Picture of the Day: Brookfield Zoo Owl

I took this image inside a really dark room at ISO 3200.  The graininess lent itself well to black and white, in my opinion, but I couldn't get over how dramatic the pose was and how incredible the owl's eyes were.  So, I wanted to make them the focal point by desaturating the rest of the image but leaving the owl's eyes relatively untouched.  Anyone have any name recommendations for this stoic creature?

Backyard Bambi

I never get tired of taking pictures like this from our backyard.  I seriously love where we're at.  I see these guys so often, I think it's about time I name them.  Any suggestions?  

Backyard Deer

We got home from Austin's game tonight to see a deer hanging out in the backyard.  I didn't have time to get my 1.4x multiplier so the pictures are quite cropped but seeing deer from the new deck I built is the perfect way to end a day :)  

I got her attention

This deer has some serious hops!

Not the most graceful pose I've ever seen

Family Day at the Barn

Michelle, Austin and I spent some time at the barn today for Michelle's first lesson on Rhett.  The arena at Cape Cod Farm is awesome but it is an awfully difficult photographic challenge because it's quite dark.  Here's a few of the pictures from the day!

Michelle riding saddle seat

Rhett looking concerned about his first lesson

She's "tickled pink" :)

Rhett starting to get comfortable...

NOT! 

Hitting his stride with the trot

Cantering

Stretching out in his stride

They're both surviving and pretty happy about it 

Now he's just showing off

Buddies

Austin scratching Rhett's nose

I think Rhett likes it! 

Austin's starting to warm up (he's a little scared)

Muahhhh!

Busted! and a little embarrassed 

A rare picture of me.  I look much better behind the lens

Michelle getting artistic

This is where we part ways

I'm on to you...

Austin actually got on!  

Christmas Sweaters

So warm and cozy

Nicely dressed and he does tricks!

One angry yawn

Christmas Puppy!

Here's some pictures of my Christmas present to Michelle... a Jack Russell Terrier Puppy!  We named him Griffey after my favorite baseball player, Ken Griffey Jr.  He just turned 8 weeks and he's totally adorable.  Of course the first thing Michelle wanted to do was put him in her cowboy boots for a picture :)  

Missing Dash

I recently moved from Charleston, SC to Dayton, OH and I had to give my dog, Dash, to my sister to watch for a few months.  I'm building a house and living out of hotels until late October so it was much easier to have someone else watch him.  I definitely miss my buddy :(  Here's a few pics from earlier this summer... can't wait to get him back!

A Day at the Barn

The weather was perfect today to get out and take some pictures of a baby Clydesdale named BOLO (short for be on the look out).  He's pretty skittish but it was a blast and I was happy with the pictures.  Check out a few of my favorites.  

Fetch

I'm giving myself a bit of a homework assignment today.  I'm searching the house looking for pictures to take and I decided to start with my puppy, Dash.  Here's a few of us playing fetch and him relaxing afterward :)