As the sun set behind Sylvan Lake, it left magical colors in its wake with hues not seen during the day. 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.”
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…
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…
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!
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 add…
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.
On her way to Uncle's to help haul calves to the sale barn, Cristen took this image early one late October morning. The golden colors of the cotton wood trees that adorn the Bad River add peaceful notes to the end of the season.
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.
Searching for wildflowers along Castle Trail, 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.
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…
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 surrounded by blue sky and fluffy clouds was one of those treasured moments to pause and soak in the moment. …
With a scenic view of about 30 miles, the drive into Okaton is worth a stop along I-90 through South Dakota. On this particular evening, the setting sun brought out cotton candy pink in the clouds with the stock dam picking up a little of their color.
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.
