Creative Adventures
The magic of the human-animal bond
This year has been. . . something else. This latter part of the year has really worn me emotionally. But one of the things that has brought me joy this year has been planning creative photography. I really like the process of bringing a concept from idea to fruition. The planning, the vision, the preparation—I like that part of photography very much.
So when I saw this pony bonnet from Native Fable, I immediately was struck at just how much it reminded me of my mom’s horse, Magnum.
I had to have it. Had to. And I pulled the trigger on the extravagance. But I honestly have no regrets. I bought this way back in August (or was it July), and life as it does in 2020, continued to claw and wear and get in the way of happier pursuits. But early this month, the stars aligned and we were finally able to have some fun.
When I bought the bonnet, I asked Heather if she thought Camille would be up to taking pictures with Magnum in it. Camille’s house is right next to the horses, and she visits with them all the time. She is also the most fearless little girl I know, and has a joie de vivre like none other. Heather is always so gracious in indulging me with photography; she even made Camille’s onesie! It is the perfect color.
One of my favorites
Camille was awesome with the horses, obviously. Mom spotted her from the opposite side while she sat on Magnum. He is old and eternally placid, unless he is vying with Zip for a carrot! He was so curious about the photography, too. He was very interested in my blankets that I brought for their family pictures (ugh, so good, I can’t wait to post them!) and practically couldn’t keep himself out of the frame! Brownie, the little pony, is also ancient and time-tested. He is the best little horse with children I have ever seen. Camille had a good time “horsing” around with Blake, and Levi the Great Dane even got in on the fun.
It was also fun to be out in the pasture, the semi-wilds of my own childhood. I loved exploring in the tree line with my brother as a kid. I loved the sounds of the birds, the foxes, the wind. Its really a calming place where I could let my imagination run. Coming back and having a task at hand there, I tried to harness some of that natural wonderment when shooting. We had a blast.
This shoot is one of the happier moments for me in 2020. It was rewarding to take an idea from planning to completion, with the results I wanted. Balancing creativity with control, capturing childhood moments while directing—but not inserting myself too much— into Camille’s own adventure, being out with the animals and having my mom and sister'-in-law there, all of that culminated into something that was very special.
Even John Vincent had a fun time in the gator. He was even convinced to wear the bonnet if only for a moment.
Adulthood can make our senses of imagination and wonderment sclerotic. But actively pursuing goals that keep that alive, I think is essential in a turbulent world.
Whatever a creative adventure looks like to you, I hope you pursue one. I know I’m looking forward to 2021 and more creative adventures going forward.
