Equine Head Studies

To motivate myself as a photographer, I decided to enroll in an on-line photography class.
The best part is that it involves my two great loves - Photography and Horses!

I have photographed horses in the past and know many of the challenges involved, so why not learn even more and try to conquer some of these factors.

Our first real assignment began in Week Two.

Equine Head Studies.

Attention to details is especially critical for good headshots! For a standard posed head shot it is very important that the horse is well groomed. (Even the slightest bit of dust and dirt will be obvious in the final photo!)

The classic head shot is one in which the horse is showing a great deal of expression.

To accomplish this, the right "ear" person is a tremendous asset!

Like Murphy's Law, whenever you hold a camera up to a horse - the ears go back.  Not a good look for a horse. 
So, instead of saying 'Cheeeeese'!! - a horse photographer needs to do something out of the ordinary to get the horse to look, pose, and perk those ears!!

It's not unusual to get the suspicious eye, or camera shy horse. 

Others just want to know what is in that feed bucket that keeps shaking in front of his face!

The effects can be quite nice, but if you were to take a video of some of these photo shoots it could also be quite comical.

Handlers walking in circles trying to reposition the horse, an "ear" person running back and forth shaking a bucket filled with tempting grain, and even another helper lunging her pony around to grab the 'models' attention.

Nobody ever said horse people were completely sane.  But, at least we can all understand each other and share in our love of horses.

End of Winter

A marvelous bird is the Pelican.

His beak can hold more than his belly can.

He can store in his beak

Enough food for a week

And I don't know how the hell 'e can.

My reprieve from the (relatively mild) Winter in the Northeast, led me to a special island off the coast of Florida.

I had almost forgotten how therapeutic and tranquil the atmosphere in Florida can be.

It had been several years since I had spent time there, and I immediately felt the mellowness and laid back feeling induced by the warm breezes and flowing palm trees.

Life seems to take a back seat.

I become more aware of the tide changes and the colors that form throughout the day.

The sun dazzles me and embraces.

The hues in the sky and sea - mesmerize.

I contemplate the Pelican.

And the poem I heard many years ago.



.

Boudoir Photography

I'm very excited to share a session I did recently under the category of "Boudoir Photography".

The word "boudoir" can be translated to mean "a woman's private dressing room, sitting room or bedroom."

These sessions are increasingly popular and so much fun to plan for and shoot.
It's all about stepping out of the box and portraying ones beauty inside and out!

Most sessions are not only for the husband, fiancé, or boyfriend they are intended for - but also an experience accepting ourselves, embracing our self-confidence, and living out a bit of a fantasy.

It's empowering.

We are all saturated with images of models, actress, Hollywood stars that are suppose to emulate the perfect body, or the perfect look.
It can be quite intimidating for women (and men alike!)

But why can't we all all feel this way - celebrate our look, our body!

Beauty is not only physical - Beauty comes from deep within us.

Our self esteem, our self confidence, our uniqueness.

This is beauty, this is sexy!












I love my fantasy photo shoots and boudoir is no different. I recommend this experience for every women, no matter her age or body type. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful, to feel sexy.

Thank you again for this incredible session and these amazing, gorgeous images!

Scenes from the Beach

The allure of the beach.

Enjoying the warmth of the sun, the playful waves, soft sand, and the beauty of the sunset.

To be a part of the experience also evokes the need to have a camera available and ready to shoot.

This evening, I had two willing and very good looking “models” to play in the surf and sand at the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel.

We recorded the transition of light that takes place during the setting sun.

The “Golden Hour” of Photography has always been known for the beautiful light that is created at sunrise and sunset.

The sunlight during this time, creates soft warm colors and romantic hues.

To capture the feel of walking on an isolated beach during peak vacation season, creative cropping and tools from Photoshop assist with the illusion.

The most important part of shooting on the beach is to have fun!

You can’t help but smile and laugh at the unexpected waves crashing against your legs.

Or the spontaneous moments that just happen!



Squirrel Release - 2011

One of the rewards from volunteering at a wildlife rescue sanctuary, is being a part of the release of a rehabilitated animal.

Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and treatment to sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

This Spring many baby squirrels were brought in, often hairless and in critical care. These abandoned babies fall out of trees, or can be victims of a tree being cut down in early Spring.

With constant care, and observation, these squirrel mature into healthy beings and are ready for release back into the wild.

I was given the opportunity to adopt several squirrels for release in my yard. I spent the day, watching their first taste of freedom with camera in hand, of course!

While watching two boxes of squirrel that I nailed to the trees, I was amused that one set was immediately curious about their new surroundings!

However, a bit leery of the paparazzi stalking them with a camera.

But soon the outside world was filled with so many wonderful things to touch, smell and even taste!

Climbing skills were carefully tested out.

And soon this little squirrel "owned" this tree!!

Sharing the experience with his roommate.

The second box of squirrels contained 4 in all. They were not as brave. However, the food right outside the 'doorstep' was very enticing! Until you reach out too far and FALL out! Oops, that's what happened to this guy!

He appeared quite nervous, but tried to coax his friends out too.

Before long, he - too - was 'owning' the tree!

This quote is from Antler Ridge 

 "As a wildlife Rehabilitator we get asked all the time, why does it make a difference for one more squirrel, raccoon, groundhog, fawn? Because we have to help preserve the land that supports the animals to help keep the eco system balanced. Each wild animal is a vital link to the circle of life and it does make a difference to the one that is saved. "

I'm happy to make a difference!

.