Scurrying to the top of a peak, climbing skills in hand tripod in the other, to bask in the last moments of a June day. All the senses come alive - the crunch of gravel, birds sharing their hearts, the wind whispering through the pines giving off their intoxicating scent. This is what a hike in the Hills is made…
A Big Horn ram’s age is usually indicated by the size of his horns, especially if they are broken at the tip from battles with other rams over the years. I came across a group of rams grazing in the sweet clover. The broken, jagged edge of this ram's horns caught some of the clover, adding color to his appearance.
Looking closely you can see the authenticity of this roper. A few conchos are missing on her chinks. The leather in the chinks have seen much wear. This is an authentic cowgirl. She works hard and she knows what she’s doing. Her saddle is handmade. Her horse gentle and well mannered under her skills as a horsewoman.
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…
Though its the 21st century, the authentic cowboy still roams the South Dakota prairies. Many dress in traditional cowboy attire handcrafted by themselves. He takes care of his family by taking care of his cattle. He is quick to offer a hand to his neighbor and to share a good story out on the range. That is where I met him.…
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!
Rolling hills of grass in fall-colored tones, billows, and puffs of clouds scatter across a deep blue sky. A subtle breeze, uncommon, meanders through the open land. The last of the meadow larks trills her song. This is a South Dakota day.
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.
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.
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 prairie’s 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…
From the shadows a fraction of light emerges. One needs only a small glimpse to behold the form and to witness the beauty that light gives when piercing the darkness.
From the shadows a fraction of light emerges. One needs only a small glimpse to behold the form and to witness the beauty that light gives when piercing the darkness.
This 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.
Every detail, every moment of existence is seen and known. Beauty continues in what seems passing. A Yellow Salsify bloom gone to seed still yields beauty. In it’s final breath as a whole plant, it’s beauty is passed on for another day, another season.
With a scenic view of about 30 miles, the drive into Okaton is worth a stop along I-90 through South Dakota. As the sun set, casting reflective pink light on the dam water, the landscape seemed to let out a peaceful sigh at the end of the day.
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.
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.
When the sun sets with clouds in the sky, the colors it leaves in its wake are often more spectacular than the sunset itself. Often I find that after the sun has sunk below the horizon the magic in the sky really starts to happen. I was in the Badlands for an evening of shooting. These colors that emerged post…
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.
Taken in September as we gathered 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.
Free. Graceful. This beautiful fine art print features Cristen's black mare, Shadow, as she ran free one lovely fall afternoon through the pastures of Cristen's ranch.
When I describe South Dakota to those who have never been here, this photograph is what I attempt. 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 view towards the White River, taken at the Stamford hill. Stamford was one of the towns along Hwy 16 (now SD Hwy 248). Today, unless you knew it was there, remnants of the town are hardly noticeable.
I have never seen anyone try photographing the Milky Way with horses. Since they move, they aren't an ideal subject to add to the image but I wanted to see what I could come up with. Needing the camera open for at least 20 seconds with a high ISO to gain the correct exposure, I thought Rock was sleeping and…
This is Stella. She was the start of a longhorn herd on a family ranch. Though she may appear intimidating, she was perfectly harmless and rather content to let me take her portrait, posing for me as I crouched near the ground to add the clouds behind her.
With anticipation, I hiked to the base of Cathedral Spires hoping for clouds to add supporting elements into the landscape. After all, a cloudless sky is not a photographer’s friend. How can I describe the moments of quiet in the presence of these carvings, both a gift from the Lord. On the trek back to the car in near darkness,…
Twilight was born on the family ranch 29 years ago. As a boy, my brother-in-law trained her. She was 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 first learned…
"Cathedral Spires is my favorite area in all of the Black Hills! I love the jagged rocks that shoot out of the middle of the mountain range." On this particular night, Cristen finished setting up her art show booth at the Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival the end of September 2017. She was running out of time and wanted to get…
Longhorns are beautiful with so much character in their varied colors and tones, but what captivates me most is, of course, their horns. I chose high key black and white in my final process for this photograph. Shooting from low to the ground in order to isolate the horns against the sky.
I didn’t grow up with horses and wasn’t really one of those horse crazy girls. Now I can’t imagine my life without them. I've learned so much about trust and patience from our horses. A day with them will clear just about any blues.
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…
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.
Similar in design to a giant dandelion once it has gone to seed, the Yellow Salsify closely resembles a yellow mum at full bloom. Found scattered throughout South Dakota’s pastures it is one of many wildflowers that decorate the prairie.
