I recently had the opportunity to photograph a client session for Shelley and her beloved horse Jake at Nancy McKnight's "Two Dollar Window Farm" in Turner, Oregon.  
 

Shelley and I had been talking about doing a photo shoot at some point when conditions were right (which really is all the time)!  But one evening we had been talking about the hay field needing to be cut and then the weather turned for the worse.  I only gave Shelley about 8 hours of notice and planned to use her embellished parade saddle for some really dramatic images out in the hay fields.  We met up at 7 am to have good lighting but upon my arrival the tack just wasn't cooperating so we quickly changed gears and the images in this shoot are the product of improvisation.    
 

Dramatic clouds, golden hay field, horse and rider on a journey.  I love the sense of space in this image.
 

This was one of a few images capturing the expressions and character both of Shelley and Jake.  Hats make great props in photos and allow for additional interest in an image.  This just makes me smile!
 

I adore these images together and think they would hang nicely just like this in frames on Shelley's wall!  They highlight the love that Shelley has for Jake and the bond that they have shared in their 16 years together. 
 

"We lose ourselves in the things we love... We find ourselves there too."  - Kristen Martz.
 

From my personal standpoint this is on of the dramatic images I was hoping for.  I love the dark clouds, the leading lines of the bridge and the space that the field provides. Jakes ears are forward and Shelley has her face shadowed by her hat.  I find it mysterious and interesting all at once.  One of my favorites!
 

 The best part of working with Shelley and Jake were the ease of which they handled the camera and put up with my directions all while just being themselves.  Shelley did a lot of smiling and laughing and was brave to ride bareback in the hay field on a cool day.  We ended the session in the oak trees near the barns where Jake had less things to keep his attention - this was the final image.  
 

A huge THANK YOU, Shelley, for a great morning and allowing me to showcase some images!