Wild Spirit Photo

My Cowboy

2009-07-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

I took this photo of my very loved Mustang, who's name is Cowboy, almost 2 years ago. Going through some older files I came across it again. It was a full body shot but I thought cropping it to just a head shot would be better and I'm very pleased with the cropped image.

I then went a step further and Digitally Painted the image and now I really love how it looks. I think Cowboy is such a handsome boy!!!

The photo was taken in the Fall of 2007 and that is why the background is so colorful and I think it really makes his dark bay coat stand out.

Here is the whole image and then below it is a close up so you will be able to see the brush stroke details.

I really enjoy doing Digital Paintings on images, it's can be very time consuming, but it relaxes me and lets me get even more creative with my work.

I hope you enjoy this one.

Wendy

Hummingbirds

2009-07-08T19:17:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well the hummingbirds have finally started coming to my feeders!!! I was beginning to worry and just about the time I was about to give up on them, there they were!! At first it was just one, then later another one came and by some of the below photos you can tell that they didn't want to share!!

I took the images below on two different days, some in the morning and back lite one's I took just as the the sun was going down.

In case you can't tell in the photos, these are of 2 different kinds of hummingbirds. I looked them up online but right now I can't remember their names, but one set of them have these beautiful green feathers on their backs and the others are just kind of a tanish and nothing fancy.

I'm surprised they are still coming around because I've had to move the feeders a couple of times because the first one was on a shepard's hook in my flower bed, but I found my cat laying in waiting and he must have actually jumped up at the feeder because I found it on the ground!! Now I have them hanging from my gutters where there are no other obstacles around for Trouble, that's my cat, to be able to launch off of.

Ok, I'll include a couple of photos I took of Trouble the other day too. He's such a ham and so photogenic and I love him so much that I can't seem to get enough photos of him!!

Wendy

This last one reminds me of an Angel descending to earth!!

And last but not least . . . here is Trouble

Image Galleries About to Expire

2009-07-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just want to put out a quick reminder that a couple of Image Galleries and the ability to order from them, are going to Expire soon!!!!

The following galleries will Expire on July 15, 2009.

Ride the West 2009

Jessica & Kenny

Once a gallery expires there is a 20.00, non refundable fee to make the galleries available again. This 20.00 fee will be credited toward any prints you order. If you do not order prints, the fee is not refunded.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Wendy

Baby Deer

2009-07-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to my dog, Hank, who knows whenever there is another animal or critter of any kind on or near our property, I was able to get the below photos!!!

Because of wood fence panels against a 6 ft tall chain link fence and lots of bushes, this little baby was not able to see me, but I was able to finally see it!! It was laying down when I first spotted it and then it got up and walked a few feet, looked around and then laid back down again . . . waiting for his momma to return.

I was very excited to be able to get these photos and I hope you enjoy seeing them.

I hope you all have a fun and safe 4th of July!!

Wendy

Jessi & Kenny's Video

2009-06-08T23:21:00.001-07:00

I wanted to share a few more images from Jessi and Kenny's maternity photo shoot, so I put together a video for you all to view.

I hope you enjoy it.

Wendy

Jessi & Kenny

2009-06-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I had the opportunity to photograph another mom and dad to be. They are the son and daughter in law of a friend of mine.

They are such a cute couple and I think we got a nice variety of images.

Also, stay tuned for photos of the little munchkin' after she is born!!

Ride the West 2009 - Mule & Donkey Trail Challenge

2009-05-27T23:19:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

Well, I had a great time at Ride the West, but I am still trying to recover from it!!! There were so many great things going on and I have tons of photos that I'm going through to get the image galleries online.

I want to share some of my favorites with you here on my blog. I think I will try to post a few photos from different events each day for a few days.

If you were at Ride the West and participated in any of the events please check my website to view the images. I have tons to upload so I am adding new image galleries each day until they are all uploaded!!

This photo is of a cute, cute little guy named Chance, he participated in the Wild Wild West Mule and Donkey Trail Competition. It was the cutest thing to watch!!!

This next image is of a lady that performs in the Draft Horse Show that is held in Sandpoint, Idaho every year in September. I took many photos of them 2 years ago and her husband ordered some really special ones to surprise her for Christmas. They were at Ride the West and I got to officially meet them and they are the nicest people!! And not only can this woman drive a team of mules but she can ride them very well also!! After each person finished the trail challenge they were able to do something special for extra points. She took off her saddle and did the challenge again BAREBACK!! It was pretty impressive.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing these images. I'll try to get some more posted tomorrow :)

Wendy

The A. Family Slideshow

2009-05-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

The A. Family

2009-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful little 6 month old and her really awesome mom and dad. This little family is very nice and you can just feel the love between them all!! Here's a few of my favorites from the shoot.

I hope you enjoy !!!

Too Cute ! ! !

Happy Girl

Family
Black & White

Happy, Happy Girl

Family
Color

Family 2
Black & White - Hi Key

Sweet Thing :)

Paige Adrian - My New Granddaughter !!!!

2009-05-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have had a very busy few days. My granddaughter was born Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 4:51AM. She was 6 lbs. 9 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long.

Here are just a few quick photos of her from the hospital. Soon I will be doing a "real" photo shoot with her and will post those images once that is done.

I hope you enjoy!!

Meet my newest Model

2009-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting the sweetest little Angel and her mom. We just met for a few minutes, so I would not be a total stranger to this little darling on the day we take the "official' photos. But, while I was there I could not resist taking a few quick shots of her and I wanted to share a couple of them with you. These were not planned and just spur of the moment, but she is so darn cute that it would be hard to get an image of her that is not a good one!! She has the cutest little nose and look at those precious little lips and her big brown eyes!! In a couple or so weeks we will have our photo shoot and you can be sure I will upload many more images of this little one to share with you.

Maternity Slideshow

2009-04-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone, Here is a new video I wanted to share with you. I hope you enjoy watching it. Wendy

New Maternity Photos

2009-04-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, I spent some time today taking photos of my daughter Jessi. She is due to have a baby girl on May 11th. We took A LOT of photos and I want to show them to her before I upload too many of them, but I just had to give you a sneak peak!! Here are a few that I've worked on and there will be more to come!!

I want to start taking more maternity and baby photos, so if you know anyone who might be in need of these types of pictures please let them know!!

Wendy

NEW Image Galleries ! ! !

2009-03-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I have just recently uploaded some new image galleries that showcase some of my images in a variety of categories. I believe these galleries will give you a good idea of what my work is like as well as the many different things I enjoy photographing.

Please visit my website's new gallery page by clicking right HERE.

I'm still looking for models in several categories including Seniors, Individuals, Babies, Pregnancy, Baby Critters and of course Horses!! Models receive a FREE photo session and a FREE print package!!! The only thing I ask for in return is a signed Model Release which allows me to use the images for business purposes. Otherwise there are absolutely NO strings attached!! Why am I doing this you might ask? Well, I'm looking to add to my collection of images especially after having to take last year off, I'm anxious to get shooting again!!

Canvas Prints: Sometime in the near future I will be purchasing some canvas prints as samples to show to clients. Canvas prints are amazing and once you see one . . . . you want one!! Once I have the samples I will also launch a limited time special on the purchase of canvas prints and I'll post that here and on my website as well. The below image is an example of a canvas print.
Spring, Summer and the Show Season is just around the corner!! I can't wait to see some of you out there!!

Wendy

New for 2009, Specials & Additions . . . .

2009-03-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

New for 2009, Back in Action Specials and Additions ! ! !

After taking most of 2008 off for medical reasons, Wendy & Wild Spirit Photo are Back in Action ! ! !

Below are some new and exciting things I will be offering this year. You can check out my website for more information and details.

Special Show/Event Print Pricing

People Picture & Farm Call Packages

Free low resolution digital image file for web & e-mail usage with the purchase of a 5x7 or larger print.

Cool Thumb Drive with your digital images on orders over $150.00 or with the purchase of a People Picture or Farm Call Package.

Awesome new Thumb Drives

Paperback Pocket Books - lots of images in one place.

Coffee Table Books - an elegant way to show off your images.

See more info at WildSpiritPhoto.com

New Templates to offer . . .

2009-01-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
I have some new templates to offer to my clients and couldn't wait to get some samples done and show you all!! The below samples are 12x12 scrapbook size, but they can all be re-sized for prints, cards, invitation, etc. I have enough different pages in the same design to create a 20 page Digital Scrapbook or Coffee Table Book!! These are very cool and will spruce up almost any photo . . . . what a great new way to show off your images!! I got these templates from Michelle at American Cowboy Photography . . . . thank you so much Michelle for offering your wonderful creativity!!
If any of you are interested in seeing more designs, just e-mail me, I have lots to choose from!!

This first template's images are of my very own daughter Jessi, who is 6 months pregnant ! ! !

Winter Photo Course

2009-01-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, I just finished a short online Winter Photography Course offered by www.learntotakephotos.com

The class was a lot of fun and the instructors are very knowledgeable and provided a great deal of feed back and help. I really enjoyed this class and one really good thing is that it got me outside, taking pictures!! I seem to be more motivated when faced with a deadline and I know I wouldn't have gotten some of the great winter images that I did if it were not for taking this class. Everyone had about 2 weeks to get out there and take pictures and then submit their 3 best ones and the winner would get a gift certificate. There were a lot of people in this class and a lot of amazing and beautiful photos!! The instructors said it was very difficult to choose just one winner so they decided to choose 5 runner-ups as well. The exciting news is that one of my images was chosen as a runner-up!!

If you are ever interested in taking an online photo class you really should check and see what these gals have to offer!! www.learntotakephotos.com

They also did an online press release about the class and the winning photos, here is a link to that Press Release if you are interested in seeing it.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/photography/contest/prweb1883844.htm

I hope you all have a great week.

Wendy

Booking for 2009

2009-01-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

In case anyone is wondering I want to let everyone know that I AM starting to book photo sessions for 2009.

If you have a horse show or event and need a photographer, if you want Senior or Family photos, please contact me ASAP so we can get you on the calendar!!

I am looking to update and expand my portfolio. There are some specific things I would like to photograph for my portfolio and also for my Stock Photo collection. If you have or fall under the below categories, please contact me so we can discuss the finer details. These details are basically that if you will sign a model release for me, I will do the photo session for NO COST to you. This is a $100.00+ savings!!

Below I have listed some of the things I am wanting to photograph and there is a limit to how many of these I can do at no cost, so please contact me ASAP if you are interested.

Babies . . of the animal kind

Foals, calves and other baby critters!!!

People . . .

Seniors, both boys & girls
Babies and young children

Equine . . .

Again, Foals
Stallions

Horse Breeds . . .

Friesians
Gypsy Vanner
American Saddlebred
Other not so common breeds

I hope all of you have had a good start to the New Year and I look forward to seeing you at future horse events & photo sessions!!

Wendy

Pictures from Yesterday

2009-01-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

I was able to get outside yesterday while the sun was shining and took some pictures. I'm doing a small Winter Photography Class that I need to take pictures for, so that was my motivation. I like the way these turned out. The one titled Frozen in Motion is my favorite.

Frozen in Motion

Spooky's Wiskers

Sun Through Tree

Cowboy's Breath

New Slideshow to Share with you all.

2009-01-01T22:52:00.001-08:00

Winter Solstice Photos

2008-12-21T21:26:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I took some photos today for a Winter Solstice Project and wanted to share a few with you. Boy are we getting pounded with snow!!

The Dump Truck, obviously retired for the winter.

I was using the flash on my camera and Cowboy wanted nothing to do with it, so he moved out of the shelter and wouldn't get any closer to me than this . . . .the big chicken!!

Spooky on the other hand wouldn't leave me alone, so I tossed her some hay. Put some food in front of her and she won't bug you for a little while!!

I had just finished taking pictures and was leaving the barn and I ran into Trouble. He decided the snow was too deep and followed or rather raced me back to the house!!

And here is one more of Cowboy. I used a Sepia tone on this one.

He's such a pretty boy. And as you can see my horses are fat and spoiled!! I was a little worried about how fat they were getting but then as soon as the frigid below zero temps and wind chill hit, I was really glad they had the extra layers to keep them warm.

Today when I was out there taking these photos the temperature was 10 degrees and the wind chill factor was about 7-10 BELOW zero!! My gloves made pressing the button on the camera really difficult so I took one off for a just a little bit to take the rest of the photos . . . . wow, it's amazing how quickly those kind of cold temperatures can effect the uncovered skin!!

New Digital Paintings

2008-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone, I've been playing with some more digital paintings and wanted to share a couple of my latest one's with you. This first one is Ann Kirk and her horse at this years Ride the West. Ann is a local trainer/clinician and is very involved with Ride the West. This next one is a poppy that I took photos of earlier this year in my yard.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner!! Where oh where has the time gone!!

Wendy

Digital Paintings of Images

2008-11-21T00:25:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone, I have discovered a new technique that I think is really cool. I call it Digital Painting. I take a regular image and use a program called Corel Painter Essentials 4 and make the photo look like a painting. With this program you can tell it what type of finish you would like and click a button and it does it for you, BUT that is not the way I am doing these digital paintings. I choose different brushes, different amounts of opacity, etc. and go over every inch of the image, as if I were really painting it. I just love the look it gives and wanted to share some more image possibilities with you.

You may have to click on the image to enlarge it to see the brush stroke details on some of these. One of the cool things about this technique is that you can make it very subtle or very dramatic depending on the look you want to accomplish.

New Custom Design Cards for the Holidays and More . . .

2008-11-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

Howdy,

I previously posted some examples of Holiday Cards. Those cards are stock cards that I order from a supplier. Now I have been busy making my own Custom Cards!! I will still order these from a supplier, but instead of using their stock designs, I will upload my custom designs. For now I will show you Christmas/Holiday related cards, but I'm also working on Custom Cards for other occasions too!!

These cards are a flat 5.5 x 4 inches and come with envelopes. Photos I've taken of you and/or your horse can be used or you can choose one of my stock images. Special Pricing for these cards are as follows. The price includes regular shipping, but does not include sales tax if applicable. Also, rush order and or rush shipping will be an additional cost.
9 cards . . 27.00 19 cards . . 34.00 29 cards . . 42.00 & more quantities available. The actual cards will not have my website address on them.

People Pictures . . . .oh the possibilities ! ! ! !

2008-10-31T21:24:00.000-07:00

I just got some new tools to use in PhotoShop and I just love them!! I've been playing with some people pictures, mostly some senior images I did and wanted to share some of what I've created with you. Just click on an image to see a larger version. Please remember all images are copyright protected. Do not copy, download, print, save, etc. To do so is a violation of the US Copyright Laws.

This is Kristin. I did her senior photos earlier this year. She will be graduating in 2009 ! ! ! This is a very Hi Key Color image. I have enhanced her complexion, hair, eyes and lips.

Here is another one of Kristin showing the different effects that can be applied to images.

This is Ashley. I took Ashley's senior photos last year . . . she graduated this year ! ! ! ! This image is very Hi Key with a sepia tone added.

Here is another one of Ashley. Again I used my new Photoshop tools to give her a creamy complexion, vibrant hair and oh so pretty lips!!

This is Amber. She and 2 other girls are the 2008-2009 Saddle Club Royalty and I did a photo session with them earlier this year. The complexion tool I got with my new actions pack is really awesome and so easy to use.

Here is one more of Ashley showing an announcement design for graduation.