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…
