Saying good-bye

I hate saying good bye, especially when it is permanent...or at least until...
I found out from my Mom yesterday my sorrel Quarter Horse Olympic, who we also called "Duke" went to horsie heaven.  I wish I could be there to say good bye.  I can only hope he knows that he was loved, and I hope he enjoyed his time on my parents farm.
My Mom named him "Olympic" as we got him in 1996, the year of the Atlanta Olympics.  My Dad named him Duke, both stuck and we never felt it was necessary to pick just one.  On the farm we mostly called him "Duke" as it seemed most fitting.
My horse Joplin has been calling for him, my Mom said he was doing better today.  I'm sure he is sad, he lost his buddy of 16 plus years.  My brother told me he would go out and check on him and give him a hug when he got home. 
Here is a photo I posted quite some time ago, I had always wished their tails were perfectly groomed in this photo.  However, that wouldn't be "my horses" because those two always got into the burdock. 

Good bye good equine friend, may you be free of any hurt you once experienced, may the grass be stirrup high and may you be in peace...until then, I look forward to riding you in heaven.

 

Duke is the horse closest in this photo, Joplin is on the other side of him.  Taking a nice stroll together like they always did out in their pasture.

Valentines Day display

Nashville Violins had a lovely Valentines Day display of their colorful instruments in red & pink!

I took this photo with a camera I am trying out, the Nikon D7000, one I have had my eye on for about three years.  I am really enjoying the advancement of this camera!!

Cowgirls like photos too...

I have wanted to do a "Cowgirl" photoshoot for quite some time.  Between finding the right model who is comfortable with horses, and a horse who is willing to put up with the lights and posing the project has been patiently waiting.  Well, thanks to this beautiful model, Winnie, I got to spend a little time at a barn doing a "Cowgirl" photoshoot.  I had my boyfriend assist me to help with the lighting and photo set up.  Winnie let us shoot at the barn where she boards and use her horse in some of the shots, for his first photo shoot he did quite well.  Here are a couple samples from that day.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with this incredibly kind and beautiful woman.  She is an absolute pleasure to work with and I love working with her, I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed making them on that lovely fall day.

Oahu 2012

I was fortunate enough to go to Oahu, HI in 2012...I have recently found out I will be returning to Hawai'i, but to a different island.  Here is a photo I took while checking out an amazing Sea Cave on my last day in Oahu, HI.

This photographer is incredibly wonderful!

Here is the January issue of Rangefinder with an article on Nashville, TN Chuck Arlund.  Very nice and talented guy!
January Issue of Rangefinder Chuck Arlund Photographer

A Rainy Sunday Spent Underground

Something I like to do is photograph caves.  I like the lighting challenge, I like the results when things turn out well and the adventure that goes with it.  I was fortunate enough to get out to a local TN cave with a group of cavers from the Nashville Grotto.  I was even more fortunate to have the images turn out so well!

A big thanks to my caver models and those who were patient and waited while I set up my shots!

Nashville, TN Who Knew?

Here is a view of downtown Nashville from one of the taller buildings.  I had an opportunity to photograph a 9/11 Memorial event and this was a shot I got to take while things were winding down.

Nashville, who knew I would be here so long.  I am hoping, hoping, hoping to finally coordinate a couple photo workshops in 2013.  I have been wanting to do this for at least 3 years.  I am waiting to hear back from one photographer and while I wait I have been starting to draw up plans for this fall.  We shall see, I really hope it comes together.
Maybe I will actually make some progress and accomplish some projects that have been collecting dust this year?  Until then, eat, sleep, drink, be merry and take pictures...