Roughlock Falls {Spearfish Canyon}

I am constantly amazed at the beauty of Western South Dakota. 
The last time I was out in the Black Hills I went down Spearfish Canyon to shoot the falls. The only time I could be out there was from 2-3 pm, which generally isn't an ideal time for shooting due to harsh white light. I knew both Spearfish and Roughlock Falls would be in shadow so I wasn't too worried about the lighting, but I still used my neutral density filter to shoot a long exposure of the flowing water.

Spearfish Falls

One of my favorite places to visit during the fall-Spearfish Falls. 

Located in the heart of Spearfish Canyon by Savoy. 

Some slight purplish tones came out in this water with this exposure. I couldn't pick a favorite between this one and the following, so I included them both.  
 

First Lady's Prairie Art Showcase {This Weekend!}

 

I'm so thrilled to be a part of the First Lady's Prairie Art Showcase this coming weekend! 

Friday, the Art Showcase will be open to the Governor's Hunts guests. Saturday, the Showcase will be open to the public from 10 AM - 4 PM. 

  

My booth will be located in front of the Amphitheater, across from the Lake Francis Case Conference Room.   

Come join myself and 31 other selected artist from South Dakota as we showcase the culture, art and beauty of South Dakota! 

 

The Grand Tetons

Last week my husband and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary with a trip through Wyoming to visit the Grand Tetons. 
I've desired to see these rough and jagged mountains for a very long time.
The trip was so very refreshing for us and full of inspiration for my work as a photographer. 

These are a few of my favorites.

I had two locations in mind that I really wanted to find. This barn along Morman Row and the location in which Ansel Adams shot his famous photograph of the Tetons and the Snake River.

Almost every shot I've seen of this barn has the mountains clearly visible on a blue sky day. The clouds did not cooperate for me but I'm loving the moodiness they bring.

This is the Ansel Adams location and not as hard to find as I thought it might be. We found this location when we first pulled into the area and then came back before sunrise on our anniversary morning. 

One never knows for sure what kind of lighting awaits and I was not disappointed.

We then headed north towards Mt. Moran and came across a herd of buffalo and a bugling elk.

My husband was very excited about this guy. 

Mt. Moran in early morning light reflected off Jackson Lake.

Jackson Lake was so quiet and peaceful. 

It was sad leaving these beautiful mountains. I hope to return again! 

Headed home on the way back through the Wind River Mountains we finally saw a moose! 

Blood Moon Eclipse

I really should be in bed but I was just too excited after shooting this and wanted to post it right away.
Sadly, my longest lens doesn't get any closer than this but I'm thrilled with what I was able to capture. 

2015 Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival

Early tomorrow I'm headed for Custer State Park to set up my gallery for the three day 2015 Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival.

The Arts Festival will be held at the Peter Norbeck Vistor Center located along Hwy 16 (click here for a map).

Come visit me, I would love to share my gallery with you!

First Art Festival {Soft Opening}

This past weekend I traveled to the SE corner of SoDak for the 2015 Sidewalk Arts Festival in Downtown Sioux Falls. 

Since it was my first art festival as a vendor, I've been calling it my 'Soft Opening.' 
 

Next week I travel to Custer State Park for the annual Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival. I've been busy working on a few tweaks for the booth to better the flow and viewing of my photography.

I've had a booth at a few craft shows in years past but haven't had near the amount as is currently in my gallery. I've also never had the steady stream of people stop to see my work before, either. It was great! I met lots of wonderful people!

My grandparents, who reside in Florida, were able to attend. It meant a lot to me to have the support of my family there, especially from those who live so far away. My sister-in-law and three of her girls popped in to see me, as well.