Here are some shots taken at the recent Central Oklahoma Pinto Show in Purcell.  Even in 120 degrees everyone had a great time.

It has sure been a while since my last post so I'll try to catch you up a little bit.  I decided not to really get out much during the dreadful 2011 Blizzard although I did capture a few photos of the critters during the snowfall.  I've done some "prop" shopping and found some really nifty items so watch for them to show up in future shoots.  While I was out and about today I happened to pass by Will Rogers Downs and noticed warm-ups prior to a race so I stopped in and captured some images of the horses and their trainers working out.  Thought I would post a few for your viewing pleasure along with a couple from the blizzard.  

January 1st was a day spent shooting the biggest barrel race of my career.  The event was held at the Claremore Expo in the indoor arena (one of the worst lit arenas in this area).  Unfortunately the promoter would not allow the use of flash during the event which is evident by the increased grain in the photos.  Not an ideal situation to say the least.  In order to prevent the photos from being so dark there was nothing discernible, I did not shoot with the necessary action stopping shutter speed which has resulted in some leg blur.    I made the decision to reduce the shutter speed in favor of light so that the exhibitors would have something to choose from although I must admit I am less than pleased with the quality.  The photos below are indicative of the results obtained in a low light situation.     

The photo below was entered into a 2011 Horse Calendar Contest for The Horse Rescue Site.  My image was one of 13 that won Judges Picks.  The proceeds from sales of the calendar go to benefit equine rescue.  It was an honor to have my work chosen to be included in this project for such a worthy cause.  Links to purchase the calendar will be posted once publication of the calendars is complete.  I have linked to the website where you can browse to your heart's content.  Each click on their site provides support for this awesome cause.  I want to extend a big 'thank you' and 'congratulations' to Patty Canon and Tribute To Tradition otherwise known as Daisy. 

With the new year fast approaching I decided to post the last couple shots of the 2010 year.  The subject is my first love......Valendeckas Storm.  A registered half Arabian gelding that I have owned and loved since he was three months old.  This April he will be seven.  He has shown me patience, love, courage, trust, determination, friendship and further expounded my passion for equine photography.  It's actually pretty hard to get good shots of him cause he's always "in my pocket" as you can see.  There is such an unmistakable intelligence in him along with an overwhelming sense of curiosity and playfulness.  He has definitely left his hoof prints on my heart.

I've been working away at creating these equine illustrations since September.  The original photographs were taken at the Oklahoma Buckskin Circuit Show in Claremore.  I enjoy creating these works very much.   Most of the time I don't even know who the horse belongs to but sometimes I do.  This is the first time I've ever painted babies!  Stay tuned for more to come.....

I've finished another equine illustration.  This is a buckskin filly named Love N Glow whose barn name is Rusty.  She belongs to Dean and Dinah Coop of Inola.  Creating these works are some of the most enjoyable things I do.