Just because it is winter in the Northeast doesn’t mean it is cold and miserable everyday.  Far from it!  In fact, I’d say that winters in Maine have been getting milder each year.  Not sure if I like the changing pattern, but it is what it is so I say we ought to cease the moment and enjoy each day, no matter what we wake up to.

This past Sunday the sun shone and we had seasonable temperatures.  Perfect for a winter photo session, even mid-day.  That’s the thing I like about doing sessions at this time of year – the sun is lower in the sky, which means the shadows cast are less harsh on peoples faces.

I believe this is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to photograph my friends’ family.  But this is the first year we included dogs to join in the fun.  It was hard to resist their two 5-month-old Red Labrador brothers.  Lots of energy and lots of cuteness!  Thank you, Kirstie, Kerry, Justine and Carly for a fun couple of hours.  I hope you enjoy your preview.  Can’t wait for you to see the rest!

How many clicks of the shutter does it take before you have all eyes facing the camera!  Lots! As you see, it can be done!

Sweet Lily, who had no clue she was playing Cupid!  Such a wonderful ol’ dog.

The pups decided to ‘style’ their own segment of the photo shoot.  They said “you like candid?  We’ll give you candid.  Catch this shot!”  And I said, “okay.”

Kirstie’s real estate head shot.

This is my favorite part – photographing the girls with their horses.  All the images are candid.  The only direction I gave was where the best lighting was located.  My goal was to portray the relationship they have with their horses.  How that played out was up to them.  I’d say there’s a lot of love here, wouldn’t you?

This is Otis and he belongs to Carly.  However, during this past year of eventing she rode the above horse, Teddy.  For anyone who is looking to buy a beautiful, well trained 7-year-old horse, Otis is for sale.  Contact me and I will put you in touch with the owner.

This is Justine with her horse, Giovanni.  I’d say they love each other!  The two of them won championship in their division at the Downeast Finals in hunter-jumper competition in 2011.  (I hope I got that right!  If not, let me know!)

“A lovely horse is always an experience…..

It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words.”  – Author Unknown

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

About 3-4 years ago I began to use a digital camera.  I knew nothing about the technical side of photography, but always owned a camera and loved being behind the lens.  I remember that I didn’t have much work at the time that first year I got my Nikon D40, so I decided to make use of all my spare time and teach myself to take pictures the way I envisioned them.

Everyday, early in the morning, I took the dogs out with me to feed the horses.  I brought my camera, too.  It was at that magical hour or two after sunrise that I learned all about light and how it gave meaning and depth to anything I photographed.  I could take the same exact picture three hours later, but it wasn’t the same picture.  At all.  There was no life, no energy, no feeling.

I finally understood why it was said that photographers were always on the lookout for that “perfect light.”  It was necessary to convey emotion.  It was the thread that wove itself around subject and its’ soul.

I have been photographing people primarily for the past three years, but this morning I yearned to go out with my camera.  To be in the golden light as morning was waking up.  Pies were in the oven, my daughter asleep, the animals were enjoying the freshly fallen snow.

I wanted to go back to where I started this journey.  To remember my roots.  To discover how far I have gone and how much more of this amazing life I have yet to discover.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
—
Native American Proverb

I had the absolute best time yesterday photographing a mother-daughter session!  Just in time for Father’s Day!  Their dresses were beyond adorable!  We were very lucky that the weather cooperated, considering we’ve had nothing but rain, clouds or fog for what seems likes weeks now.

Ava is a lucky girl, indeed.  I remember as a little girl, growing up in the city, how I constantly yearned for a horse of my own, to live in the country with lots of farm animals.  It never happened until 6 or 7 years ago.  Better late than never!  Ava has always known horses.  They are a part of her life in much the same way as her parents are.  To see her interact with them is priceless.  Children are so in the moment, can be a bit unpredictable around animals, but what I saw between Ava and a couple of the horses was pure harmony.  She had no fear, nor did she present a threat to them, and they knew it.  I was mesmerized (and secretly jealous that I didn’t have this when I was a little girl.)

Tell me this isn’t love and trust!

The second she was put on his back her face lit up in absolute bliss!  I just love how her instinct tells her to cling with her legs.

Is that the most kissable face you ever did see!!

What joy!

By now you’re probably wondering if I only do black and white photos.  Well, no, but Virginia requested an all black and white session, which I was thrilled about.  I’m actually offering a black and white “only” session, which is $50 less than the regular price, plus 20% off all prints!  I just haven’t put that into my menu yet.  Been so busy!

Ava sporting her first riding jacket!  I’m telling you, once she starts riding I think she will fly right to the tops.  She already seems to know what to do!

Thank you for sharing your little angel with me, Virginia.  She is a precious light in anyone’s day.  Can’t wait to finish editing the rest of your images!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

When you have entirely surrendered,

everything you do will be meditation.

~Yogaswami

It doesn’t matter what is going on in my life – good, bad, happy, sad – all I have to do is be in the presence of horses and instantly, all is right in my world.  Not sure what it is about them that is so soothing to me, but whatever it is I am grateful for.

I love to groom them.

I love to watch them eat.

I love to sit quietly next to them as they sleep in the sun.

I love their smell.

I love their energy.

I love how soulful they are.

I love that they are in my life.

We all hunger for the enigmatic,

the veiled unexplainable which is beyond human understanding.

Some of us satisfy this appetite with the archetypal majesty and power

of the horse. ~ Melissa Sovey-Nelson

A myth is far truer than a history,

for a history only gives a story of the

shadows, whereas a myth gives a story

of the substances that cast the shadows.

~ Annie Besant

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

The sky was clear this morning when I awoke, yet the wind still howled and the cold bit right through me when I went out with the animals.  A couple of hours after I went out the first time I noticed the sun starting to bring its first rays into the pasture.  I grabbed my camera and went out to see what I could capture before my fingers froze!

Muffin is always so curious, he watches as I come closer to see if maybe I have a carrot for him.

Fella is harder to photograph.  He’s too cool to act like he notices me!  And when he does look my way, I rarely see his eyes, which are hiding behind all that hair!

I love this image of Muffin ~ so magical with the beautiful morning light.

The rest of these pictures were taken about an hour later.  I cannot express enough how amazing the light is in Winter.  If there is anyone brave enough to want a photo session during the winter, I would love to do it!  We don’t have to when it’s this cold, unless you want to, but seriously, the light between now and March is top notch amazing!!  Let me know if you’re game ~

I know, all hair, but I love this one of Fella!

Gotta love that white butt!

Did I not say amazing light!!

A little wind, a barking Aussie, and Muffin prancing around will get Fella to lift into a half rear, and lo and behold, there’s his face!

Cody has decided to lead an aerobics class for the two horses.  After all, he says, I need a job and they need to move!

Fella is wondering what the heck is he doing and Cody is thinking “I know I can get in front of him!”

“Dude, do you not see that I am a huge smoke breathing draft horse!  Move your butt or deal with the Man!”

“Hurry up, Muffin, lets get going before that midget, loud mouth Aussie catches up!”

“I’m flying as fast as I can, but he’s right there at your feet!”

I think Muffin has had enough aerobics for the day!

The above image and the next two is a ritual between Fella and Muffin after they have played and are ready to take a nap in the sun.  It’s Fella’s way of saying “I am the Man!”  Basically they are best buds, however, someone has to be the boss.

“Dude, I get it, I get it – you da MAN!”  Two seconds later they take their places next to each other and sleep in the warm sun in the snow.  Ah, what a life!  Please do notice the awesome fantastic glorious golden light!!!  Oh, we could do photo sessions here in my pasture with these two silly minis . . .!

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“…if there is any secret to this life i live,

this is it: the sound of what cannot be seen sings within everything that can.

and there is nothing more to it than that…”  ~ Story People

It has been awhile since I have posted anything, but rest assured, I have been busy!  This post will be a combination of two sessions but all from the same family.  I think this was a great idea!   It allowed me to focus on the girls and their horses and then on mom & dad, who have not had photos done of just the two of them for 17 years.  That’s too long, you two!  We’ll have to do something about that!

Justine & Carly are gorgeous young ladies and when you combine them with gorgeous animals, such as horses, well the outcome is poetry in its finest form.  Of course, as you will see, their beauty comes directly from the source of whence it all began.

“Sitting there in your pajamas & all the time in the world

& if I could keep any moment it would be this:

watching you & holding my breath with the wonder of it all.” StoryPeople

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I have finally finished editing the rest of the pictures of Lea and her horses.  I decided to create a gallery rather than put them all in a post.  For anyone unfamiliar with these series of pictures I have been taking of Lea since last November, you may want to know that none of our time was rehearsed.  All images are candid.  My intention is to document her relationship with her horses, all the little moments that create a story.

If you would like to read the posts from the beginning, here is a link to the first one.

And the second one.

The third one.

Here is just a taste of what is in the gallery. . .

And now here is a link to The Red Streak Warrior gallery.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

A couple of weeks ago I had an amazing time with Lea and her horses, watching them play and documenting the day.  It had been six months since my last visit, which doesn’t seem possible at all.  Time does seem to fly faster as one ages.  All of these images are in color because I couldn’t resist how brilliant they were.  I hope you will see the incredible connection between Lea and her horses.  I am always in awe when I see them together, interacting, experimenting, trusting.  Enjoy the show!

I love the details.

So simple but I really love this.

The light in the forest was so beautiful.

Lea always keeps the horses on their toes.  I’m sure they wonder “what is she doing now!”

I’m in love with how this turned out!

I love how unique and intimate this one is.

The eyes say it all.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Life is a circle, a continuous cycle of seasons.  When I rescued Autumn, she was in the “Autumn” cycle of her life.  Her lack of care was evident in her emaciated body, her dull coat, her vacant eyes.  She was riddled with rain rot from head to hoof and her tail and mane was covered in burs.  But there was something about her that said “she’s the one for me.”

With love and proper care she rebounded beautifully and thrived on my little farm for nearly five years.  However, in these past couple of months she took a turn for the worst.  More and more I noticed that she was spitting partially chewed hay.  After the equine dentist came he confirmed she could no longer chew hay well enough to swallow.  Her teeth were worn down too far.  I began to feed her softened mash, which she ate contentedly, but she still wanted her hay.  It was frustrating for her to be hungry, to have the food in her mouth, but in the end to have to spit it out for fear of choking.

In my heart I knew the right thing to do was help her gracefully move on from this life on earth.  Her work was over and her body was tired.  She became beautiful over the years.  Her coat shone and you could see her spirit in her loving, kind eyes.  Her final years were good and it gladdens my heart to know that I was able to give them to her.  I can’t say enough wonderful things about Autumn, so I’ll let the following pictures do the talking.  Oh, one more thing.  All this time I thought Autumn was 20-something.  Turns out she was between 30-35.  Wow!  That made yesterday a whole lot easier for me.  In fact, it made me smile.

Winter of 2008.  She loved closing her eyes towards the sun during the winter.

This was her 2nd winter with us.

The dogs loved to come out when she was fed so they could eat the scraps.  This is Sonny waiting patiently.

Spring of 2008.  I love to photograph horses eyes.  They are so soulful, and as you can see, her spirit is fully back.

Every day I walked her up the road to a friends house so she could graze on the grass.  It was her favorite thing to do.

What a happy girl.

Dandelions were her most favorite thing to eat.  She couldn’t get enough!

May 2008 in our pasture.

This is a rare moment.  She hardly ever laid down to nap.

Autumn always insisted that the grass was always greener on the other side of the fence!

June 2008.  Now tell me, does this look like a 30-something year old horse!?

To keep her within the boundaries of my front yard, I just put rope up between trees and fence lines.  Such a good horse!

And then along came Muffin in October of 2008.  This was his 2nd day and she was still unsure of him, but much more accepting than day one.  By day 3 she was his “mommy.”

Once she realized the goats were no longer afraid of him she calmed down.

After the initiation, they became inseparable.

She was never alone and seemed to enjoy her status as Queen.

She grew a thick, beautiful coat and even the frigid cold of January didn’t bother her.

This is one of my favorites of her.  I love the colors and frozen lashes.

Basking in the January sun.

Of course there were times when Autumn had to scold Muffin, but she did so with her gentle authority.

And he would reply with “I’m a baby, don’t hurt me.”  And Autumn never, ever did him any harm.

After a good roll in the snow before breakfast, Autumn would occasionally become frisky.  I love their expressions!

Priceless!!

With Muffin around, you could say she was always entertained!

Feel the love

Another frisky moment in the freshly fallen snow.

And there always seemed to be a conversation afterward, in which Muffin realized she was bigger than him!

Heavily snow-laden maple branches = winter treats!

You can’t beat that late day February sunlight.

She even had to tolerate her little stallion, but as you can see, she wasn’t worried!

Summer 2009

Autumn’s last snow storm.

She loved to stand in her stall and look out.

Her final days of eating her mash.  The chickens picked at the bits she dropped.

Her closed stall door signifies where Muffin had to wait while she ate her portions of food.

This was the last picture I took of her, standing in the morning light, eating her breakfast, the beautiful glow of life in her eyes, where once she held a vacant stare, one I thought could never be penetrated.  But her brief time with me showed me that love is all you need.  I will always cherish my time with her and I will miss her sweet nicker whenever I came into her space.  She had a kind, big heart and I will be continually blessed because of her.  Her spirit runs free now, no longer chained to the failings of her earthly body.

I will always love you, Autumn.

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This post is inspired by the Shutter Sisters.

I love all the seasons as each one offers its own beauty. Color is everywhere, even in the dull gray of winter.

There is something so endearing about horses in their winter coats.

There is a certain glow in the early morning during the winter months. It makes everything warm and magical.

Even though this isn’t focused, I still love the action and the light.

And I love the colors during a snow storm found happily playing in the pasture. They are, of course, in the form of four-legged furry creatures!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

For those of us who live in Maine, it’s a known fact that somewhere in the midst of all the winter months, we do nothing but dream about the return of summer. However, when you are blessed with a January thaw and the temperatures soar above 32 degrees, there is a special magic that soothes us. Over the years I have developed a true love for the peace and quiet that winter gives. The extreme temperatures, in both summer and winter, are the most difficult for me to tolerate.

About a week and a half ago I was at a friends house. When I arrived it was still pretty cold, but it slowly warmed. She has two beautiful children, a huge herd of goats, horses and three Bernese Mountain dogs. Speaking of dogs, if you should ever want the most gentlest of giants, the Bernese Mountain dogs are amazing. Below you will see some images of their interactions with the kids.

I’ve been trying a new approach with my photo editing. I’m learning the art of combining textures with vintage actions. I’m loving how the pictures take on a completely different meaning. Or maybe what’s really happening is the true meaning is shining through. What do you think?

Have you ever seen so much joy!!

Kea in “the zone.”

Soldier is such a flashy boy.  Year-and-a-half old, sweet as can be.  His mother is Kea (Halflinger) and his father is a Gypsy Vanner.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Inspired once again by a post from The Shutter Sisters.

If I’m ever in a down mood or when I’m feeling uninspired, all I have to do is usher my two dogs outside to the pasture and hang out with my them and my two horses and 11 hens. It really helps that one of the horses thinks he’s a dog. Well, I suppose he can’t help it, being a pint sized miniature horse! He always initiates play when we are out in the pasture.

He and one of my dogs, Cody, especially love to play together. They chase and play tug-o-war. The images below are from two days ago, plus I included some from last winter that I think really demonstrate lightheartedness. Needless to say, I am very entertained by their antics. In between shots I engage in the play, too!

This one just makes me smile.

Yikes!!

Dressing up for Valentines Day!

Feel the love.  How can I not smile!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

What is this magic that exists between horses and the feminine ? How do you describe their interaction, their natural curiosity of one another? How do you weave respect and trust into genuine play, especially when your playmate is a 1,000 pound animal who lives on instinct and can react in a millisecond? The images below will answer these questions for you.

I spent the day with Lea this past Sunday and I continue to be awed by her way with horses. I hope you will see as I do that there is nothing more sweet than Lea’s relationship with her horses, except for maybe the wisdom she is passing on to her 8 year-old apprentice. You will see how every moment is a spontaneous response to an internal call for delight; how scarves and movement, a tall hat or pink boa can enlist laughter and thundering hooves. You will see a young girl learning the art of leadership and the delicate balance between strength and a gentle heart. You will witness a woman’s heart flowering with mystery as she weaves her way through a timeless dance. You will see that the elements of play are vast and simple, yet full of enchantment and wonder.

Have you ever played dress up with your dog or cat?  I know I have!  But have you ever played dress up with your horse or horses?  If not, and you have a horse, you might consider it the next time you wonder what fun thing you could do together.

Lea says it’s a good idea to dress strangely for your horse so they become desensitized to unfamiliar things.  So get out the costumes and have fun!

Now doesn’t Spartacus look dashing in his top hat!!

Really, Xena doesn’t mind at all getting dressed up for the boys!

“Awe, what a good girl” approves mommy Lea!

As you will see, the energy of the day shifts in many directions, creating an ever changing mood.

Many of the fantasies young girls have about horses are not only full of potential that the horse/woman relationship promises, but are also tremendous symbols for personal growth in leadership, courage and empowerment.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is no mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself.  – Havelock Ellis

Life is art and even a horse can be the canvas upon which you express your creativity.

We journeyed through the woods to a pond.  The light in the forest was fantastic.  In fact, the light of late fall throughout the winter months are among the most extraordinary forms of ambiance I know of.

Some blurry pictures tell stories anyway.

It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive.  There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.   -George Eliot

Could it be, that the horse as messenger, is such a profound teacher because once upon a time when we listened to all healers, all creatures who, in one way or another, inspired us to remember what we already knew, the horse persuaded us to believe in ourselves?   As long as we do not ask the horse to forget who he is, he will remind us of who we want to be.  – Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Thank you, Lea, for an extraordinary day.  I cannot wait for our next “play date!”

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

For several years now I have known that one day I would photograph Lea playing with her horses.   The thought would come and go, there was no dwelling as to when and where.  I just knew it would come to pass when the timing was most significant.  About two weeks ago I knew it was time, so I contacted her.  Last Sunday I arrived at the farm she is care taking and for the rest of the day it seemed a magical spell was hovering.

There are many people who own horses, but sadly there is a scarcity of true partnership between human and horse.  As you will see unfold in the following pictures, partnership and a deep, unconditional love permeates from Lea and her horses, Spartacus and Xena.  Please notice the sweet contentment in Lea’s face in all these images.  None of these are posed or rehearsed.  There were few words spoken between us.  We were both in the midst of what is most passionate to our souls, and so there was no need for words.  I hope you enjoy this beautiful dance as much as I did.

And Lea, for you I gift you with a look through the window I spent hours peering through on that day.  It was an honor to witness the beauty and the pain.  I shall hold this day forever in my heart.  I was deeply touched.

Spartacus

Xena

Lea

People can talk to one another about all these things and remain distanced and lonesome.  In partnership with a horse, one is seldom lacking for thought, emotion and inspiration.  One is always attended by a great companion.  – Charles de Kunniffy

Horses afford us the luxury of enchantment.  They fuel the imagination of children and nurture the youthful souls of adults.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

I am not only free to be myself with a horse, I am encouraged to find my brilliance.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Our youth is raw, wild, both fearless and fearful, and fiercely independent while secretly in need of contact.  Horses are ageless and non-judgmental companions who teach me responsibility yet help me find my wings.  When it is difficult to express my feelings, I’m still okay when I am with horses, all I have to do is just be.  I love them and they know it.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We are spirit, the horse and I . . . vital and animated, essence and substance, specter and apparition, boldness, enthusiasm and ardor.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We are sprites, the horse and I – mythological figures empowered with magical gifts and the stuff of childhood tales.  Often diaphanous or forced to be in the shadows, we appear with deliberate intent when messages need to be delivered.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Forever choreographing in daydreams whenever music stirred me, my visions have changed to the percussion of hooves and of rolling muscles lifting and pushing in cadenced performances together.  We are dance partners even when we are apart.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

We all hunger for the enigmatic, the veiled unexplainable which is beyond human understanding.  Some of us satisfy this appetite with the archetypal majesty and power of the horse.  -Melissa Sovey-Nelson

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

There can be no greater love than that between a girl and her horse . . . or so it would seem, especially to the young girl.  My whole life I have felt nothing but pure love for horses.  It didn’t matter that I never had the privilege to own one or even live near one.  But I always loved them and would fantasize of the day I would have one.   My dream has since been realized and my belief has been proven true . . . there can be no greater love.

I think the following images depict such love.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits