Into the landscape

Waldron Conservation Area, Alberta, Canada

I was lucky enough to be part of the +Nature Conservancy of Canada effort to protect a sensitive area known as the Waldron in southern Alberta. I was hired to show off the wonder and beauty of the land, and had the absolute privilege of wandering around here for days looking for photographic ways to inspire others to help protect this area. I still have close ties with the NCC and sometimes donate my time to their promotional events. If you happen to be a part of the "Leaders in Conservation" program you are invited to participate in an exclusive workshop from me this weekend! To find out more about becoming a leader in conservation, check out: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/alberta/get-involved/leaders-in-conservation/lic.html

Photographic Details
Some of the original stakeholders rode to the media event on their horses, it was the perfect opportunity to start posing these riders. I had them walk away into the scenery in classic western style. I laid close to the ground and got a very geometrically simple and gorgeous shots of these riders. The extreme symmetry of this scene allowed me to centre the subject (which is usually a no-no) and mainly focus on the riders. Having them walk away creates a feeling of mystery, engendering the viewer to wonder who these riders are, only going on their attire and cowboy hats for clues.

See Also:
Check out this summers horseback expeditions: http://www.kylefoto.com/horseback-expeditions/
and the LIC tours: http://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/where-we-work/alberta/get-involved/leaders-in-conservation/2014.html#.U6GcmY1dVPQ

For #waywednesday  curated by +Peter Carroll 
#horsebackriding   #horselovers   #equinephotography #waldron   #ncc   #conservation  

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I'd like to introduce you all to an incredibly inspirational photographer

+Wayne Sawchuk has been part of a huge conservation effort in northern B.C. in Canada. Using his images and stories to foster healthy relationships between people and the use of the incredible Muskwa-Kechika Wilderness. It's because of people like Wayne that we still have these incredible wildernesses to explore.

Featured on National Geographic, Wayne leads incredible horseback expeditions, a few of which I will be going on this year! I highly recommend you check out his work and website, and forward it to any  horse and nature lovers you know!

I highly recommend you circle him and keep an eye out for his future work!

#travelphotography   #traveltuesday   #horsebackriding   #britishcolumbia   #canada   #travelcanada  

Reshared post from +Wayne Sawchuk

Riders Emerge From the Mist
Through the mist and clouds we emerge onto the ridge, inwardly thankful for the end of a long climb. Every moment of sweat and hard work is instantly a distant memory as we reach the heavens and the realm of the alpine.

Tuchodi River
Northern B.C. Rocky Mountains, Canada

#horselovers #horsepower #muskwakechika #adventuretravel #travel #canada #canadaphotography  

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Giddy up!

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

This is my point of view riding the first horse I had ever gotten to know. She was almost exactly my age, and lived up until we were both 27. We were riding down this uneventful trail on somewhat of a bland day. But we were riding back, and she knew we were going home which means she would love to gallop home in order to get there faster. I noticed her beautiful mane flowing in the wind and thought it would be great to see what kind of photos I could get while riding.

Photographic Details
I wanted to create a sense of motion, so just like I often do, I think about using a ridiculously low shutterspeed. In this case, it's 1/20th of a second that does the trick for me. Don't get me wrong though, it's not easy and a lot of this is luck, I took nearly a hundred photos before I found one that captured the right feeling: the tossing of the mane, while maintaining enough blur in the right spots. This all helps create a much more dynamic feeling excitement while still being recognizable. It was also a thrill to try and stay on a galloping horse using one hand on the reins and another on my camera, yeehaw!

1/20th, f6.3, ISO 50 Canon 5D, Canon 16-35mm f2.8 Lens.

For #equinetuesday  curated by +Jillian Chilson.
#equinephotography   #horsebackriding   #travelphotography   #plusphotoextract  

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