And That's a Wrap! Fast Horse Photography 2021 Yearly Review.
And… That’s a Wrap Folks. 2021 Brought Beautiful Horse Photos, Many Adventures, and New Equine Business Opportunities
As I've gone through life with my various entrepreneurial experiences, I'm surprised by the depth of community surrounding me because of horses.
It doesn't matter where you've gone or what you've done when you are with people who love horses. The simple connection with and around equines always gives you something to talk about, both light-hearted and serious conversations.
In 2021, I loved meeting equestrians from different disciplines hearing about their equine journeys and how they roll. I enjoyed traveling to new places, working with new clients, and developing an instant community.
Whether I found myself capturing equine behavior seen through photos or creating horse portraits with a black studio background, I found myself in a community of like-minded horse enthusiasts who wanted to talk, share, and connect with me.
As I traveled around this past year, I worked on various projects. I broadened my community in ways I didn't anticipate. I made new friends. I Learned new things. And laughed and shared stories to fill my soul.
You guys, it was so refreshing.
Creating a community in 2021 through Fast Horse Photography, The Business Animal Podcast, Cowgirls with Cameras, and other experiences rejuvenated my spirit.
My adventures with my community re-awakened my passion for the subtle nuances of life.
A broad smile on a seasoned cowgirl at the end of a hard day. Glistening leaves as they gently blow in the wind. Seeing equine and human connections when shooting my senior pictures with horses. Catching a herd exhibiting freedom to express normal horse behaviors gave me all the feels.
Top off these experiences with like-minded individuals who share your same passion, and now you have a mountain top experience you remember together.
For me, 2021 was all about COMMUNITY. Growing my community and helping others join in.
Beautiful Locations
Every year Phyllis Burchett and I host an event called "Horses on the Beach." We had photographers from all over the US travel to my hometown of St. Augustine, Florida, to enjoy the sunshine, horses, and the beach! It was an amazing three days of learning, growing, and laughing. It was thrilling to share my charming and historic town and beautiful beaches with all attendees.
This event allowed the opportunity to photograph something different. To step out of your traditional photography work, and step into the imaginative side of equine photography. Photographing horses, uninhibited on the sandy beaches of St. Augustine, Florida — a dream come true.
For some, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
We used equine and equestrian models with experience and plenty of time riding on the beach together. The models prepared for a variety of settings - fully styled with professional hair and makeup, elaborate dresses, and fantasy-inspired looks, but also naturally true to equestrian lifestyles.
I also had the privilege of doing two different workshops at Powderhorn Ranch in Wyoming. You can read all about Equine Photographers Network's magnificent retreat here. There's nothing like wide-open spaces and fresh air to revitalize your heart.
My equine photographer gal pals and I celebrated our friendship and kindred spirits. All the while, we were shooting herd drives, working cattle, cowgirl and cowboy portraits, dramatic landscape scenes, magical barn light, headshots, and tons of action shots—also, friends and western lifestyle photography in the open plains of Wyoming.
Could life get any better?
Two other adventures led me to an authentic working cattle ranch called Dryhead Ranch in Montana. And to the first BLM Certified Wild Horse EcoSanctuary - Deerwood Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming. Both were tremendous photo opportunities to connect with my community and gather thousands of new images for my stock library —perfect images for your ranch business media marketing. Also, your western lifestyle business, equine business, and pet-based business.
Art Shop Launch
In 2021, I launched my new equine art shop, an extraordinary equine art collective curated from the works of Fast Horse Photography.
Art should never be an afterthought. Instead, the collected pieces should express the buyer's identity and values and create everyday inspiration.
Thoughtfully created photographic prints are high quality and available in many gifts and product options.
To give a piece from this collection is to give something truly memorable and treasured for years to come. Choose images that are perfect for any home, barn, or office.
A First Time But Not Last Time Event
In June of last year, I had an incredible experience attending Art of the Cowgirl in Bozeman, Montana. A five-day gathering to celebrate cowgirls and their impact on western lifestyle and culture.
Honoring who cowgirls are—their history. And the generations who led them on their artistic path.
It was truly insane to see so many talented and gifted women in one place. I gathered tons of photos to add to my stock library, met many new folks, and promoted The Business Animal Podcast.
Not One, But Two New Businesses!
Have you heard about two new businesses I started in 2021?
Well, if you haven't already heard, Kimberly Beer and I started The Business Animal Podcast.
Eeeekkkk, I stepped WAY WAY out of my comfort zone with this one.
We started this podcast to share stories, techniques, strategies, and inspiration for business in the equine, pet, and agricultural space.
Each episode, shared subjects you can relate to, and addressed the unique aspects of the animal and pet industry. We also packed in a lot of practical knowledge you can use to start, grow, and prosper in both business and life.
The beauty of The Business Animal Podcast, the sources and resources are thoroughly researched for you. Not only do you have Kimberly and me giving you reliable information, but also professionals in the industry who are willing to share their success. Say bye-bye to the one-person island, and hello to thoughts and support from a team of people in your corner.
Here are five more reasons you don't want to miss out on this awesome podcast.
The Business Animal is the solution to your equine business and animal-based business needs.
Don't miss another episode!
My second and newest adventure was Cowgirls With Cameras with my longtime friends Phyllis Burchett of Phyllis Burchett Photography and Kimberly Beer of Be More Business.
“Magic happens when three creative, talented, inspirational, and entrepreneurial women combine forces. Cowgirls with Cameras is a place where you can tap into that magic — in a safe, supportive, and kind environment — to improve your photography skills AND have the experiences and develop the friendships that will enrich your life beyond measure. Our goal is to help you share your vision with the world through your lens by telling the stories you want to know from the perspective that holds the most meaning for you.”
We know Cowgirls With Cameras will take you to new places in your business, with your photography skills, and in life. Take a peek at upcoming events and be on the lookout for lots more to come here.
Overall, although the pandemic was still looming over our heads, 2021 had many bright spots for me.
I hope it did for you too.
I am so thankful my family and loved ones stayed primarily healthy. That my business survived and met the changes in the economy. And finally, I made the most incredible friends, colleagues, and business partners through my equine photography and equine-based businesses.
I can not emphasize enough how much community helped me throughout 2021, so much that it will be my focus in 2022.
Helping YOU find community too.
Hop on over and look at the events offered by Cowgirls With Cameras and open your heart to the opportunities awaiting you. I promise you won't regret it!
