Pet Photo Madness!

"I don't always drink Leche, but when I do.... I drink from a Chimay glass"

Photographing your pets can be such fun.  Most pet owners have Terabyte drives stacked in their closets filled with those cute moments.  Often, they are just sent immediately to Face Book or some other social media.  I encourage you to consider not only setting up these photos, but have fun with a quote.  Printing these on a low cost canvas can add a real smile to any room in the house.  Finnegan, here completely has the "coolest" cat attitude around, so I immediately thought of the original "most interesting man in the world" add from Dos Equis.  Have fun!!! ....."and stay thirsty my friends"

Forever Chasing the Starlight

Forever Chasing the Starlight...Forever Following My Bliss

Life is good.  I will never slow down, nor will I ever get it done. It is just too much fun.  Sun Valley is covered in tons of fresh spring snow.  I am anticipating spring and delighting in new projects.  One of which is reviewing books.  Reading is such a luxurious, self-indulgent treat for me and now the left side of my brain can no longer launch into a rant about me enjoying a good book.  Ha!  Here is my latest book review:

"The Numerology Guidebook: Uncover Your Destiny and the Blueprint of Your Life" by Michelle Buchanan

It has been my experience in life at the point of many major crossroads that confirmation and valuable information always appears to me at the crucial times.  The only requirement for me is to pay attention.  So it was when I requested this book from Hayhouse Publications free for the purpose of review. I was not required by Hayhouse to give a positive review. I was ready to be objective and impartial.

I knew some but very little about numerology when I first turned the pages of this book.  Michelle Buchanan easily guided me step by step through my Life Path Number, my Destiny Number, my Soul Number and so much more.  The information I gained was incredibly right on.

Michelle Buchanan’s expertise and clear writing style makes this a book already becoming a worn favorite as I continually seek out new guidance for myself and now my friends and family.

Burn Baby Burn!

I'm Back!

A few days before Christmas, I was invited to a party out in the certified boonies of Idaho.  Many blessings to the gracious, talented people who created Burning Woman.  This party is not exclusive but it is definitely a local "word of mouth" event.  My first experience with this happening was a few years ago.

My son lives in New York and after I sent him photos of this year's Burning, he replied "Mom, I just don't get that sh**"  You may not get it either but to the best of my ability, I will try to explain. First of all, this is Blaine County, Idaho. There is a great deal of juju here.  We are hearty, SPIRITED people.  At Burning Woman,  you go before the great woman on solstice.  She is something like 32 feet tall and yes she has breasts.  Here, in the dark cold snowy night, you celebrate Life, The Great Mother Earth and you Reflect on the past year.  Then you think of all the things you want to leave behind.  Far behind.  Things you would like to Burn.  People gather, drums sound and a flaming arrow is shot into this amazing work of art filled with hidden fireworks.  This year the best shot landed right into her heart.  Pounding music begins to play.  Sparks fly, hidden surprises explode and the Burning Woman reminds you how to be a child in awe again. 

I have to thank Hay House Radio and Hay House Book Nook for inspiring me to revive my blog.  I am a huge fan of Hay House Radio.  I listen to my favorite shows that really enlighten me and simply make me happy. (Shout out to you, Davidji for helping me to discover the ability to meditate!) Somehow, by the way of the universe, I saw a book review mentioning the Book Nook and checked it out.  I may or may not be accepted by the Book Nook to review Hay House Publication's books, but I was inspired by the thought of blogging about many things instead of just my photographic adventures.  Book reviews would be an excellent addition, no?

So I am back.  Coming up next: I spent some time at Red Rocks, Nevada and The Valley of Fire in November.  Such an amazing experience.  My creative, photographic spirit was rejuvenated!  Photos and stories to follow...

In the meantime....BURN BABY BURN!

 

Looking Back Fall 2011

Bend of the River ~ Pure Vision Studios ~ Teri Lee Niedrich ~ Sun Valley Idaho 

Winter days are the best time to edit.  Hot cup of coffee, wrap up in a sweater, turn up the tunes.  My office becomes a welcome cave.  My own little universe.  My dog hates it.  He can't understand why I don't want to go outside. He doesn't understand that I don't do 19 degrees unless I am snowboarding.

Winter days are also a good time for reflection.  The New Year forces me to pause and look back.  I am editing the photos from one of the most beautiful fall seasons that I have ever seen here in the Wood River Valley. I am thankful and happy to, in the midst of a colorless winter, look back and relish the brilliant colors of fall.  Arguably one of my top four favorite seasons.

Canadian Geese on Golden Sun Valley Pond ~ Pure Vision Studios ~ Teri Lee Niedrich

Canadian Geese on the Golden Sun Valley Pond

This is a great location to photograph all year round but especially when the golden trees are reflecting in the pond. 

So many times the best places to shoot are in your own back yard.  No doubt when I am traveling outside my comfort zone, the sheer excitement of a new location gives me the extra edge of enthusiasm.  In any new location, though, it takes time to learn the "golden hours" and light patterns.

I had been thinking about shooting in this location for a few weeks and when the first bit of snow graced Baldy surrounded by the golden trees....well foget about it...I was out the door and headed down the road before I was really conscious.

Sun Valley Idaho Fall from the Pond ~ Pure Vision Studios ~Teri Lee Niedrich

I love this valley.  30 years and I am still awestruck.  I hope that you enjoyed reflecting on the fall with me.  Next up an amazing location in magical Thousand Springs State Park.

Sun Valley's Golden Pond - Flippin Beautiful!  Pure Vision Studios ~ Teri Lee Niedrich

The Navajo Medicine Pony ~ Living a Magical Life

Navajo Medicine Pony ~ Pure Vision Studios

In my last post, I promised the story of The Navajo Medicine Pony.  I think we all get to choose the type of life we live.  I have chosen a magical life.  I believe.

Angel Wynn of NativeStock Pictures is my dear friend, mentor and co-creator.  Angel is the leading supplier of Indian Country Imagery. We both share a great love and respect for the Native American People and their culture. She, my husband (who is a very brave man) and I were on a mad adventure in Arizona in 2009. It will take many posts to tell you all of the amazing places we were honored to see and photograph on that journey.
 

Certainly one of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Canyon De Chelly in Chinle, Arizona part of the Navajo Nation. I will post the story of our unforgettable tour through the bottom of Canyon De Chelly another time. Epic doesn't even come close to covering it.

After a very long and magical day, we were headed back to the campground at sunset.  Horses are everywhere in Chinle.  I understand the Navajo Nation is not in the habit of restricting their horses behind fences.  Several times we had already witnessed horses running freely through town.  At the end of this day, however, a beautiful single pony stepped out of the brush by the side of the road bathed in the beautiful light of an Arizona sunset. 

Angel and I were nothing but ##@es and elbows grabbing our gear from the back of the cab and we were out of the car in 2 seconds.  The horse just stood there patiently posed.  We shot like crazy thinking this was going to be over as quickly as it started and the horse would run. No....just looking at us with it's soulful eyes and "gifting" us with a magical moment. Finally, we decided to move along before we caused an accident on the highway.

I felt we had just experienced something really mystical but I really didn't know what it was exactly.  I still don't know. Maybe I don't ever have to know. Do we make the magic or does it make us?

I printed a big 40 x 40 canvas of this photo for one of my first big shows.  It has always been a treat to see people drawn to it.  Some are analytical about it's magic...I was even once asked if I had something "blowing" the horses mane.  Most people ask for the story and I am happy to tell it again and again.  Many people are moved to a memory of their favorite horse and I am honored to hear "their" story.  I have sold many of the smaller prints of this photo but the big canvas stayed with me.

As I told in my previous post, this was the canvas viewed by Michael Wamego.  His face lit up like that Arizona sunset and he smiled the most beautiful smile. He knew it would be his.  I am honored that my first big canvas of the Navajo Medicine Pony has now found it's true home in the workshop of such a beautiful spirit, Michael Wamego of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.  Michael told me this is a medicine pony and explained they have a special aura. He tells me his dog will sit patiently staring at the pony while he works, but he turns away if you catch him staring at it.  How honored am I? Michael loves his pony and I love my beautiful flute. Someday I will return to Canyon De Chelly and Chinle,  Arizona and learn more about this amazing spot on planet earth.  In the meantime I just continue to love this Navajo Pony and it's great gift to me. There is something so powerful about the southwest. It draws me back time and time again like a long forgotten home.

Canyon De Chelly - Pure Vision Studios

Sunrise at Spider Woman Rock  ~ Pure Vision Studios

Magic is all around.  Just look for it.  I think I will take a walk in the woods now.

Michael Wamego and His Beautiful Native American Flutes

Native American Flute Creator, Michael Wamego

Photo by Teri Lee Niedrich Pure Vision Studios

Meeting amazing artists is definitely one of the best things about doing a show.  This year at the Thousand Springs Festival, I networked with other photographers, heard the scoop about other shows that are doing well and met ridiculously talented people.  I always collect a few cards and try to pass along the word to people I think would be interested in their work. I am often honored to be in a show with such talented artists.

Sometimes things get a little magical with these connections and that makes the event  unforgettable! About a month before the show, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to get a flute. The Native American Flute has the most soulful sound of all of the wind instruments.  I wanted one in a bad way but this was a very busy summer and I had not really pursued it.

As we were setting up our booth on Saturday morning, I heard the sound of a flute. Wild. There was actually a booth with Native American Flutes!  Well the morning was busy but Marsha, Michael's wife, came into our booth and started up a very interesting conversation about mules.  People talk to me about mules because of the Wagon Days photos I have and I love mules so it is often a popular topic in our booth.  Marsha is a really "bright" spirit.  Most people glow, some people sparkle.  I was delighted to find out that she was Michael's wife and I got a chance for a little break later and went straight to their booth.  Wow.

Michael Wamego is a Vietnam War Veteran and a member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.  After he returned from his service, he began to create beautiful Native American Flutes as did his Grandfather before him.  Michael proceeded to tell me fascinating stories of his mystical journey creating these amazing flutes.  He carefully selects the wood and the wood speaks to him.  Sometimes the wood will not be made into a flute until the time is right.  He has story after story of how these flutes find their way to the one person who was meant to own them.  Michael exhibits his spirit given talent in his booth where he carves a flute on the spot.  You can read more about Michael and his flutes on his website, The Shaman's Dream.

Michael has a real appreciation for his flutes...they are his babies.  I feel the same way about my photography.  It is always so exciting to see them find their home ...and sometimes I get very attached to certain pieces.  One canvas print had been with me for a long time and I had it in my home when we were not showing..  The photograph WAS called "Navajo Pony"...now I have renamed it "Navajo Medicine Pony".  The photo moves many people and honestly...it does have some kind of magic...ju ju whatever you want to call it.. about it.  I will tell the tale in my next posting....  


I had my eye on one of Michael's beautiful flutes.  I played it and it spoke to me.  Michael came into my booth and took one look at the Navajo pony and said it was a "medicine" pony.  He wanted that canvas and we made a very very good trade.  Now I play my beautiful flute once a day and when I miss the pony..I know it has a very powerful home. The universe unfolds as it should.


Michael Wamego and his wonderful wife, Marsha will be exhibiting TODAY at the Trailing of the Sheep Folklife Fair, Roberta McKercher in Haiiley, ID.  If you are anywhere in the vicinity of this Fair...don't miss it.  Check out their website.  Don't get me stahted talkin about the Trailing of the Sheep Festival that is another post!

As I close this posting I am on my way to photograph this happy community event. I love taking photos of people being the way they were created to be, happy.  I am looking forward to seeing my new friends, Michael and Marsha.  Life is good.

Thousand Springs Festival ~ Magical Places

Thousand Springs State Park is most certainly one of Idaho's most magical places.  The Thousand Springs Festival is held annually on Ritter Island within the park and recently welcomed 4,000 guests.  We had to skip this festival last year but were determined not to miss it again. We redesigned our booth and were anxious to try it out in one of our favorite shows.

 Pure Vision Studios Booth @ Thousand Springs Fest 2011

We had the most amazing time!  Despite the booth being a bit warm for temps in the 90's (who would have thought end of Sept??), we loved the dark curtain look of the new booth. We will have to smooth out the bugs for warmer shows but all in all it was a huge success.

Shows like this produce a high that is truly hard to describe! I spoke with children just learning to appreciate art (certainly my most important critics), tweens and teens who were aspiring photographers, fellow artists and photographers, and seniors who talked of the old days in Idaho.

We did well and I made a nice trade at the end of the show for a really cool hand carved Native American Flute.....(Next Story )    I confess that I have a bit o' the "Carni" and Gypsy in me and this could be my retirement plan.....loved it!  Already talking more shows ..please stay tuned.