Future Photographer?

I think we have a future photographer in our midst! My niece was cracking me up! I turned around to take a shot and there she was pointing my brothers camera at me! I think she got a shot of my derriere! LOL

So serious. Copying everything her aunt Brandie does when she takes a picture. Did she get the shot? According to her it was perfect! :)

Here she is gazing out into the pasture and dreaming of horses. Who does that sound like? She is definitely my niece!

100 Miles an Hour

My niece, what can I say, she is just irresistible. Christmas day was full of trying to keep up with her as she ran the whole 40 acres of our farm and she was still going when they left at 11:00 that night! She loves the horses and dogs so much. I have a hard time trying to keep her from walking right out into the pasture with the horses (NO FEAR what so ever).

I love this picture with the lens flare. My brother is such a loving father. It is humbling to watch him be so sweet with her. It just seems like the other day that we were kids and he was trying to annoy me all the time!

I really had a great time with you guys! You made my Christmas! Love you.

Merry Christmas Everyone

I am frantically trying to get Christmas underway and just wanted to tell everyone to enjoy their family and friends this year. I know things are tight and stressful with the economy for most everyone. So try and remember what Christmas really means and feel greatful for what we have. You can't buy the love your family and friends give you every day. So tell them how much you care and have peace within yourself knowing they will always be there for you no matter how bad things get.

So, on that note Merry Christmas from all of your human and furry friends at Santa Ana Paso Finos!

Park Residents

I frequently go to the park in Hickory to walk and enjoy the outdoors. It has beautiful walking trails. These guys are a few of the parks residents. They are such willing subjects. I especially enjoyed photographing the female Mallard and the grey goose. Both of them had quite the personality. I swear the female mallard was posing for me!!

Always Horsen Around

What is it with boys? They are always goofing off and trying to get one over on the other one. It is exhausting watching these fellas try to be the top dog so to speak. My colt on the right seems to get his way most often. But that doesn't stop the others from constantly wanting to play.

I keep telling him he better enjoy it while it lasts, because school starts in the spring. He just bats those big eyes of his at me and then proceeds to run off and continue being a boy! I don't think he believes me. Boy, is he in for a big surprise. Spring will be here before you know it, then him and I have a date with a saddle! I can't wait.

I think they are actually taking a photography lesson!!!LOL Or maybe it's a modeling lesson.

The Beauty at Murrays Mill

I took these photos at Murray's Mill in Catawba County, NC.

It is such a beautiful area. Obviously, I took these in the Fall, but I fully intend to go back this winter and get a different perspective of this lovely place. There is so much history in the air. I hope to be able to get some pictures of the inside of the Mill if the owners allow it. They were closed the day I went, for a wedding, so I didn't get the opportunity to go inside. I am sure it is really cool.

The Spirit of Horses

To me, horses and freedom are synonymous.

I never cease to be amazed at how the spirit of a horse in motion makes my heart sing. Their strength and beauty cannot be matched. I am constantly trying to capture it through my camera. I have been told that my horse pictures are nothing but pure emotion. Maybe that is true, because that is what I feel when I am around them. It doesn't matter what breed it is, they always take my breath away. So, it only seems fit to have the 2 things I am most passionate about to come together and create pure emotion.

The Beauty of Mother Nature

There is nothing more beautiful than mother nature. I wish more people took the time to stop and notice.

Aren't They Sweet!

Nothing but TROUBLE with a capital T!! Don't let that face fool you!

I just can't get enough of my furry children. Finally, both of them decided to cooperate and pose for their picture! I usually can't get Isabel (the one on top) to hold still for even a nano second. She is constantly looking to get into trouble. My Border Collie Chato on the other hand is the angel and a mommas boy. He is always looking to please.

Thank You Sandy!

On a hot summer day this past June ,I met Sandy Keys of "SKeys Photography" taking some pictures at a horse auction. I noticed her using a Nikon SLR, which I had been doing a lot of research on and asked her if she liked it. Since that day we have become great friends. Because of Sandy ,I bought that Nikon I have always wanted and jumped into this dream/passion/obsession of mine called photography. So without further ado, I wanted to say Thank You Sandy for mentoring me and being such a great friend! You have taught me a ton in a short period. Your ongoing support and encouragement means a lot to me. Hugs, Bran

These wonderful pictures are all shots Sandy has taken of us and our horses. She is truly talented.

My Artistic Side

I just love how these turned out. They have such a wintry feel about them.

Her eyes are truly that brilliant. They are almost mesmerizing. These stunning eyes belong to my best friend. They are one of her many beautiful and alluring qualities.

I had to appease the artistic side of myself and manipulate these photos. I love the feeling I get when they take on a life of their own. Call me CRAZY!

A Little Camera Fun in Downtown Hickory,NC

My Best friend and I went out for a little camera fun in downtown Hickory, NC last weekend and found some really cool places to take photos. We went everywhere and were absolutely exhausted by the end of the day. I think it was worth it though!

Always, fidgeting. She is totally oblivious to the camera!

Thanks Al, for a great time!

More Pics from Hickory Shoot

It's a miracle any of these turned out any good, since I couldn't get my good buddy here to stop fidgeting the whole time I was trying to get her picture! I did prevail in the end though and managed to catch her natural beauty, which she can't admit she has.

What a Beautiful Family

Thanks guys for letting me photograph your wonderful family. I had a blast photographing you. I hope you like what you see.