Winter in Maine {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on January 31, 2010

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.

Merry Christmas! {Maine Lifestyle Photographer}

Posted on December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas!  I can’t believe how time seems to be flying by faster and faster.  It only seems like yesterday I was swatting mosquitoes in the hot, smoldering sun, but now it’s 10 degrees out, the ground is frozen, the wind is icy and believe me - there are no bugs to be found!  I’m glad about that last part

In the midst of our economic downturn, there continues to be many blessings and cherishable moments in my life.  Things that are usually taken for granted, like a warm house to live in, food in the cupboards, the company of good friends and the ability to work are all treasures to be grateful for.  And I am.  Every single day.  When I hear sad news about animal neglect during these hard times, I look at each of my animals with a warmth in my heart knowing they will never hunger or suffer.  And I pray for those who can no longer care for their animals or children that they will have the wisdom and strength to ask for help rather than walk away.

Life as we once knew it is changing - always for better - always for the greater good of all.  It isn’t always an easy journey.  There are bumps in the road, mountains to climb and even raging storms to hunker down in and wait patiently for them to pass.  But I have learned that if we are true to ourselves and do what our life calls us to do, if we remain humble, if we remain open and flexible so we can move with the changes, it will and does turn out okay.

I wish each of you the gift of a new year, which always offers us the opportunity to begin anew, to see from a different vantage point, and to move forward as if for the first time - in wonder and excitement.

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.”

My daughter, Annabelle, bought me a Nikon 50mm lens for Christmas, (of course, gave it to me early) and these four pictures were taken using it.  I love how the shallow depth of field creates a dreamy quality to the image.  I love you, Annabelle!!  Isn’t she the best!!

Sonny

Cody

HorsePlay - A Celebration of Life

Posted on November 14, 2009

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