, but the photo won’t be worth it compared to the risk they just took. A majority of the wildlife photos I took were from our truck and I got plenty of decent photos for my family & friends to enjoy. Stay patient for the grazing, relaxed animal to look up and take your shot, if they start to stare at you, back away you’re stressing them. I saw too many people yelling, raising their arms or shaking items to get the animals attention, like they are prey animals and they will look up occasionally or more to another location….be patient.

Another one of my favorite moose sightings was at a distance, but still fun to watch. While a moose cow ate in an old beaver pond, her calf ran and jumped around her splashing in the water, it was very cute to watch. Our favorite sighting involved several elk and a one moose. We have a favorite spot that at one time, not many knew about (more and more are figuring out though). It brings you very close to the river and many animals cross there. We watched from the truck as the elk and the lone moose grazed across the river from us, with exception of a 2 of the elk, they crossed the river. I had to set the camera and hand it to Tom (who got a lesson 2 days before to use my old camera) and told him to focus and start shooting. He did pretty well, many were out of focus, but one shot was great and I told him I was going to enter it in local photo contest for him. The greatest thing of this event was an elk with great personality. He didn’t cross the river; he used a small bridge to cross. He slowly made its way toward us, stood about 5 feet from my window and took a quick look and then proceeded to check out the truck bed, I am assuming for food. He then walked over to the driver’s side to check out my husband, and then went on his way. The girls loved it and named this bunch of elk. The named the elk with big personality "Ed" and they mentioned him several times throughout the trip. 

For more on my trip look for Part II