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.
Standing in the pasture to compose my barn in the foreground for the storm and lightning, I was surrounded by explosions. I stayed out as long I dared, trying to capture lightning bolts. The depth in the clouds were amazing and the beauty of the storm now forever to be remembered.
How many can just turn off the lights and have immediate access to the Milky Way? I flipped the switch on our yard light and was instantly surrounded by darkness. Increasing my camera’s sensitivity and setting my exposure for 20 seconds, the camera can fully capture what the eye cannot fully comprehend.
While scouting for interesting locations near Brookings, SD, I came across this small lake. The bare tree trunks standing in water fascinated me. It was a peaceful evening and I wanted something to reflect the peace of the water. As I set up my camera and tripod, the gentle wisp of a cloud passed through. This made the composition and…
The jagged landscape shoots towards the sky. Surrounded by the northern Great Plains the Badlands feel like mountains, especially if viewed from the base. The last light of sunset touches the clouds in pink. A surreal, yet comforting solitude encompasses the soul.
Hunting for the state flower in the spring is always a fun adventure. I returned to a favorite location during a wet spring snow. I was delighted to find several small clumps of hearty pasque braving the weather, seemingly unaffected by the cold.
In order to see the Milky Way, one needs to be far from light pollution to allow the camera a long exposure time to fully capture the colors. Here is the Milky Way reflecting off the water of a stock dam out on the South Dakota prairie. In this photograph, I used the Sunny White Balance to allow the blue tones…
Cone-flowers are such joyful prairie blooms-vibrant colors that stand out among the grasses, paying tribute to their Maker. The evening started with dark clouds and scattered rain but gave way to lovely blue skies, characteristic of a peaceful summer’s day.
In July, I spent an evening near the White River shooting the river breaks as the sun set. To create the brush like texture of this photograph I used my camera as more of a paintbrush, which created motion blur. I call this print "Rolling Prairie," which depict the colors of the moving landscape as they roll and blend together. They are…
Taken in September as we rounded up one of the herds in prep for preconditioning. I was laying on the old railroad tracks that border the pasture just west of Okaton, trying to keep low so the cows wouldn't spook and turn the other way.
When I describe South Dakota to those who have never been here, this photograph is what I attempt to say. My words do not compare with the beauty and vastness of this open prairie. The rolling hills in shadow of evening. The massive sky. The grand orchestra of cloud formations. In the words of my husband, “This is God’s County.”
The Dry Creek Fire has left many scars upon my heart. The physical and emotional stress of the aftermath has weighted heavily upon me. A month or so after the fire, I ventured along a favorite road north of the White River searching for the yucca. The sky that evening was magnificent and touched my heart with hope as I…
The view towards the White River, taken at the Stamford hill. Stamford was one of the towns along Hwy 16 (now SD Hwy 248) that runs across South Dakota. Today, unless you knew it was there, remnants of the town are hardly noticeable.
When her kids were little, my sister-in-law received this longhorn cow from her dad. She was the start of their small longhorn herd. Her name is Stella. Completely content to let me take her portrait, Stella posed for me.
Have you ever spent an evening near Sylvan Lake in the summer? Most of the day’s visitors have gone and you begin to feel as though it’s just you nestled in this little treasure in the heart of the Black Hills.
There's something to me about the granite lines of the rock that come out in a black and white photo. The smoothing of the water and clouds from a long exposure add a touch of movement to a still image.
Twilight was born on the family ranch 30 years ago. As a boy, my brother-in-law trained her. She was my husband Marty’s horse for many years until we got married and then she taught me. Riding her has always been a joy as she eagerly does her job (cutting cattle is especially a favorite skill of hers). When our children…
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. The textures found in the Badlands, mixed with the angled sun create great natural contrast and interesting perspectives from the surrounding prairie.
“My Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art!” St. Pete’s stands as a beacon on the prairie, seen from 30 miles surrounding it’s hilltop vista. Each day witnessing the fierce beauty of the changing seasons.
Needles Highway is one of my favorite drives through the Black Hills, especially the area surrounding Cathedral Spires. On this particular day, I had been setting up my art show booth at the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival, the end of September. I wanted to venture out to Cathedral Spires in the evening in order to capture the eastern sky that…
Vibrant wildflowers grace the floor of Badlands National Park in spring. Hiking along Castle Trail brings many joyful sites of their natural habitat. Stemless Point-vetch blooms create a bright contrast to the surrounding roughed landscape.
One of South Dakota’s most iconic agricultural landscapes. Found in the rolling hills west of the Missouri River in Jones County, where both farmers and cattle ranchers make full use of the land in order to feed the world.
It would appear I was the only one surrounded by silence in Badlands National Park. As evening’s colors slipped away, the chorus of coyotes called to each other across the quiet land. No longer was I alone.
