From my abstract series. I’d read a book several years ago about a photographer who would use unconventional ways to create abstract photographs. I tried a few of his ideas, with several attempts, to achieve the look I was after. I love the vibrant tones brought out in this photograph, especially enhanced by printing on Gicleé archival canvas.
From my abstract series. I’d read a book several years ago about a photographer who would use unconventional ways to create abstract photographs. I tried a few of his ideas, with several attempts, to achieve the look I was after. I love the vibrant tones brought out in this photograph, especially enhanced by printing on Gicleé archival canvas.
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…
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 my ranch by Okaton, 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 my ranch house. My house has fantastic windows to allow for a great view of the sky surround it.…
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.…
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…
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!
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.
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…
Upon exploring southern Stanley County, Cristen sought shelter from 70 mph winds and damaging hail. Not expecting the severity of the storm to be so grave she stopped at a ranch along Lincoln Road north of Draper asking for refuge to wait out the storm. This photograph was taken just outside the shed door where her car was safely parked."It…
The eyes tell a lot about a horse and seem to share what they think. This big gray was a little rough around the edges (rodeo rough stock) but his eyes gazed gently at me. I used the available light behind him to highlight his huge eye.
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.
Spending the evening near Bear Butte in the peacefulness of early fall, I was taken by the vast sky reflecting across the water. As I thought of a title for this photograph, a quote in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables came to mind, “It just makes me feel glad to be alive-it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be…
For over 110 years Grandview Township school has watched the sun. The artistry of each day has been experienced and engraved upon this historic building of Jones County history. With a new name as Grandview Gallery, history, education and art will continue to thrive on the Northern Great Plains!
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…
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…
After an evening of hiking in Badlands National Park in the middle of Fall, the kids and I enjoyed a picnic lunch. While they ate, I wandered along the nearby stream enjoying the water flowing through the dry and rugged terrain. Several years in a row of drought, the water in the fall gave hope for the coming year.
This is my favorite from a day of shooting in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota. I love the lines in the Badlands and the simple clouds above. In order to isolate this section, I hiked along a game trail. This peak blends in with the rest of the Badlands as one travels on the road through the park. The…
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.
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 to create an image that revealed the moment. As I set up my camera and tripod, the gentle wisp of a cloud passed through. This made the composition and…
I was out for a drive one August evening as the storm rolled in. No plans other than to explore. My husband and I found this lone baby buffalo wandering the prairie of the buffalo ranch in our county. The sliver of sunset sky behind the clouds shows light behind the pending storm, and the lone baby buffalo is able…
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…
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…
Coneflowers 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.
This is the outhouse my husband and his family used until he was 8 in the early 70's. The house has since been moved and now has indoor plumbing but the ol’outhouse continues its observance of the prairie. I was with a group of pheasant hunters hiking around the area looking for birds and the sky added a dramatic backdrop…
Always fascinated by the sculpting of the snow carved out by the wind, Cristen continues to add photographs of this temporary landscape to her portfolio. "Sculpted & Scattered" appears to be just that, delicately carved and haphazardly placed in the snow as the deep light of dusk allowed for definition of lines both sharp and smooth.
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.
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.
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.
This is Stella. She was given to my sister-in-law as a calf. From Stella, a small longhorn herd grew on their 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.
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…
"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…
“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.
