Typically February can be frigid and full of snow storms here in Maine. Not this year. We had heavy precipitation once this month. It began on Wednesday and it escalated into a raging storm by Thursday night. I heard we got 6 inches of rain as the winds screamed and slammed through the trees, tearing down anything too weak to hang on. We were without power for 2 days.

Life, as we know it, comes to a halt when the power is out. The silent aftermath can either become a time to complain about not having the creature comforts we are used to having or we can make use of less distractions and notice the beauty around us.

In all honesty, I did a little of both but I especially loved having my camera out to photograph the simplicity of nature as it lay dormant. Spring is so near right now, a bit too soon, though. How this year will unfold as the climate shifts remains a mystery.

By your own soul, learn to live.  And if men thwart you take no heed. If men hate you have no care. Sing your song, dream your dream, hope your hope and pray your prayer. - Parkenham Beatty

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

It is so easy to get comfortable with a certain way of doing things. In regards to photography, post processing in particular, I have found myself seeking new ways of bringing to life the images I take. I visit hundreds of blogs. I sample hundreds of tutorials. I read hundreds of “how to’s.” But in the end I found myself slinking back into a familiar way of presenting my work. Maybe it’s my “style” or my “signature” – a way for people to recognize my images. For them to be able to say, “yep, that’s Darlene.”

But I want to grow. I want to feel expressive in a multitude of ways. I don’t want my post processing to be my signature. I want the emotion conveyed in the images to say “this is Darlene’s work.”

The following images are from a session I did towards the end of November. I’m still working on them. The good thing about taking so long is the images and I are evolving together. I am stepping outside my “photography comfort zone” with the intention of being open to many forms of expression. These images below have been treated with a vintage look. The hardest part about this change is when I put the original image and the vintage image side by side. I have to let go of the fact that the colors are different, especially skin tones. But what I’m loving is the energy shift. It really brings to life the feeling of the moment.

The direction of this post was inspired by the latest post on Shutter Sisters.

This image represents such a sacred moment.  I just love the synchronicity between Lea and Spartacus.

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

On December 5th from 10-2 I will be at The Animal House in Damariscotta, Maine photographing animals with Santa!  Children and pet owners are welcome to be included in the photo as well.   No sitting fee and no appointments necessary.  I will be offering several options, which include packages, ala carte and Holiday cards.   The Adoption Clinic Maine Greyhound Placement Service will be there from 11-2 and I will be donating 10% that is generated through the photo sessions that day, so come help support this awesome service!

Here is the list and further down are samples of the card styles.  I used my own animals in the sample styles so you’ll just have to imagine your cat or dog in the image.   Hope to see you there!!

Ala Carte

20 4×8 flat cards w/envelopes – $30

50 4×8 flat cards w/envelopes – $60

100 4×8 flat cards w/envelopes – $90

4×6 prints . . . . . . . . . . $5

5×7 prints . . . . . . . . . . $15

8×10 prints . . . . . . . . . $30

Packages

Package A: $75 ($25 Savings)

20 cards

5 4×6 prints

1 5×7 print

1 8×10 print

Package B: $140 ($60 Savings)

50 cards

10 4×6 prints

2 5×7 prints

2 8×10 prints

Package C: $265 ($105 savings)

100 cards

20 4×6 prints

4 5×7 prints

4 8×10 prints

Package D: $45 ($15 Savings)

20 cards

2 5×7 prints

Package E: $70 ($20 Savings)

50 cards

2 5×7 prints

Package F: $95 ($25 Savings)

100 cards

2 5×7 prints

Package G: $65 ($30 Savings)

10 4×6 prints

1 5×7 print

1 8×10 print

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