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

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.

Top 5! The Best Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho

View from the top Bald Mtn 9,105 ft Sun Valley, ID on a Bluebird Day
photo purevisionstudios.com

Top 5 The Best Things to Do in Sun Valley Idaho

1. Go Bluebird on Baldy!

Last year Sun Valley Resort celebrated its 75th year as the United States first and consistently one of its most successful ski resorts. Successful for many reasons, they just simply do it right. Laying down some fresh tracks on Baldy on one of its many "bluebird days" is hands down the best thing to do in Sun Valley. With a total Lift Capacity Per Hour of 26,780 even on a big powder day the smiling crowds are not waiting in line (per skier, Sun Valley has more uphill capacity than any other ski area). Sun Valley has something for everyone from the super family friendly Dollar Mountain with a new "state of the sport" terrain parks to a Gondola ride up to the famous Roundhouse Restaurant for an unforgettable dinner.

The Big Hitch, Wagon Days! photo purevisionstudios.com

2. Travel Back in Time with Wagon Days

As celebrations go in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho it doesn't get any bigger than Wagon Days. The Big Hitch Parade is the highlight of the celebration. It has grown into the largest non-motorized parade in the West, displaying more than a hundred museum-quality buggies, carriages, tacks, carts, buckboards, and wagons of every variety in existence today. The Wagon Days Big Hitch, historic wagons used to haul ore from the area, are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline. Adding spice to the parade is a lively assortment of authentically costumed individuals, numerous breeds of horses, from Arabs to Morgans to Pasos. Plus, professional and scholastic marching bands from around the state and the intermountain west. It's a blast from the past not to be missed! Parties and special events abound all through Labor Day Weekend. A perfect way to wrap up the summer.

Wagon Days "Shootout Gang" photo purevisionstudios.com

3. Enjoy a Perfect Cut at the Pioneer Saloon

There's a reason why "The Pio", as it is affectionately called by locals, is often the first recommendation any local will give you for a fun place for a drink and a really great meal. The atmosphere reflects the true grit spirit and the adventurous heart of so many people in this beautiful wild western valley. For 30 years owner Duffy Whitmer is often seen working shoulder to shoulder with his staff making sure he personally welcomes his guests. The Pioneer Saloon treats you to a casual, friendly atmosphere with an offering of a wide variety of beers, wine and liquors then it dazzles you with perfectly prepared cuts of beef, seafood, fresh trout and the absolute, real deal overstuffed Idaho potato.

The author, Teri Lee Niedrich, enjoying the end of a Mountain Bike ride in Sun Valley

"ahhhhh the flats"...Now for some "Despos"

4. Get in the Zone on a Mountain Bike Trail

The Sun Valley area offers outstanding mountain bike trails! In fact, Sun Valley Idaho hosted the very successful USA Cycling Cross Country Mountain Bike National Championships

July 14-17, 2011 and will host again July 12-15, 2012 . Quoting local, Rebecca Rusch to USA Cycling on usacycling.org “I have traveled the world and the U.S. for races and I live in the Sun Valley area of Idaho because it has some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden as well as welcoming cycling community,” explains three-time 24 Hour Mountain Bike World Champion Rebecca Rusch. “I already know this place is world-class and I’m really looking forward to sharing what Idaho has to offer with the best cyclists in the U.S.” What else can I say? Single track through the woods to die for... I will add that local trails vary from the beginner friendly Harriman Trail to trails that challenge the most passionate mountain biking enthusiast. PS ..a few of them can turn out to be "a three hour tour" if you know what I mean so be sure to buy one of the local trail books. By the way if you are a "roadie", Sun Valley has an excellent bike path and plenty of challenging road cycling. For more info on rallies and competitions check out visitsunvalley.com

Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper at Sun Valley Photo Courtesy: SVR

5. Dig the Historical Vibe of the Sun Valley Lodge Resort

Okay, this last one was a hard one. I have to be honest there are so many really cool festivals and events worth mentioning in this amazing town like the Wellness Festival in the spring, The Trailing of the Sheep festival in the fall and the Nordic Festival in the winter but the winner is...anytime at the The Sun Valley Lodge Resort. Seriously, I am a local and I stay at the lodge and play tourist in my home town quite frequently. I am connected with the Sun Valley Resort in no way but sheer admiration. There is such a great vibe at the Sun Valley Lodge. The Lodge has been meticulously maintained and upgraded with luxurious details for 75 years. Walking down the hallways and enjoying a little time travel with the old celebrity photographs is a treat. Be sure to have a mug of beer, glass of wine or better yet a glass of champagne with you to make it fun. Enjoy the old school Duchin Room named for Eddie Duchin, an American popular pianist and bandleader of the 1930s and '40s, famous for his engaging onstage personality and his elegant piano style. You will be sure to hear some classic jazz entertainment. Sit in the "gangster" corner in the back. Very private and dark but big enough for your entourage. If you want to stay in the vibe, have dinner at the Ram Restaurant. If you are on a tight budget, just have a drink and the escargot (killer), then have pizza later. Just go with it and hang out. Who knows who you will meet? Maybe Warren Miller , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Steve Miller, or Mark Zuckerberg will walk by. Sure there are many newer ski resorts to enjoy today. In fact, since Sun Valley was the very first....ALL of them are newer. However, Sun Valley Resort with all of the latest technologies and amenities boasts 75 years of eloquent history. This grand ole dame has mastered the art of staying young at heart. Enjoy.

Wagon Days 50th Anniversary

Wagon Days Echoes of the Past
The Big Hitch, Wagon Days, Sun Valley Idaho

The Budweiser Clydesdales in Sun Valley, Idaho

As celebrations go in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho it doesn't get any bigger than Wagon Days.

The Big Hitch Parade is the highlight of the celebration. It has grown into the largest non-motorized parade in the West, displaying more than a hundred museum-quality buggies, carriages, tacks, carts, buckboards, and wagons of every variety in existence today. The Wagon Days Big Hitch, historic wagons used to haul ore from the area, are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline.

Adding spice to the parade is a lively assortment of authentically costumed individuals, numerous breeds of horses, from Arabs to Morgans to Pasos. Plus, professional and scholastic marching bands from around the state and the intermountain west.

This year was the 50th Anniversary of Wagon Days and the legendary celebration did not disappoint. The Budweiser Clydesdales were invited to join the parade along with the past Grand Marshalls of previous parades. The event was not only a great tribute to the history of Idaho, but also a tribute to this close knit community, the organizers and voluteers of Wagon Days who truly make this celebration a successful party.

I felt privileged to be be invited to photograph all of the activities of this event, including a ride in the lead ore wagon of the big hitch at the practice session. As I bounced around like a rag doll in the massive wagon trying to capture the moment, my mind raced back to history when these great wagons traveled much more treacherous paths through the mountains. I was in awe of the skill of Muleskinner Bobby Tanner and his amazing crew. The mules of his team were exceptional world class athletes by anyone's standards!

Check out Pure Vision Studios Events and Celebrations Gallery/Wagon Days 50th Anniversary and double click for the slide show. Here you can see the massive ore wagons, historic wagons and the beautiful horses, mules and donkeys who pull them. The classic colorful characters of the old west come alive to tell the tale of Wagon Days.

The Wells Fargo Stage, Wagon Days, Sun Valley, Idaho

The Blackjack Ketchum Shootout Gang Wagon Days Ketchum Idaho

Eh-Capa Rider, Wagon Days Parade 50th Anniversary,

Sun Valley, Idaho