The Adventure of Photography
Photography, for me, is a meditation on the grandeur of life. This past month I’ve had more wonderful clients, students, subjects, and photos taken than I (almost) know what to do with. More than ever I feel blessed to spend my days as a photographer, so I simply want to say thank you to everyone who made these experiences possible. And talk about cows…
Thank you to the more than a dozen photographers who chose to spend a weekend photographing with me and exploring together how we can see the world more beautifully.
Thank you to the Hendricks family for your hospitality at the incredible Rockin H Ranch. It’s getting hard to imagine teaching anywhere else.
Thank you Keli for your incredible control with horses; that’s as close to the action as I can imagine getting with my camera (that’s a 21mm lens!)…
Thank you Dean for your authenticity, humor, and skill with the rope.
Thank you Sarah for your grace with horses and patience during our work. Good luck in your triathlon!
Thank you to the ladies of dressage for your smiles, consideration, and for strutting those stunning horses.
Thank you to the aviators of Sonoma County for your passionate investment in beautiful and historic aircraft, and for sharing that joy with us all.
Thank you to my clients for trusting me with the perception of your business, and for your hospitality. Whether it’s a bottle of cold water on the back of a 4-wheeler or fine wine and hors d’ huovres by the airplane hanger, you’re not only patient while I work, you are thoughtful hosts.
Thank you to the cows and horses who ran the right direction, stood still in the perfect light, allowed me to lay down under their nose, and generally put up with my strange behavior. Animals are the reason I became I photographer, I will always try to do you justice.
PHOTO TIP: After I delivered a disc of cow photos to an ad agency I was dubbed “The Cow Whisperer”. Why did they let me so close, why did they line up symmetrically, make eye contact, and stand still? I can’t read the bovine mind, I have no idea. All I can say is what I bring to the encounter. I always look for animals that show interest in having an interaction – some animals are simply more social than others. I try to behave more like an animal than a typical human. Humans walk quickly, ride on machines, and don’t hang around. I walk slowly, crawl, or lay down, and just hang out. And I try to be respectful and completely peaceful. After all, I’m a guest on their turf.
It’s not about whispering, it’s about listening. Whether your subject is breathing or not, if you listen closely, you’ll discover more about its true nature and how to photograph it. More than your equipment, photography is about your relationship to your subject, and what’s in your heart.
What’s next? I’m spending more time on beautiful land with gorgeous horses, photographing with my old Rolleiflex camera. That film is off to the lab in LA and it will be like Christmas morning when it comes back. August will have great new subjects, including some wildlife, and one tiny publication announcement (wink). Cheers!
