This was planned to be the year for expanded Sedona workshops, the annual Spectacular Southwest workshop, the new Route 66 workshop, and so on…. but no, the Universe had other ideas. With Covid-19 we cancelled each and every workshop this year. It was the right thing to do. But so unexpected.

Some say the Earth needed a break, some time to rest and restore. It seems we needed the same thing. Time to reflect, slow down just a little, and get reacquainted with ourselves. What’s important in our life? What is just mindless routine? What dreams are we letting slip away without grasping the reins and making our life experience rich, deep, and meaningful?

Under the wild and unexpected Great Pause that we found ourselves dealing with, we needed to dig into our own creativity, once again find our true north, regain our balance, and feel gratitude for the simple things in life that matter. Like admiring the beauty of nature, the spirit of wild animals, and the wide open landscapes that define freedom, especially the iconic vistas of the American West. Even if it’s from afar in a photograph. I believe engaging, beautiful photographs of our world can be good medicine in these trying times.

It’s been a wild year in so many unexpected ways. I soon had the time to travel—alone—and follow my passion of making photographs just for myself. So, I headed to the outback of Utah and Colorado in pursuit of wild horses. How majestic these creatures are, yet also how sensitive they are to each other. They were certainly aware of me and my camera. But after spending two nights sleeping on the ground in their territory, I seemed to be accepted.

After that they let me photograph them in their world of dust and scant water and an enormous sky. It’s surprising to see how truly gentle and nurturing they are toward each other and especially their young colts. Nuzzling each other in gestures of reassurance showed me that even when times are hard we can watch over each other, take care of the young, and stay strong for better days ahead. 

It’s also wild that my photography is being featured along with an in-depth interview over on the ArtisanHD website. After working with them on a custom print I knew I had found a quality photo lab. The 6-foot wide metal print they made for me was stunning in its clarity—my client was thrilled when we hung it in his home.

I’m honored to be selected as an Artisan HD Ambassador this month. You might enjoy their unique and engaging interview questions.