A year ago I was asked by a friend to photograph she and her horse. On a sun-soaked evening we spent a couple of hours in the presence of a wonderful Arabian horse named Diamonds. When I showed the images to my friend she was unable to decide which one image she wanted to use as a framed print. Within a few weeks she asked me if I would help her put together a book of the images. Over the past months we crafted a book that tells the story of the relationship between this horse and rider; from over 15 years ago when she got Diamonds, through the four seasons with photographs she had collected, to the present time and the images I took that summer evening. We included the horse’s registration papers and the reminiscences that she has of their adventures over the years. The book was printed in a 12×12″ size. We used full-page photographs as well as groupings of small details, allowing the story to come alive on the pages. Today I delivered the book to her. Slowly she went through each page, lingering over the images and the many memories they have shared. The book has allowed her to collect in one place and put to page this wonderful story that she can now share with her friends and treasure for years. As the sun was filtering through the trees, I made this image by panning as they rode by, capturing their fluidity and grace. We included the photograph in the book with a quote by Sharon Ralls Lemon that sums up this horse and rider’s relationship — “The essential joy of being with horses is that is brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.”
landscapes
Summer sunrise
We arose in the dark early yesterday morning and headed north to one of our favorite little lakes. With the boat in tow, loaded with fishing and camera gear, we were set for a summer outing. We had only just headed out from the landing when the sun cleared the horizon and broke over the tree line. The clouds reflected the colors of the sun, and the reflection came alive in the surface of the lake – both in the calm water, and in the wake behind the boat. This glorious sunrise was only a prelude to the rest of the day. We had packed a breakfast to enjoy on the boat in our “lake with a view.” The fishing was good; we caught a mess of crappies and sunfish (some of the best lake fish for eating). The morning remained pleasantly cool, and we marveled at the sandhill cranes that passed overhead and the loons that called from another area of the lake. Before we knew it, a full six hours had passed. After the trip home to unload and shower, we then headed to the Minnesota Twins baseball game (another rite of summer). The crowd enjoyed a well-played game under the summer sky, and celebrated the Twins’ win after the sun had set. One full day with two of my favorite summer past-times; I can’t help but feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy all of this.
Morning rain in the Japanese garden
I spent the morning at Como Park in the McNeely Conservatory and the Ordway Japanese Garden. Although we had the promise of bright sunshine and hot and humid weather for the day, the morning was cool and cloudy. The light was actually quite beautiful for photographing. I spent a half hour in the Japanese garden and was preparing to leave when I heard the sound of raindrops hitting the pond. As beautiful as the sound was, the sight of the large drops punctuating the calm water’s surface was delightful. I stayed through the rain showers and continued to photograph, enjoying the freshness of the rain, the cool of the morning, and the peacefulness and beauty that I found in the garden.
Sunset on the lake
We were lucky to have family from Kansas visiting us in Minnesota this past weekend. Knowing that they are all avid fishermen we decided to share some of the wonderful lake fishing we have in our state of 10,000+ lakes. Yesterday started with some (successful) Northern Pike fishing on a small lake near the Twin Cities. Then we headed north for an evening launch on Mille Lacs Lake. After a day of clouds and overcast skies and even a few raindrops, we were hopeful our trip on the big lake would not be rained out. As luck would have it, the clouds parted and we enjoyed some sun, blue skies, and a wonderful sunset over the lake. As luck would not have it, our fishing success was somewhat limited; one perch, and a couple of walleye that were too big to keep. But we did keep the experience of a shared night of fun, laughter, a beautiful sunset, and the camaraderie of family and friends. Thanks to them all for a memorable weekend!
Wind, weather, and a road trip
I hit the road this past weekend for a quick trip to the Kansas City area. It was a time for catching up with family and celebrating my niece’s high school graduation. We were even able to fit in an evening of pond fishing – the winds were calm, the air was warm, the sunset over the farmland was beautiful, and even the fishing was successful. I headed back home to Minnesota yesterday, leaving Kansas City in the morning after an early thunder-storm had passed. The sun was out and the temperature was rising, as was the humidity. I was watching dark and threatening clouds to the north, hoping they would move east before I got to that area. As I arrived in northern Iowa, the weather intensified to the north and east with large clouds blossoming on the horizon right along the front line. The radio station kept interrupting with severe weather and tornado warnings to the east and the south. When the interstate merged to one-lane and the cars started to back up, I took the first exit. This area of northern Iowa is filled with wind turbine farms, all working to harness the power of the winds that blow across these plains. Their height and power seemed to compliment the weather that was building in the area. My timing was perfect as I was west of this storm system, and my time photographing allowed me to miss the heavy downpours that were to the north. I managed to arrive home in between the storms, but with an appreciation of the power (and randomness) of Mother Nature.
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