A Big Horn ram’s age is usually indicated by the size of his horns, especially if they are broken at the tip from battles with other rams over the years. I came across a group of rams grazing in the sweet clover. The broken, jagged edge of this ram's horns caught some of the clover, adding color to his appearance.…
From my abstract series: I’d read a book several years ago about a photographer who would use unconventional ways to create abstract photographs. I tried a few of his ideas, with several attempts, to achieve the look I was after. I love the vibrant tones brought out in this photograph, especially enhanced by printing on Gicleé archival canvas. …
South Dakota received abundant rains in 2019. The vibrancy of the green grass was almost unrealistic and so refreshing after many years of drought. The fresh colors of the landscape after the rain and the vibrant color of the sky seems to usher in a new start of the season. From the bottom right I used the darkened areas of…
The evening was still, a rarity on the northern Great Plains. The storm clouds passed, leaving in their wake newness and another beginning. The sunset tends to grab our attention. However, I've discovered that what the rays are reflecting on in the eastern sky to be even more impactful.
Perched on atop a pinnacle of rock, I watched the sun set behind Sylvan Lake. What magical colors left in its wake! While thinking of a title for this photograph, the words to Taps came to mind: “Day is done, Gone the sun, From the hills, From the lake, From the skies. All is well, Safely rest, God is nigh.” Sylvan Lake is located in the Black…
Looking closely you can see the authenticity of this roper. A few conchos are missing on her chinks. The leather in the chinks have seen much wear. This is an authentic cowgirl. She works hard and she knows what she’s doing. Her saddle is handmade. Her horse gentle and well mannered under her skills as a horsewoman.
Another wildflower found gracing South Dakota’s prairie is the Bachelor Button. I was on my way home from riding my horse moving cows to a new pasture when I stumbled upon this delicate beauty.
I was given the opportunity to soar over Badlands National Park in late summer. It was incredible to view the landscape from the air with the windows open and my camera hanging out. Colors abound in varying shades throughout the Badlands. Some sections feature gray tones, others browns and reds. This extension of Yellow Mounds captured my attention. …
This photograph taken in Badlands National Park highlights the contrast of the rugged landscape against the lush green of spring. Clouds break after a rain shower and the fresh smell is intoxicating!
Mountain top views of the Black Hills make one feel so small. The layers and depth of the landscape invite us to take it all in. My son and I hiked to the top of this peak from which this photograph was taken. We soaked in the landscape for an hour or so before the lighting was right for the…
Bright yellow fields of faces lifted to the sky and a hazy sunset create a scene where one is not overpowered by the other. It’s like a perfect song. The fires out west created some unique views at sunset.
Bleeding Heart blooms. A love of many. This specific plant has a wonderful personal story behind it: My Great-Grandmother immigrated from Norway when she was 19 years old. She married a Norwegian and settle down on the edge of Chicago back in the 20's. Her garden was incredible and she planted Bleeding Hearts. My Grandmother moved out to the northern Chicago…
During our local Ranch Rodeo weekend in Murdo, I walked over to the rough stock after they'd been used for the Gumbo Range Ride. I'm drawn to the color spectrum of a paint horse and especially the blue eyes of this one. The broncs were a little unsettled while I sat on top of the panels and waited. Blue Eyes stepped…
"I love the beauty and texture in a thunderhead!" On Cristen's ranch by Okaton, South Dakota, the sky is unhindered for a full show of the storm until it passes. This 'Brewing' thunderhead was shot from the top of the hill south of her ranch house. "My house has fantastic windows to allow for a great view of the sky surround…
Though its the 21st century, the authentic cowboy still roams the South Dakota prairies. Many dress in traditional cowboy attire handcrafted by themselves. He takes care of his family by taking care of his cattle. He is quick to offer a hand to his neighbor and to share a good story out on the range. That is where I met him.…
This was the first time I’d ever heard the sound of a bull elk sending forth his bugle. It’s both a mournful and intimidating sound that filled me with awe. My husband and I were spending a few days in the Grand Tetons for our 10th wedding anniversary. We hadn’t spotted a lot of wildlife but on our last morning, we…
One of the many advantages to living on the prairie is tracking the storms as they form, explode and move on. Evening storms are always the best as the descending light creates vibrant colors in the clouds. This particular evening in June, the storm had moved on but was still raging as the sun began it's farewell. So many colors…
I noticed this band of horses on the way to somewhere. I stopped to photograph them and was late to where I was headed. Sometimes I feel caught between being a responsible adult and stopping to enjoy some spontaneity. I think there’s room for both!
Who doesn't occasionally long to go back to the simplicity of childhood? As adults, we can still recapture glimpses of it such as running free under fluffy clouds passing overhead, inhaling the crisp air of fall.
Badlands National Park features breathtaking landscape. The lighting, the clouds, and the weather is ever changing and drawing one to explore and each new scene before our eyes.
Summers are for sunshine and wildflowers! One of my favorite flowers found in the pastures of our cattle ranch in South Dakota's western prairie are the Coneflowers. Also called Echinacea, their pink peddles stand tall among the waving prairie grasses. I wandered through the pasture that seems to boast the most wildflowers, in search of groupings. Photographed near sunset to…
Walking down the path the horses made, from the pasture to the water tank, my hands brushed the tips of the tall brome grass. The gentle evening breeze invited them to sway, the slow motion of their movement appearing as though they dance. Photography is typically known for still imagery. In order to capture the motion of the moving grasses,…
In the heart of the Black Hills lies Deerfield Lake. Dramatic skies reflect across the smooth peaceful waters. The cry of a Loon can be heard in the quiet.
I noticed these reeds on a recent trip to Sylvan Lake with my son. While he played in the water, I played with several compositions for this photograph. It was so relaxing to just focus on the little details. If you look close, you can see a fly's reflection.
Watching an elk in the wild was a treat and highlight of that morning. My husband and I were in the Grand Tetons celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We hadn’t spotted a lot of wildlife but on our last morning as we were leaving, we saw this bull. I hide behind some bushes and tracked him for a little as he…
The setting sun brings vibrant tones to the sky and landscape in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. Taken in May after seasonal rains brought the green grasses.
I'd planned an evening of shooting in Badlands National Park. The clouds were abundant in the sky, which I love because they create dramatic backdrops for the landscape. I arrived to this location, set up my camera and tripod and took a few test shots to adjust for the lighting. Then, the clouds broke in a perfect place for the evening…
Using the yucca as an anchor in the foreground, I wanted to show a scale of the vast open prairie uninhibited by fences and buildings. The combination of the prairies lush green and the magnificent sky add to the depth of the landscape. The green grasses bring hope as the sight of new life abundantly transforms the northern plains of South…
Our roots come from that which gives us the ability to withstand the hardships and struggles of life. I grew up in small churches, the privilege of a pastor’s daughter, where I learned about Jesus. He is the strength in my foundation.
Farmers across South Dakota, and especially in Jones County, have been planting flax for several years. During the blooming season the entire field is bright blue. It is an incredible sight-a sea of blue on the wide open prairie. Flax blooms are a delicate flower but able to withstand the winds of the Northern Great Plains. …
Upon exploring southern Stanley County, Cristen sought shelter from 70 mph winds and damaging hail. Not expecting the severity of the storm to be so grave she stopped at a ranch along Lincoln Road north of Draper asking for refuge to wait out the storm. This photograph was taken just outside the shed door where her car was safely parked.…
The eyes tell a lot about a horse and seem to share what they think. This big gray was a little rough around the edges (rodeo rough stock) but his eyes gazed gently at me. I used the available light behind him to highlight his huge eye.
Searching for wildflowers along Castle Trail in Badlands National Park, a friend and I came upon this cactus clustered formation. The day was near to a close and the peacefulness of the Badlands surrounded us. While thinking of a title for this photograph, the words to Taps came to mind: “Day is done, Gone the sun, From the hills, From the lake, From the…
The drive-through granary is one of the buildings still left on the family homestead. Taken just after sunset while the colors pop before it all goes dark. The dam just beyond the granary is one of the best pheasant hunting spots.
Spending the evening near Bear Butte in the peacefulness of early fall, I was taken by the vast sky reflecting across the water. As I thought of a title for this photograph, a quote in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables came to mind, “It just makes me feel glad to be alive-it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be…
For over 110 years Grandview Township school has watched the sun. The artistry of each day has been experienced and engraved upon this historic building of Jones County history. With a new name as Grandview Gallery, history, education and art will continue to thrive on the Northern Great Plains!
Three generations have used Grandpa Mel’s saddle. Grandma Clarice purchased it from Sears Roebuck & Co. around 1967 for Grandpa. Many miles were spent in this well beloved gift, including adding a sofa pillow around the saddle horn as a comfortable seat for several of his children on long cattle drives. When Grandpa wasn't riding on any given day, my…
The first signs of blooms in my garden each spring are the sweet grape hyacinths. I'm partial to them for a few reasons-they remind me of my grandmother and when their leaves start to turn green and blooms are near, so is spring! After a long winter, it's like a breath of fresh air! I created this photograph in the…
The evening started with dark clouds and scattered rain but gave way to the setting sun as the sky exploded in color. Silverleaf scurfpea sway with the wind from the hilltop vista I call, Glorious Splendor. With views of the White River and 30 plus miles of the Northern Plains, Glorious Splendor is one of the highest ridges on the…
I arrived in the Badlands on the tail end of a storm threatening hail. The sun pushing through random openings in the clouds, illuminating the east bound storm. The dramatic sky and the peaceful landscape drew me in to the beauty.
After an evening of hiking in Badlands National Park in the middle of Fall, the kids and I enjoyed a picnic lunch. While they ate, I wandered along the nearby stream enjoying the water flowing through the dry and rugged terrain. Several years in a row of drought, the water in the fall gave hope for the coming year.
I was out running a late February morning, watching the sky as I always do. The clouds were moving fast and the threat of moisture was evident. When I returned home, I grabbed my gear and headed for the highest hill in my pasture to see what I could see. The clouds rolled on and the colors changed. A small…
Those moments that cause me to stop and breathe, taking in all that is before me, are more rare than I would like. Is my life too full of excess when all I long for is simplicity? Devils Tower, found in Wyoming in the northern Black Hills, surrounded by blue sky and fluffy clouds was one of those treasured moments…
The day of work is over. A time of rest has come. I enjoy creating silhouettes and horses are a fun challenge. My ranch quarter horses don’t generally care to pose and so I work with what they do give me. Positioned low to the ground to bring their silhouettes to the horizon, I used a fast shutter speed to…
This is my favorite from a day of shooting in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. I love the lines in the Badlands and the simple clouds above. In order to isolate this section, I hiked along a game trail. This peak blends in with the rest of the Badlands as one travels on the road through the park. The…
July 2017 brought little rain and relief from the heat in western South Dakota. On this particular evening, I’d intended to shoot the wheat fields with the reflection of the setting sun against the eastern sky. I received a show of colors that I hadn't bargained for! A sliver of light broke through as the storm clouds moved from the…
Breezy clouds, deep blue skies, and bright green grasses sprinkling of colorful flowers. These are the makings of a perfect summers day on the Northern Great Plains. This photograph was captured near my ranch in western South Dakota, where I enjoy a front row seat of the changing seasons and the daily beauty the prairie boasts. …
On the Northern Great Plains, everything blade of grass and wildflower on the open prairie is touched by the sun. In this photograph, I wanted to contrast the vast expanse from the details in the wildflowers and grasses all the way to the to the setting sun.
With a scenic view of about 30 miles, the drive into Okaton is worth a stop along I-90 through South Dakota. As the sun set, casting reflective pink light on the dam water, the landscape seemed to let out a peaceful sigh at the end of the day.
Spending a day hiking through Spearfish Canyon through rather steep terrain is rewarded with birds eye views. As the sun moved through the canyon, highlighting the last of the aspen colors in late fall, I was struck by the contrast of the light and the shadow.
An old homestead garden on South Dakota's prairie continues to share it's beauty of Irises planted many years ago. Golden Hour-my favorite time to photograph when the sun is low and the shadows are deepened, creating warm and vibrant light.
Driving the iconic Needles Highway, I stopped at a lookout point to capture the eastern sky at sunset. The last glimpse of light over the peaceful mountains is the perfect end to a long day.
Standing in the pasture to compose my barn in the foreground for the storm and lightning, I was surrounded by explosions. I stayed out as long I dared, trying to capture lightning bolts. The depth in the clouds were amazing and the beauty of the storm now forever to be remembered.
I find Longhorns to be beautiful with so much character in their varied colors and tones, but what captivates me most is, of course, their horns. I chose high key black and white in my final process for this photograph. Shooting from low to the ground in order to isolate the horns against the sky.
It was the birthday of our great-neice, Louisa. Her heartbeat was no more and our neice-in-law delivered her on the 9th of June. Her precious life touched us all as we mourned. Wandering one of our pastures searching for wildflowers, I felt at a loss as to how to document the day. Louisa was born in Iowa but has roots…
A perfect natural combination of the complementary colors yellows and purple as sun sets beyond Badlands National Park. Abundant rains through the summer of 2019 brought a lush landscape and an overload of clover.
How many can just turn off the lights and have immediate access to the Milky Way? I flipped the switch on our yard light and was instantly surrounded by darkness. Increasing my camera’s sensitivity and setting my exposure for 20 seconds, the camera can fully capture what the eye cannot fully comprehend. …
While out scouting for interesting locations near Brookings, SD, I came across this small lake. The bare tree trunks standing in water fascinated me. It was a peaceful evening and I wanted something to reflect the peace of the water. As I set up my camera and tripod, the gentle wisp of a cloud passed through. This made the composition…
For our 10th wedding anniversary, Marty and I traveled to the Grand Tetons. I have wanted to spend time there for years and it was such an enjoyable trip! Marty had high hopes of seeing a moose. On a hike up Garnet Canyon towards the middle Teton, we spotted one down below near a small pond. He was so far away…
Hiking along Willow Creek Trail in the Black Hills one November day, I found this incredible gem of frozen water looking like the gems of a necklace. In order to capture this angle, I had to climb over some rather icy rocks. It was an adventure but so worth the effort.
The jagged landscape shoots towards the sky. Surrounded by the northern Great Plains the Badlands feel like mountains, especially if viewed from the base. The last light of sunset touches the clouds in pink. A surreal, yet comforting solitude encompasses the soul.
Overlooking 30 miles of prairie, this grain elevator continues to stand at the edge of the small town of Okaton, South Dakota. Each year the weather decreases the size and stature of the structure. Over the years of living near this prairie skyscraper, I have documented the changes of the building.
Overlooking 30 miles of prairie, this grain elevator continues to stand at the edge of the small town of Okaton, South Dakota. Each year the weather decreases the size and stature of the structure. Over the years of living near this prairie skyscraper, I have documented the changes of the building.
Hunting for the South Dakota state flower in the spring is always a fun adventure. I returned to a favorite location in the Black Hills during a wet spring snow. I was delighted to find several small clumps of hearty pasque braving the weather, seemingly unaffected by the cold.
Cristen was out for a drive one August evening as the storm rolled in. No plans other than to explore. "My husband and I found this lone baby buffalo wandering the prairie of the buffalo ranch in our county. The sliver of sunset sky behind the clouds shows light behind the pending storm, and the lone baby buffalo is able…
The sun had set, casting its reflection upon the greatest of the lakes, the mosquitoes serenaded me and the crashing water lapped up along the rocky shore near Winthrop Harbor. After the sun has set, the lighting is perfect to create long exposures-the water was actually quite loud but by using a slow shutter speed I was able to eliminate…
When the sun sets with clouds in the sky, the colors it leaves in its wake are often more spectacular than the sunset itself. Often I find that after the sun has sunk below the horizon the magic in the sky really starts to happen. I was in the Badlands for an evening of shooting. These colors that emerged post…
A long exposure was used to allow time for the clouds to show their movement as they passed by the still, rugged landscape, ever observing the changes of the sky. Pure poetry!
A crisp morning during the Black Hills Stock Show, back in February, as the rough stock awaited their rodeo appearance. To create backlighting in a photograph, one needs to face the sun. I also moved my position to a higher vantage point by sitting on top of the corral panels. Using the morning light streaming over the building and the…
This is the view from my favorite hill on the ranch, Glorious Splendor. The storm rolled by the Great Plains near Okaton, South Dakota, at sunset, releasing what meteorologists call virga, a streak of precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground. Red tones highlight the late winter grasses as the colors in the sky explode from the setting sun reflected…
In order to see the Milky Way, one needs to be far from light pollution to allow the camera a long exposure time to fully capture the colors. Here is the Milky Way reflecting off the water of a stock dam out on the South Dakota prairie. In this photograph, I used the Sunny White Balance to allow the blue tones…
I wanted something different that highlighted the regal stature of this ram. Shifting my position so most of his body was hidden behind this section of rock, I used the land to create a more mysterious frame so the viewer focuses on his head. I like the minimal appeal this image brings. …
Cone-flowers are such joyful prairie blooms-vibrant colors that stand out among the grasses, paying tribute to their Maker. The evening started with dark clouds and scattered rain but gave way to lovely blue skies, characteristic of a peaceful summer’s day.
Seven months before, this landscape was destroyed by an accidental fire. The Yucca was crisp with no sign of life on the surface. What was unseen, the depths of the roots, had not cut of the supply of life.
:I planned an early morning shoot. The barn faces the south and I was hoping for some splendid clouds behind it to the west and north. I've found that when the sun is about down in the evening or just as it peaks over the horizon in the morning, the clouds in the opposite direction give a most spectacular show.…
I was given the opportunity to soar over Badlands National Park in late summer. It was incredible to view the landscape from the air with the windows open and my camera hanging out. This is my favorite image from the evening. The white tips of thin sediment were like nothing I've ever seen in the Badlands, almost like lace draped…
I'm ever fascinated by the snow drifts throughout western South Dakota. The lines and shapes rise and fall as though they are the tide coming to shore from the ocean.
Traditionally, photography creates a still image. Wanting to give the prairie a feel of motion I used my camera more like a painters brush, creating sweeping like texture for this photograph. I call this print "Rolling Prairie," which depicts the colors of the moving landscape as it continuously rolls and blends together.
This is the outhouse my husband and his family used until he was 8 in the early 70's. The house has since been moved and now has indoor plumbing but the ol’outhouse continues its observance of the prairie. I was with a group of pheasant hunters hiking around the area looking for birds and the sky added a dramatic backdrop (I love…
Taken in September as we gathered one of the herds in prep for preconditioning. I was laying on the old railroad tracks that border the pasture just west of Okaton, trying to keep low so the cows wouldn't spook and turn the other way.
Scarlet Globemallow wildflowers bloom in the summer for a duration of the season, they dot South Dakota's prairie pastures. When gathering our cows, or checking fences I find them in abundance.
Always fascinated by the sculpting of the snow carved out by the wind, Cristen continues to add photographs of this temporary landscape to her portfolio. "Sculpted & Scattered" appears to be just that, delicately carved and haphazardly placed in the snow as the deep light of dusk allowed for definition of lines both sharp and smooth.
Free. Graceful. This beautiful fine art print features Cristen's black mare, Shadow, as she ran free one lovely fall afternoon through the pastures of Cristen's ranch.
After an evening of exploring, I headed for a favorite spot along the shores of Sylvan Lake. I adore these reeds, adding texture to the glossy lake on a calm evening. The quiet deepened as the sky sang the last song of the day. Sylvan Lake is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
My daughter and I walked down one of our pasture trails as the light faded with the intentions of creating long exposure photographs. The light was perfect after sunset to for long smooth wisps as the clouds moved east. The darkening night sky allows for the longer exposures that are needed to accent the dramatic clouds. Headlight trails from cars on the interstate and…
When I describe South Dakota to those who have never been here, this photograph is what I attempt. My words do not compare with the beauty and vastness of this open prairie. The rolling hills in shadow of evening. The massive sky. The grand orchestra of cloud formations. In the words of my husband, “This is God’s County.” …
The Dry Creek Fire has left many scars upon my heart. The physical and emotional stress of the aftermath has weighted heavily upon me. A month or so after the fire, I ventured along a favorite road north of the White River searching for the yucca. The sky that evening was magnificent and touched my heart with hope as I…
Spearfish Falls is one of my iconic spots in South Dakota's Black Hills, especially in the fall. The day I captured this, the lighting was just perfect as it highlighted the trees above the waterfall.
The view towards the White River, taken at the Stamford hill. Stamford was one of the towns along Hwy 16 (now SD Hwy 248). Today, unless you knew it was there, remnants of the town are hardly noticeable.
I have never seen anyone try photographing the Milky Way with horses. Since they move, they aren't an ideal subject to add to the image but I wanted to see what I could come up with. Needing the camera open for at least 20 seconds with a high ISO to gain the correct exposure, I thought Rock was sleeping and…
This is Stella. She was the start of a longhorn herd on a family ranch. Though she may appear intimidating, she was perfectly harmless and rather content to let me take her portrait, posing for me as I crouched near the ground to add the clouds behind her.
Have you ever spent an evening near Sylvan Lake in the summer? Most of the day’s visitors have gone and you begin to feel as though it’s just you nestled in this little treasure in the heart of the Black Hills. Sylvan Lake is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
This photograph showcases the eastern side of Cathedral Spires as sunset begins to glow behind the rock. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills of western South Dakota, the Spires are a favorite stop for locals and visitors to the area.
There's something to me about the granite lines of the rock that come out in a black and white photo. The smoothing of the water and clouds from a long exposure add a touch of movement to a still image.
There’s nothing like a summer evening stroll along the Sylvan Lake trail. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills Sylvan Lake is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. My son and I were on a recent hiking trip in the area and spend some time along the water’s edge enjoying the peace-fullness of a warm breeze and cool…
Twilight was born on the family ranch 30 years ago. As a boy, my brother-in-law trained her. She was my husband Marty's horse for many years until we got married and then she taught me. Riding her has always been a joy as she eagerly does her job (cutting cattle is especially a favorite skill of hers). When our children…
I was given the opportunity to soar over Badlands National Park in late summer. It was incredible to view the landscape from the air with the windows open and my camera hanging out. The textures found in the Badlands, mixed with the angled sun create great natural contrast and interesting perspectives from the surrounding prairie.
"Cathedral Spires is my favorite area in all of the Black Hills! I love the jagged rocks that shoot out of the middle of the mountain range." On this particular night, Cristen finished setting up her art show booth at the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival the end of September 2017. She was running out of time and wanted to get…
Saddles are more than just tack, they’re an intimate part of a riders story - So much history is behind the scenes of this beloved piece of western heritage-the creation of the saddle maker, miles of moving cattle, brandings, training, fears overcome and confidence boosted; memories of childhood. ‘The Hand’ belongs to my brother, made by Brice Roghair (my brother-in-law) of…
Saddles are more than just tack, they’re an intimate part of a riders story - So much history is behind the scenes of this beloved piece of western heritage-the creation of the saddle maker, miles of moving cattle, brandings, training, fears overcome and confidence boosted; memories of childhood. ‘The Hand’ belongs to my brother, made by Brice Roghair (my brother-in-law) of…
The clouds of South Dakota rarely disappoint and this evening was no exception. As my family and I sat down to supper, I looked out the kitchen window and was completely lost in the majestic array of the heavens. The clouds seemed to shoot out of the top of the tree, imitating the foliage below. I excused myself from the…
I didn’t grow up with horses and wasn’t really one of those horse crazy girls. Now I can’t imagine my life without them. I've learned so much about trust and patience from our horses. A day with them will clear just about any blues.
In order to see the Milky Way, one needs to be far from light pollution to allow the camera a long exposure time to fully capture the colors. Here is the Milky Way reflecting off the water of a stock dam out on the South Dakota prairie. …
Saddles are more than just tack, they’re an intimate part of a riders story - So much history is behind the scenes of this beloved piece of western heritage-the creation of the saddle maker, miles of moving cattle, brandings, training, fears overcome and confidence boosted; memories of childhood. 'The Rancher' is my husband, Marty's, saddle, crafted by his brother, Brice. Marty's…
I never fail to spot Big Horns in Badlands National Park when my husband is with me. While I pay special attention to the landscape, he searches for wildlife. Nestled among the sweet clover, this older ram relaxes as he watches the landscape.
On my first trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, my husband and spotted a small band of the wild horses along the river. We hiked in and spent a good portion of our afternoon with them. This old and beautiful gray stallion was a favorite. With burs in his mane, he gives off a wild and free appearance.
“My Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art!” St. Pete’s stands as a beacon on the prairie, seen from 30 miles surrounding it’s hilltop vista. Each day witnessing the fierce beauty of the changing seasons.
Needles Highway is one of my favorite drives through the Black Hills, especially the area surrounding Cathedral Spires. On this particular day, I had been setting up my art show booth at the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, the end of September. I wanted to venture out to Cathedral Spires in the evening in order to capture the eastern sky that…
Vibrant wildflowers grace the floor of Badlands National Park in spring. Hiking along Castle Trail brings many joyful sites of their natural habitat. Stemless Point-vetch blooms create a bright contrast to the surrounding rugged landscape.
This is the view from my favorite hill on the ranch, Glorious Splendor. The storm rolled by the Great Plains near Okaton, South Dakota, at sunset, releasing what meteorologists call virga, a streak of precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground. Red tones highlight the late winter grasses as the colors in the sky explode from the setting sun reflected…
One of South Dakota’s most iconic agricultural landscapes. Found in the rolling hills west of the Missouri River in Jones County, where both farmers and cattle ranchers make full use of the land in order to feed the world.
It would appear I was the only one surrounded by silence in Badlands National Park. As evening’s colors slipped away, the chorus of coyotes called to each other across the quiet land. No longer was I alone. Badlands National Park is located in western South Dakota.
South Dakota has wind, and a lot of it. Many times the wind causes a lot of damage. It also creates beauty in the snow and carves sculptures on the south side of the prairie hills. I shot this right after sunset a few days past our first major snow storm of 2015. I'm always amazed at how the wind sculpts the…
I was given the opportunity to soar over Badlands National Park in late summer. It was incredible to view the landscape from the air with the windows open and my camera hanging out. Yellow Mounds is my favorite section of the Badlands. The contrasting colors of yellow and purple together in the rugged landscape seems so unreal and yet so…
Similar in design to a giant dandelion once it has gone to seed, the Yellow Salsify closely resembles a yellow mum at full bloom. Found scattered throughout South Dakota’s pastures it is one of many wildflowers that decorate the prairie.
