Hermes (not of Paris)

I had a shoot with Hermes the horse on Friday. This was a returning client as I had photographed her dog earlier in the year. I learned a ton about horses through my client as she discussed the different breeds. She competes with Hermes jumping. She described the differences between circuit jumping and cross-country. Cross-country, if I were to jump, would be my sport. It sounded so exhilarating to be running through the woods with your horse, to have your heart beat match the thunder of the hooves. In these races your clothing and hair don't have to be impeccable, so for those of you who know me, yes, this is right up my alley. Dirt flying, sweat soaking you and your horse in the dead heat of summer. I love the adrenalin just thinking about it.

The great thing about my client is she likes abstract images. She's not a typical "equestrian" client who wants what I consider to be boring traditional shots. Hermes was a delight to photograph. He stood absolutely still while I got some detail shots to the point we thought he was falling asleep.

I was studying some horse images before my shoot and got excited about doing some cool close ups with the horses forlock hanging over his eyes. While I was setting up my client announced that Hermes has an incredibly short forlock, as you can see. And so although I didn't get the sexy long hair hanging over his eye, I still think it worked out.

On the second shot you can see the H on his bridle. My client actually went to the Hermes store in Paris and bought this just for him. It was the first time she had it on him.

Rise to the top

My mom's American. I grew up spending a lot of time and money in the U.S. while visiting relatives. Needless to say I also spent a lot of time watching what was $200 Cdn in my hand be returned to me for much less in U.S. currency. (insert sigh)
But today, TO-DAY our crazy loonie has soared above it's counterpart to it's highest since I was a year old in 1974 people!
Why does this excite me? B/c for the first time I ordered something online today from the U.S. and guess what?! There was less needed to cover that U.S. cost in my stellar Cdn dollars! It was my turn to get a deal!
So I do a little jig and see what else I can buy before the tide turns.

A new dawn, a new day

My friend Siobhan and I were out last w/e doing a strawbale home tour about an hour north of Kingston. It was a beautiful day, crisp and clear. We were finding our way back home from the quaint town of Perth and we passed by this abandoned farm just as the light was at it's peak. I hadn't taken any pictures all day and as we passed this barn along the road I felt it was time to take out my camera and capture the beautiful light and clouds. I looked over at Siobhan and told her we had to turn around and go back. I needed to take some pictures. And this is image is the result.

Nina Simone was playing as we parked the car, we were both singing along, and Siobhan suggested the title for the images taken here be called "It's a new dawn, it's a new day" in lieu of the light and Miss Nina, and I could only agree.

dreamy state of mind and body

I had the most heavenly shiatsu treatment this morning that I just have to share. I see my practitioner once a month and generally I walk away feeling pretty similar as when I walked in. But today she used her body as pressure instead of it coming from just her hands and the difference was delicious! Shiatsu in general isn't always the most relaxing of experiences b/c the practitioner is getting their fingers into some pretty tough spots that can be a bit painful. Shiatus literal translation is "finger pressure" and it is just that. You're fully clothed lying on a mat on the floor.

This morning she got up on all fours while I was lying on my stomach and used her knees to work the muscles in my legs and applied pressure to my back evenly with the flats of her hands. Today I realized happiness is having someone expertly walk on your feet with their feet. This may all sound strange and convoluted, but trust me, it's been over an hour and I'm still floating.