Amethyst Hill

This photo was taken at the Garden Grove library and was one of the photos that always came back with some sort of ribbon.  The photo faults of this picture is that it was taken a little far from the model as well as being a downward angle and is slightly blurry.  Despite all of that the photo has a certain artistry to it given it's unusual back lighting.  Notice the way the reflections on water in the background lead the eye to the model's tail and then to the nose where the strip of dirt leads the eye back across the image once more.  None of this was intentional, it just looked good through the viewfinder and Lisa took the picture.

Here's another photo taken at on the Garden Grove library grounds.  I remember wanting to place him more toward the center of the waterfall, but the current was too strong.  Even at this spot we were a little worried that the force of the water might topple him over.  Some people say the light of a slightly overcast day is ideal, but I love afternoon sunlight.  I've also taken photos of models at noon.  I just love how the light reflecting off the water and also shining through the model's plastic gives a luminescent quality to the horse and makes his white markings look pristine.  Dominey (that's his name) is one of the oldest models in my collection.  I still remember the day I bought him:  I'd gone to Knott's Berry Farm with my family and I saw him in a gift shop.  I just had to have him and I named him Dominey (A name I'd made up based on the model's Breyer name San Domingo).  He has competed in dozens of photo shows, but he doesn't even get noticed at live shows.

Another photo taken on the grounds of the Garden Grove library.  At the time I didn't have any better tack than this Breyer bareback pad and bridle and a saddleseat and English bridle.  This photo was taken late in the afternoon and the sky was beginning to become overcast.  I like the smooth, mirrored surface of the water.