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.
