Changewater Stables PJHSA Horse Show Photography

I am writing this on my phone since my internet is not cooperating.  Late last month, I photographed a horse show at Changewater Stables, put up the first couple of divisions, and seemingly disappeared for a couple of weeks, leaving all the other people who wanted to look at photos from their division wondering what happened. Well folks, Freiday Photography happened, after many (many!) hours of editing and web design.  All photos from the May 22nd show are available at freidayphotography.com, and although they are a bit tardy, I hope that you will still check the new site out!

Grace and Hot Scotch on the Rocks, Open Equitation

Changewater Prize List Photos

These photos are up for selection for the design of Changewater Stables' updated prize list! Enjoy!

Changewater Winter Series 12-13-15: Itty Bitty Jumpers

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Lucas 11-22-15

My trainer, Maren, was asking after one of her students that I had photographed during the last schooling show.  I had in fact taken a few pictures but was satisfied with none of them; none were quite in focus, or had a good enough composition for my own opinion.  It was disappointing, because I very much like the pony in them, whose name is Lucas.  However, at special request, here are the photos of Lucas and his rider!

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Changewater Schooling Show 11-22-15: Itty Bitty Jumpers

1- Alexis and Ping

2- Whiskey

3- Whiskey

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Congratulations to Alexis and Ping, Itty Bitty champs of the day!

After hitting snooze on my alarm clock at least five times this chilly November morning, I managed to convince myself to get up and head out to my lesson barn's schooling show to do a little photography.  Unfortunately, I really wasn't taking very many good quality photos today.  It's a combination of being tired, sick, and not really "feeling it" combined with a lack of practice given the cloudy weather and its changeable lighting.  The Tamron lens isn't quite as fast with its focusing while telescoping out, which also affected the quality of my shots.  After the first two divisions, and as the intensity and frequency of my coughing fits increased, I decided to go home sick.  When I got home and reviewed my work, I knew I had made the right choice.  Instead of 1000+ not so great photos, I only had 200 something not so great photos to be less than proud of.  A few did come out pretty decently.  I apologize to anyone who took my business card and does not see their photos here; either you were in a later division when I was not physically present, or I simply did not get a good, clear shot to post here.  I am glad that I managed to get out and do a little bit of shooting; I would have been deeply upset with myself if I had just stayed home and not tried at all.

Artwork, is, well, work.

"Untitled Spirit"
5.5x8.5
Sharpie pen

I like to think that I am more self-disciplined than the average person.  However, I still find that I could improve in this area.  For instance, I have not kept my promise of drawing something at least once every weekday.  This is clearly detrimental to my goals of becoming a professional artist, yet I have chosen not to take this helpful step.  Why?  

Part of it is fear, fear that I'm not good enough, that I'll never be good enough, and I will always work for the man.  (By not practicing my art, I very nearly ensure that this will be the case).  The latter isn't particularly bothersome, but I feel I cannot live up to my artistic potential, my creative potential, by doing so.  I have always been bound by my desire for security, and the idea of lacking a steady paycheck with benefits wrapped into it is troubling.  Still, I dream of spending my days creating and marketing my art.  It would be amazing to work with my hands and mind in synchronization.

Discipline is doing something towards a goal, anyway, no matter what.  It's recognizing the consequences of action and inaction, and working towards improvement when it would be easier not to.  The idea of art is wonderful.  For me, the creative process is exhausting.  I made two sketches yesterday, one of which is posted here.  I got to the point where, instead of refining the second drawing, I got tired.  I felt my muse run dry, the flow ebbing away to dry sand and sawdust in my mind.  This is where discipline must step in and push creativity onward, and this is where I failed.  I was done, and simply didn't want to go on any further.  I have plenty of self-discipline when it comes to cooking, cleaning, housework, staying fit, and getting myself to my day job.  When it comes to my art, it is a notable area where improvement is possible.  I've already identified that some of the housework could and should be allowed to slide to make more room for creative time.  Now it is a matter of action.