More Cowboys

Kevin guides the remuda

I do seem to be fascinated with iconic western scenes:  Cowboys, horses, and the land and culture of ranch life.

I’ve just finished my third ranch-based workshop, similar to the first. Both were with Scott Baxter, who does brilliant work, specializes in ranch life, and sets up an opportunity for us to get to know the hands and what they do.  The second, called “The Magic of Cowboys” and presented by Lisa Langell, had a different flavor but was no less an opportunity to learn and stretch boundaries.

Scott was insistent that we consider authenticity, never asking one of the cowboy models to, for example, hold his rope in an unnatural way or pose with a bit of straw in his mouth.  Several of us laughed when we saw Brandon, one of our ranch hand models, chewing on a bit of straw.  I’m still not sure whether he overheard the original conversation, and no, I didn’t get the shot.

J Brad and Dunny at work

At one point, waiting for the weather to come around, some of my colleagues were talking about the cost of a good telephoto wildlife lens, which can be over $10,000.  Another of our cowboy-models, J Brad, took a moment to compose himself and said, “If I pay that kind of money for something, I need to be able to ride it.”

J Brad and Dunny in the hailstorm

We had the blessing and the curse of unsettled weather with snow and hail on Saturday.  The driving hail in particular was very photogenic, but I can’t say it was pleasant for the photographers, J Brad, or his horse, Dunny.  Our models were great sports. As we trudged back to our vehicles, J Brad leaned over and asked whether I thought the weather was going to get bad. More cowboy humor.

Cowboy models Brandon, J Brad, Kevin, and Everett

There were also lots of self-deprecating remarks about the risk of breaking our lenses photographing their faces.  In fact, as you can see, this was a good-looking bunch.

Nutty Duke

We had a chance to meet several of Brandon’s dogs.  I suppose this was a photographic tangent, but I got interested in shooting them.  I can’t resist a dog.  This is Duke, whose portrait fits well into my cowboy humor theme.  He was a clown, and also apparently an accomplished tracker.

Brandon with Zoe

We all fell in love with Zoe, who seems to be a Corgi-Jack Russell mix.  She does some ranch work, as much as her short legs allow.

 

Everett in a candid

Our youngest model was 17-year-old Everett, participating along with his dad, Kevin.  Kevin mentioned that Everett hated having his picture taken, but after several thousand shots with the six of us, he seemed remarkably comfortable and was doing a really great job.

Kevin behind the door screen of an abandoned cabin

Kevin was a terrific model as well.  He might have thought I was joking when I said his beard was photogenic.  I wasn’t.

Panning shot of the remuda

I also enjoyed the chance to capture action.  The technique I used here is called panning and involves photographing a moving subject at a relatively slow shutter speed while tracking it. It gives the feel of motion and a nice softness to the background.

Convergence of Seasons, Apache National Forest

So much photographing people, though a great learning opportunity, is tiring for this introvert.  There were some landscapes for a change of pace, like aspen leaves and snow.

Scott at work

There’s more in the Autumn 2024 Gallery on the website.

Edges

Sunrise on Mary's Nipple, Fishlake National Forest Utah

I remembered something while on the road last week, a bit of conventional photographic wisdom which says that the best images are made at the edges.  Edges of storms, light, or seasons for example.

 There were lots of edges on this 12-day road trip.

Predawn pink over Death Hollow Drainage, Dixie National Forest Utah

We were on the edge of canyons, from the Grand to the ominously named Death Hollow Drainage in Utah.

Meadow's Edge, Kaibab National Forest Arizona

I’m often drawn to the edges of meadows (which is likewise the edge of a stand of trees) for forest photography. Stands of trees are chaotic by nature, and this is one way to simplify the composition.

Almost winter, Fishlake National Forest Utah

Metaphorically this trip was at the edge of seasons.  We didn’t see the drama of snow on yellow aspens that we caught last year, but the juxtaposition of bare and the buttery trees conveys the same concept.

Storm and aspens in a canyon, Dixie National Forest Utah

There was a small storm which provided brooding drama in the sky.  I’m happy to have been on the edge this time.

Bentonite Hills Utah.  MDRS at upper center

We were, at one point, on the edge of Mars.  Sort of.  On the way to photograph some bentonite hills in Utah, we passed the Mars Desert Research Center. Apparently this landscape is one of the most Mars-like in the country.

Hell's Backbone, Dixie National Forest Utah

 Drainages.  One of the most spectacular camps was along Hell’s Backbone Road in Utah, perched on the top of two drainages.

Sand Canyon and aspen studded hills, Dixie National Forest Utah

Here’s sunrise down one of the two, Sand Creek. This spot was lovely when we pulled up midday, but waxed spectacular at sunrise the next morning.  I confess that when light takes my breath away like this, my fear is that I’m on the edge of screwing something up.  Thank goodness it worked out fine this time.

Detail, Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Thanks for joining me on the edge.  There are more images in the Autumn 2024 Galley on the website.

Departures 2

Arizona State Fair

It’s been another month of non-landscape miscellaneous shooting.  I suppose I’d like to put a cap on that by sharing some images and a few thoughts. It’s about time to move on to the next project.

Why Departures 2?  Apparently, I wrote a similar blog last fall.  Pardon me repeating myself.

Osprey, Willow Springs Lake

Earlier in September, you’ll recall, I was testing a new wildlife lens on birds in flight on the Mogollon Rim.  It’s a humbling thing to learn, but fun when I get lucky with a good shot and also good to work on something challenging.

Full Military Honors, Yarnell

Our small town memorialized a local legend recently.  He was a decorated army helicopter pilot and so his widow arranged full military honors.  The ceremony was beautiful and shooting it for the family was a privilege.

"Circle of Honor," Yarnell AZ

I broke out the drone for part of the service as well.

Just a bunch of international clowns, AZ State Fair

Through Each Other’s Eyes, a nonprofit I work with, recently sponsored two photographers from Adelaide Australia to travel to Arizona.  I had several opportunities to spend time with them.  The best, or at least the quirkiest, was an evening at the AZ State Fair.  It says something about Brad and Grant that they chose this over a traditional farewell party. 

A Classic, the carousel in B & W, AZ State Fair

I’d not been to the Fair in 25 years, but it was delightful.  My only complaint was that I couldn’t find chocolate covered bacon.  Really. I did enjoy trying to explain what a twinkie was. Apparently they don’t have them in OZ.

Long Exposure, AZ State Fair

It was great fun to shoot long exposures as the light faded in the evening.

Less Glamorous wildlife, squirrels at Watson Lake

It seems like every fall I squeeze in a late-season kayaking morning at nearby Watson Lake.  This time I took a few shots of wildlife and enjoyed the solitude.

More Glamorous Wildlife; Pronghorn at Drake Grasslands, Arizona

I’ve been working a bit with a new wildlife group, Central Arizona Wildlife Alliance (CAWA).  Out on a pronghorn sighting expedition north of Prescott, I learned a whole lot about these delightful animals and took a few mediocre photos from far away.  It was a thrill despite the challenges.

 

What’s next?  The annual fall color loop, this year through northern Arizona and southern Utah.  I’m anticipating a great time.  Stay tuned for photos.

Water

Abstract reflections in Willow Springs Reservoir Arizona

Since many of my trips now revolve around my favorite angler, I’ve had a minute to consider the photographic aspects of water.

Cloud Reflections in Willow Springs Reservoir Arizona

Reflections are a photographer’s friend, especially on a glorious afternoon float.  This was the second launch of Marco’s new Flycraft boat, at Willow Springs Reservoir in Mogollon Rim Country here in Arizona.  More about the boat later, but because we’re just getting used to set-up, and we were in harsh afternoon light, I didn’t think I needed to pack photo gear.  Then after we got on the water the clouds came in.  Thank goodness for my phone camera, which does a pretty darn good job in these conditions.

Box Canyon, Christopher Creek Arizona

Images of waterfalls and cascades evoke the full experience, including the sounds and smells of hanging out by the creek.  Box Canyon on Christopher Creek is just 15 minutes down the road from Willow Creek.  It’s tough to get to, though, since that section of Highway 260 was revised and parking is now illegal at the trailhead. 

Box Canyon, Christopher Creek Arizona

Marco is working with Trout Unlimited on some habitat restoration along Christopher Creek in the area of the R-C Scout Ranch.  Because of this, we had the joy of camping Creekside at the Ranch.  From there it’s an easy walk to the top of Box Canyon.  I’m hoping to be back, perhaps to work this section of the creek in snow.

Great Blue Heron in flight, Willow Creek Reservoir Arizona

Waterbirds are a lovely bonus of lakes.  I test-drove my new Canon RF 100-500 L lens during our second day on the lake, and enjoyed shooting the big birds: Osprey, Heron, and Turkey Vultures.  I saw a Bald Eagle but was too slow on the draw to get the shot.  I’m looking forward to another chance.  To paraphrase P.T. Barnum, always leave them wanting more bird shots.

Ancient Sycamore Tree, R-C Scout Ranch Arizona

Riparian habitats are dazzlingly green and have big, glorious trees. That’s a gift to those of us accustomed to the drier parts of Arizona.  I fell in love with this huge Sycamore which was creekside.

Chevelon Creek Arizona

Chevelon Creek, below the reservoir, is surrounded in green.

Lakes also provide easy access to what would otherwise be rough country, though easy might be an overstatement.  The two of us required 50 minutes to assemble and rig the boat together. I missed my 10-minute kayak set-up, but the Flycraft is comfortable for two humans and Gypsy, who’s making progress on gaining her sea legs. 

The boat rigged for a short drive

Ultimately, we decided to load the boat on the pickup hillbilly-style to drive the mile back to our camp spot rather than take it apart and re-assemble it at o-dark-thirty the next morning.  Neither of us is excited about a trailer, but we have some better ideas about transport.

Rowing practice, Watson Lake Arizona

Though the rig has an electric motor, I enjoyed learning to row.  At least I enjoyed it before the wind came up.

My favorite Angler, Willow Creek Reservoir Arizona

Then, of course, there are fish in the water.  I hear that some people believe that they are the whole point.

Sunflowers backlighted at dawn, Peeples Valley Arizona

Before I sign off, I can’t resist sharing some monsoon sunflower glory from up here in Yarnell and Peeples Valley.

There’s more on the website, in the Summer 2024 Gallery.

Passive Travel

 

Summer in Full Swing, Apache National Forest Arizona

I didn’t do much of the planning on this one.  That’s a little unusual for me, but if I’m honest it was a fun change.

My husband put this together as a trip primarily for fishing.  The delightful thing was that Arizona’s White Mountains and Mogollon Rim are not just fishy, but also spectacularly photogenic.  There were flowers everywhere.  All I had to do was show up and find the compositions.

A Little Time in Civilization; Grand Canyon Brewing in Williams

We started with a night with dear friends at their RV camp south of Winslow.  The stop was perfect for making the transition to the forest mindset.  We walked, chatted, and watched the wildlife.  Full disclosure, though, we went to town for a beer and tacos.

Hashknife Pony Express Commemoration, Holbrook Arizona

I’d been meaning to find this plaque for some time, even looking half-heartedly on a trip with photography friends last spring.  This time through Holbrook Arizona, though, we found it.  In fact Marco did.  I had the honor of photographing a couple of the riders in the Hashknife Pony Express ride in February 2020.  One of them, Shawn Maestas, has kept in touch and asked to use my photograph for the plaque on the statue in Gillespie Park.  One of the riders is Mr. Maestas.  Sadly, the other, Wade Carlisle, died unexpectedly the next year making the commemoration even more poignant.

The Terrain We Tried to Hike Down Through, Apache National Forest Arizona

Marco was tipped to the next camp spot by a fishing buddy.  The hike from camp to a fork of the Black River looked simple (or at least do-able) on the topo map.  We settled in to let a thunderstorm pass, and decided to do the hike in the morning. 

Lupines in Morning Light, Apache National Forest Arizona

Lupines and dew at sunrise got my attention.  I felt as if I’d made a good photographic start to the trip on the mesa as we geared up for the hike into the canyon.  I’ll take full responsibility for turning back after an hour or so slogging through piles of downed trees, grapefruit-sized rock slopes (AKA ankle-turners), and a legendary bush-whack. He says he’ll try again another time, and I asked that I not be included and that he find another crazy angler to do it with him for safety. 

Onward.

Undisclosed Riparian Area With Flowers, Apache National Forest Arizona

This next secret spot is also part of the Black River watershed.  We were there last season, in June, when it was gorgeous.  In August the flowers had had time to bloom, and it was even better this time around.  Apparently there were fish as well, but I couldn’t swear to it.

Warm-Cool Colors on the Canyon Floor, Apache National Forest Arizona

Marco and I found the next spot by pouring over Google Earth.  It looked quite a bit like the first camp’s hike from hell, but getting around was easy, at least by comparison.  Grateful for my wading boots, I found lovely morning scenes with flowers.

Detail From "Mushroom Camp," Apache National Forest Arizona

I dubbed the place we stayed “Mushroom Camp,” and enjoyed crawling around with my macro lens shooting details there as well. 

Willow Springs Lake, Sitgreaves National Forest Arizona

We were hesitant to drive all the way home in one day, so the angler-planner suggested Willow Springs Lake in Mogollon Rim Country, about halfway.  We don’t love campgrounds, but Sinkhole CG is comfortable, and allowed us to walk twice to the tailwaters (creek below the dam) of the lake.

Reflections, Sitgreaves National Forest Arizona

 We didn’t see a soul there, and there were more flowers and lovely reflections.

Flat Head Ed, From an AZGFD Photo, 2013

I also met a local celebrity in the parking lot.  This dude’s name is Flat Head Ed.  He’s a fishing guide.  Over a decade ago I saw this photograph on social media, from an AZ Game and Fish newsletter.  At the time this was the record-size catfish (at 76 ½ pounds) for Arizona.  Thanks to his goofy moniker, I remembered the guy and we had a nice chat.  Sometimes, when travelling, it really is the little things.

Finally, out of clean shirts and beer, we scooted home to edit photos and tell fish stories. I expect we’ll be back.

Morning Reflections, Apache National Forest Arizona

More images from the trip are in the Summer 2024 Gallery on the website.