Galloping Shadows
This photograph, taken in November 2024 at the Thanksgiving Rodeo School at Stace Smith Ranch in Malakoff, Texas, captures a moment filled with excitement and energy. The motion-blurred image of cowboys riding horses reflects the speed and dynamism of the scene, evoking the raw spirit of a Western Rodeo. I aimed to convey the action, passion, and enthusiasm accompanying such thrilling experiences.
Shadows of Ascent
This photograph features a brick stack with an attached ladder at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, USA. It was taken in October 2024. The ladder, made of metal rungs that protrude from the wall, casts sharp shadows on the bricks due to the strong directional sunlight. I aimed to capture an image that emphasizes texture, contrast, and repetition through the interplay of shadows and light.
Where Bourbon Dreams Age
This photograph, taken in October 2024 at Willett Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, captures the essence of the rickhouse—a structure deeply rooted in the bourbon and whiskey industry. Rickhouses are dedicated spaces where barrels of whiskey age over time, developing their unique flavors. I aimed to highlight the building's minimalistic and functional aesthetic, which embodies the simplicity and purpose of the structure. It serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship and care that go into producing each bottle."
Crafted for the Journey
This photograph features a Birch Bark Canoe created by Larry Godfrey from the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa. It was taken at The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, USA, in September 2024. I especially appreciated the carved paddle with its burned-in designs, so I used a shallow depth of field in the photograph to emphasize those details.
Crimson Horizons: A Sunset's Embrace
This photograph, taken in October 2024 in the beautiful Rangeley Lake Region of Maine, captures a genuinely awe-inspiring moment after a fiery sunset. The sky is painted with intense shades of red, orange, and gold, creating an emotional backdrop that draws you in. The silhouette of distant mountains forms a layered horizon, softly fading into the depth of the twilight, inviting us to reflect on the beauty of the world around us. The large, winding lake mirrors the rich colors of the sunset, creating a seamless connection between the sky and the landscape, reminding us of the harmony in nature. Framed by darkened forests and rolling hills in the foreground, this scene adds depth and contrast to the vibrant hues, encouraging a moment of stillness and appreciation. Altogether, this composition evokes tranquility and underscores the breathtaking grandeur of our natural surroundings.
Nature's Glow: Light Through the Veins
During a serene walk in November 2024 at the East Texas Arboretum in Athens, Texas, I stumbled upon a beautiful sight that truly resonated with me. As I wandered along the trail, I couldn’t help but notice the leaves adorned with small holes, each one uniquely telling its own story, especially as they were delicately backlit by the sun. I felt compelled to capture a close-up of a fragile leaf, its intricate veins and slight imperfections highlighting the gentle beauty of nature. Sunlight streaming through the hole at its center created a poignant interplay of light and shadow, reminding me of the delicate balance and fragile beauty that exists in the world around us.
Echoes in Reflection: The Soul of Architecture
This photograph of Springhouse, captured in October 2024 at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, invites us to pause and reflect. The image features a serene, circular pool within an architectural framework, offering a captivating dance of light, shadow, and symmetry. The water’s reflection reveals the intricate details of the surrounding architecture—columns, beams, and railings—turning our perspective upside down and encouraging us to take in the beauty before us. The harmonious relationship between the solid structure and its mirrored image creates a sense of balance that feels comforting and thought-provoking, seamlessly blending reality with its reflection. This scene evokes a timeless quality, encouraging us to contemplate the space around us and the perspectives we encounter. It’s a gentle reminder of the seen and unseen beauty, inviting deeper reflection and appreciation.
Beacon of Solitude: Timeless by the Sea
This photograph of Portland Head Light, Portland, Maine, taken just before sunrise in October 2024, captures a moment of tranquility many can resonate with. The scene features the lighthouse standing proudly on rugged cliffs, a symbol of steadfastness against the backdrop of a calm ocean. The dramatic clouds above create a moody atmosphere, lending a certain depth to the image. The long exposure gives the ocean a soft, ethereal quality, transforming the water into a mist-like texture that beautifully contrasts with the stark details of the rocks. The interplay of light, shadow, and texture evokes a timeless sense of peace, allowing anyone who views it to momentarily escape into this serene landscape.
Forest Symphony: Roots and Canopy
This photograph was taken in January 2024 on Key Marco Island, Florida, USA. It features a Calusa Indian mound and focuses on a wooded hill covered with a network of exposed tree roots and fallen leaves. I aimed to capture the intricate patterns formed by the roots as they weave across the forest floor and the canopy created by the sprawling tree branches and dense foliage above. The light filtering through the leaves creates a beautiful interplay of highlights and shadows. My intention was to convey a connection to nature and the quiet strength of the forest.
Silent Watcher
This photograph captures an alligator partially submerged in water, with only its eyes, snout, and part of its head visible above the surface. It was taken in January 2024 at the Ten Thousand Islands Marsh Trail in Collier County, Florida, USA. I noticed the alligator swimming close to the trail and used green leaves to frame the scene, creating a natural vignette effect. The water was calm and reflective, which added a serene yet suspenseful mood to the composition. The positioning of the alligator's head and the sharp details make it the focal point of the image, while the out-of-focus leaves provide depth and context to the scene.
Ride of Grit: A Cowboy's Battle
This photograph, taken in November 2024 at the Thanksgiving Rodeo School at Stace Smith Ranch in Malakoff, Texas, captures the thrilling atmosphere of a rodeo. At its heart, we see a cowboy bravely riding a bucking horse, dressed in traditional rodeo attire, complete with a cowboy hat and intricately fringed chaps. The dust swirling around him enhances the moment, evoking the raw energy and passion of the event. In the background, fellow cowboys, both on horseback and on foot, watch intently, fully engaged in the spirit of the rodeo. This image encapsulates the excitement and the sense of community and dedication that defines rodeo culture, creating a timeless connection to this remarkable experience.
Through the Wagon Wheels: A Step Back in Time
This photograph, taken in September 2024 in Deadwood, South Dakota, captures the heart and spirit of an old-west-style saloon. The wooden door, with its oval-shaped glass window, offers a cozy peek into the lively interior, where the warm western decor and a few patrons share stories, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The decorative wagon wheels framing the door beautifully enhance its rustic charm, reflecting the region's rich history. Above the entrance, a quirky wooden sign brings a smile with its playful message. This image evokes a sense of nostalgia, inviting us to connect with the stories and experiences that this place may hold for all who visit.
Rodeo Fury: A Dance of Power
This photograph, taken in November 2024 at the Thanksgiving Rodeo School at Stace Smith Ranch in Malakoff, Texas, captures a dynamic and action-packed moment during a rodeo event. At the center of the image is a mid-action horse kicking up dust as it bucks, showcasing its strength and intensity. I wanted to freeze the intricate details of the flying dirt and the horse's tense movements, emphasizing the power and energy of the scene. The composition effectively conveys motion, strength, and the raw essence of rodeo life.