Lindsey King Senior Portraits

I met Lindsey and her mother Nancy at the “Get Spotted” Appaloosa show at Gordyville, IL back in May. It was the last day of the show and we were slightly backed up with posed shots; they were the most patient individuals I have met. Despite waiting for close to 45 minutes for their turn, they were also coming in behind a horse that had made a pretty big mess on the carpet we use for posed images and yet they were as polite and gracious as you could want.

It was not long after that show that Nancy called inquiring about senior portraits for Lindsey. So on an off evening during the Illinois State Fair Junior Horse Show we met at the fairgrounds for her session. The weather was perfect, albeit a little warm the light was fantastic and as always I had a beautiful and energetic model.

Here are a few images from that senior portrait session, I hope you enjoy them as much as Lindsey and I did in creating them.

One of the things that Lindsey definitely wanted to do was get some images of her and her beautiful horse Speckles. So we spent the first hour or so just taking some shots of Lindsey and Speckles. The purpose was really two fold, one to give Lindsey the images she desired but also to give her an opportunity to get comfortable and enjoy her senior portrait session.

It was obvious watching Lindsey and Speckles interact that these are two that really share a bond, a love that can only be shared between a woman and her horse.

A few of the images were Lindsey on Speckles and it was then that I decided to try a few shots with the lens baby lens. Lindsey was not really sure about the shots at first, but being the good sport she played along

We then just started shooting and having fun, when you have someone as photogenic as Lindsey, the work of the photographer is not only easy, it is just plain fun!

This is without a doubt one of my favorites. It has that natural, windblown look to it that I think really shows Lindsey’s beauty…

At one point Lindsey and I moved off away from her family to just get some nice head shots and with a swing close by, well it was something we just could not pass up!

Can’t leave out the barn shot when you have a horse woman!

We rounded out the evening with a few shots inside the barn with a little fill light.

The last shot was Lindsey talking Speckles for a walk….

I would like to thank both Nancy King and Lindsey for allowing me the pleasure of capturing Lindsey’s senior portraits, it was a fun evening that I will remember for years to come!

Lindsey Walker Wedding

I thought I would take a quick moment and share another image from Lindsey Walkers’ wedding. Her flower girl, was absolutely a cutie with an infectious smile. One could not help but enjoy the moment when she was around. I thought her and Lindsey made a wonderful pair and the affection between the two of them was obvious to everyone.

Dead Dog Creek

Dead Dog Creek is a Competitive Distance / Endurance Ride that is a UMECRA sanctioned ride at Stephen Forbes State Park in Kinmundy, IL. The ride in 2009 will be memorable if for no other reason than the day before, it rained – and rained – and rained some more. As a matter of fact the ride was delayed 4 1/2 hours on Saturday due to the rain. I left Springfield, IL Friday evening around 5pm for the 2 hour drive to Salem, IL which is where I would be staying during the ride. The sky was cloudy in Springfield but there had been no rain. Once I reached Litchfield, IL the rains came and they did not stop until I was just outside of Salem.

I thought that the worst was over, but I was wrong. No sooner had I parked the truck at the motel that the skies opened up again the rains came and poured for the rest of the night. As much fun as I had that weekend, I was very happy to get back to a dry Springfield!

Here are a few images from that weekend. Despite the rain, it was an enjoyable weekend with plenty of friends and beautiful horses.

My Backyard Ride 2009

One of the events that I photograph is Competitive Distance / Endurance riding. I enjoy getting out on the trail and watching both rider and horse enjoy the crisp morning air and warm sun as they ride over trails through corn fields, wooded creek crossing and along fence lines. In 2009 one of our first rides was the AHDRA I – My Backyard Ride in Wyanet, IL on the property of Jen Allen and family.

Although I spend a lot of time shooting weddings, senior portrait sessions and cutting shows, my first love is endurance / competitive distance riding. It is the comaraderie of the riders, the environment of horse and man, the elements of nature thrown in – it is the combination of these and just my love for being outdoors; there is nothing quite like watching everyone do their part to ensure the safety of the horses and riders, and how as a group everyone pulls together to make the weekend a successful one. Equine photography will always remain a part of our business and within that endurance / competitive distance will always be at the top!

Here are a few images from the ride, it was a bright, warm weekend with no rain and blue skies. Perfect weather for riding horses!

Mandy & Jasmine

I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Mandy Short and the lively Thoroughbred Jasmine.  Jasmine is the quintessential definition of a thoroughbred, high energy with a mind of her own.  Her owner is the exact opposite.  Mandy is a quite unassuming young lady with a perpetual smile on her face and a kindhearted soul that is noticed immediately.

Mandy wanted to have some portrait images taken of her and her two horses while wearing her beautiful pink toned  prom dress.  At first there was a concern how the horses would react to the rumbling and crackling of the dress but to all of our surprise, the horses acted as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

As she emerged from the barn, I started shooting, primarily to get some meter readings and to also catch Mandy in a casual environment.  Of course the moment she realized that the camera was rolling she started laughing and all of her concern and fear went away….

This is the first of two sets of Mandy.  Set one is Jasmine and set two will be Beamer.

Aaron Sosnowski Senior Pictures

I recently had the privilege of taking my nephew’s senior pictures.  Aaron is the eldest of my sister Kristi’s five children.  Aaron is a senior this year at Rockford Christian School in Rockford, IL.

Arianna Haines

Arianna & Abby, or as most everyone calls her Crabby Abby.

Arianna was a true joy to photograph.  She was excited, and has such a beautiful,  and infectious smile that she really makes the job of a photographer so much easier.  Nothing forced, just a carefree, wonderful young lady with a great attitude.  I met Arianna and her mom recently on a Saturday afternoon for her portrait session.  Behind the barns just a short walk down a path is a nice open space that really makes for quality photographs.  Abby of course was being her usual crabby self.  Refused to put up her ears, no matter what we tried.  She made it clear that she was not going to cooperate – that was right until the very end!  Right before we finished up, Crabby Abby decided that she wanted her picture taken and started putting up the ears, she even came close to smiling.  In the end, we had a great time with the session and I am sure that you will agree Arianna’s photos are just beautiful.