Happy New Year!

The past 12 months have been full of so much learning and growth for me, both in the art of my photography and my business. 


The beginning of 2015 I made a complete change in my website with the intention of selling my art. This was a big step for me since I've only sold at a few area craft fairs. I didn't really know where to start or who to contact. So I started small.


In January I attended the Ranchers Workshop in White River, SD. This was not an art fair by any means but an informational workshop for area ranchers. The committee was excited I was there, offering something different and new. My sales were small but I met some great people and a few potential clients.


February I attended a similar show to the Ranchers Workshop, based on the recommendation of a fellow vendor I met in January. It was a similar story. Small sales, but great people who were excited to see something new. I heard about an art festival in Sioux Falls while there.


In March, I set up a small gallery space in a public market place for a three day pop-up-shop event in Pierre. Sales weren't what I'd hoped but I made some great connections for art shows within the state, as well as encouragement in the work I was doing.


I applied to three large art festivals and was accepted into all three, two of them being jury shows. For those of you that are unfamiliar with jury shows, an artists submits a paid application in which the jury evaluates their work, determining if the pieces are the kind of quality art buyers are looking for. The Sidewalk Arts Festival and the First Lady's Prairie Art Showcase were the two jury shows I attended. The Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival in Custer State Park was the third show.


When I look back over the year, I see a gradual process beginning with the Rancher's Workshop and ending at the First Lady's Prairie Art Showcase put on by the South Dakota Arts Council.

I started small and grew!
I learned, changed, tweaked and advanced in my work and my business.


I'm excited to see what 2016 has in store!
I've been accepted to participate in the Western Art Show that is part of the Black Hills Stock Show in January/February. I have plans to submit applications to a few art festivals I didn't try last year (as well as the ones I did), and I'm offering a Basic Photography Workshop in March/April!


So here's to 2016!

Wind Sculpting in the Snow

Last week I posted some images of the Wind Sculptures along the tops of the snow drifts. 
Today, I am sharing with you what the wind created on the ground, as it whipped and swirled the delicate snowflakes.

I'm also including this close up of a wind carved snow drift, as seen in the previous post. I converted this image to B&W and am really enjoying how quiet the absence of color makes the final photograph.

Merry Christmas!

May you find peace in the true meaning of Christmas.

From my family to you,

 Marty, Cristen, Jacob & Shiloh Roghair

Wind Sculptures

South Dakota has wind, and a lot of it.

Many times the wind causes a lot of damage.

It also creates beauty in the snow and carves sculptures on the south side of the hills.

 

 

The Horses

There's just something about horses and snow in Black & White. 

These are two of my mares, Shadow and Eowyn. 

Shadow is the black mare. Though a little reserved, she's so sweet and smooth to ride.

Eowyn, the bay, takes after her namesake and is determined to have her own way. She's small but quick. 

 

Announcing: Basic Photography Workshop 101!

Cyber Monday I officially announced the opening of registration for my first ever workshop!
I'd put out some feelers mid-fall to see if anyone was interested and received a wonderful response. I live in the smallest county in South Dakota and opportunities for continuing education aren't not always available here, outside of the internet. I thought this would be a great way for me to give back to my community.

Photography Workshop ~ Basic Photography 101            $80     

  

• 6 Week Workshop on Tuesday nights
• Beginner Level
• Starts March 15

• Location: Senior Citizens Center, Murdo, SD 
• Time: 7:30 - 8:30 PM
• Dates: March 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th, 12th and 19th.

This workshop is designed to help you become familiar with your camera. We will learn the basics of photography-how the camera works; what is composition and how to use it to create better photos; and how to use lighting.

Weekly assignments will be given to allow for growth and skill, though not required.
A camera is also not required to attend this workshop. Information about different types of cameras will be discussed to help the participants understand the variety as well as prepare for buying decisions. 

Each participant will receive a workshop booklet at the first session. If they choose to participate in the assignments, each individual will also receive an enlarged print of their choice from their favorite photographs taken during the course of the workshop. The last workshop session will run from 7:30 - 9:00 PM to allow time for a gallery viewing with each participants best print. 

This is not a pass or fail workshop.

If a participant is not able to attend every session that is OK! Please come when you are able.

Minimum 8 participants.

Registration Deadline is March 13th.

Register Here!  

Please contact me if you have any questions: cristen@cristenjoyphotography.com