Beautiful, Friesian Stallion Xander
I just recently returned home from a fabulous trip to Reno, Nevada. I had planned a trip in October to photograph the beautiful Equine Breeds of Poland but due to other committments beyond my control had to cancel. Then Tamara Gooch posted her new trip “The Horses That Dreams Are Made Of” and it fit into my schedule perfectly so I couldn’t say no. I called an old friend of mine in California who needed a retreat to see if she would like to come with and she excitedly accepted. I knew it would be a wonderful trip when Dene decided to join me as I hadn’t seen her since Photoshop World in Vegas two years ago.
We decided to come in a couple days early to head over to Lake Tahoe to do some hiking and landscape photography. I had seen gorgeous images of Eagle Falls and wanted to be sure we stopped to visit. However, due to the severe drought that the west has been in AND October being the driest month there was not but a trickle going over the falls. We did get to see bears (my second favorite thing to photograph) and enjoyed ourselves hiking, eating and visiting Virginia City.
Feeding on small insects in downed trees.
Sunset over Lake Tahoe
Be sure to stop in to see Stinky and Bernadeen if you ever go! Like many cities and towns in the state, Virginia City was a mining boomtown; it appeared virtually overnight as a result of the Comstock Lode silver strike of 1859. At its peak, Virginia City had a population of over 15,000 residents and was called the richest city in America. It’s a wonderful old west town and a must see if you are in the area.
Bernadeen and her owner Stinky are a must see!
Then it was time to head back to Reno and meet up with the group and our leader, Tamara Gooch. It was going to be a wonderful 3 days of shooting models, Friesians and Andalusians and I could not wait to get started. Our first shoot was with Ashley Morgan Rhodes, Pablo Gonzales and their gorgeous horses. Ashley was a beautiful model and has such a wonderful connection with her horses….Xander, her Friesian Stallion and Thor, her Andalusian Stallion. The backdrop for our shoot was Washoe Lake with views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson and Virginia Mountain Ranges. The water levels were quite low but it made for gorgeous images with the dunes.
Dark Angel and Xander
Dream shoot at the lake!
The Horses that Dreams are made of!
The next day we headed toward South Lake Tahoe with Ashley and Pablo for a different background with fall color and more mountains. Then we finished the day at a local facility where we were able to get some liberty shots of both horses. Pablo delighted us with his Charro outfit on Thor.
Ashley and that beautiful RED Dress with Xander
What a beautiful connection they have!
Thor is trained to rear on command.
Thor and Pablo show off the Mexican Charro
Pablo
Our final day was spent at Maddi’s Friesians with lots of babies, beautiful stallions and great hospitality.
Simply Gorgeous!
How awesome to ride these beautiful horses!
Running Free!
So cute, so curious!
It was a fabulous trip to be with my old friend and to meet new ones as well. I love photography not only from the creative aspect but for all the truly, phenomenal people I have met. Our band of sister photographers and fellow horse lovers will forever be connected….Tamara, Leah, Bree, Judy, Debby, Bobbie R., Bobbi M., Dannette, Nancy, Ashley and of course, Dene. Thank you all….you were a joy to spend my time with in Nevada!
Good friends
SIDE NOTE, BE SURE TO READ:
I’ve had some questions about how I created this image of Ashley and Thor, so stay tuned for my next blog post on how to!
Ashely and Thor with Overlay
Be sure to check out the 2014 Inner Reflections Engagement Calendar, it’s full of stunning images. I’m honored to have two showcased in the month of April. You can purchase the calendar here: http://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/c27/Inner-Reflections-2015-Engagement-Calendar-p631.html or on Amazon.
I have so much to be grateful for, thank you for following me and I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving!!!