I feel so blessed to have been able to photograph Wyoming's Henry Ranch gathering of their Corriente cattle and calves! And create images like this!
Woot! Such an incredible family and their friends!
Can't wait to show the rest of what I captured of these incredible Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Amanda Smith Western Photographic Artist of the American West.
Wyoming Photographer
www.AmandaSmithWesternArt.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Behold! A photographic surprise by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer
While out with our faithful and ever inquisitive Heifers on this cold winter's day, I
decided to get down to ground level with myself and my trusty camera, and snap a shot of them showing off
their inquisitive ways. Just as I focused in....this happened. She
walked right up through the middle of them, and just stood there.
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| "Behold" by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer © |
I was so surprised that I wasn't even sure what I was seeing at first! Needless to say this little peewee lamb got her own personally chauffeured ride back to her rightful owners on a ranch not too far from ours. Our Heifers had become her greatest protectors. What a beautiful lesson learned today, knowing that even while we are a frail little lamb on a cold winter's day, He will always help us find our way. :) ♡ ♡ ♡ Have a Blessed day, and stay safe and warm! :)
God Bless!
This is Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer, Keeping you in the loop. Here's how we created Mystical Beauty.
This is Amanda Smith, Wyoming photographer of Amanda Smith Photography, and Editor of The Glenrock Bird Central Wyoming News, member of the Associated Press. The Bird Central Wyoming News, formerly known as The Glenrock Bird, brings you eight years of an incredible journey of reporting the news to you, the people.
I thought I'd log on here and give everyone a heads up as to where I'm headed and what I've been doing in my outside life. Its still an amazing journey in the news world out there and I hope you are enjoying it as much as I have been.
So for my little jaunt off to the side of things, I've ventured into a great world of creating. From candles to western photographic art, a rescue horse, a rescue pig and more. My husband and I are having an incredible time on this venture together west. :) Speaking of my husband, I wanted to thank him profusely, and from the bottom of my heart for always being there to help myself and my staff report the news to Wyoming, and the emergency alerts throughout the entire state, and for the countless nights and early mornings he spends with me gathering information, getting that information validated for accuracy and facts, and in assisting in making sure it gets reported on time. Thank you so much, Professor. I love you with all my heart.
Here is a little something that my husband and I created together, and I'd like to share it with all of you!
Here goes:
Once upon a misty morning a few weeks ago, my husband and I ventured out onto the back property of our ranch in Wyoming, where a reservoir had filled up completely from the the night's previous rain shower. The coolness of the Wyoming morning combined by the warmth of the night, and moisture from the much needed rain, created a mystic ambience, to an already gorgeous morning. And this photographer was ready to capture something amazing.
Grabbing my camera at o' early thirty, out we trekked. Off in the distance we could hear the soft nickering of our four horses coming down off the sage covered hill above the reservoir. It was a sight that moved both of us completely, and our creative juices began to flow. Quickly my husband took off his red t-shirt and moved towards the inquisitive and slow moving animals that once worked these very lands as cattle movers. Placing his shirt around the neck of Whip, his quarter horse, he gently walked him over to the island that sits just adjacent to the reservoir. The other three horses; Josh, Beggar and Blackie, all lumbered along behind Whip, lining up in sequence behind their faithful leader. It was as if each of them knew we were about to create a masterpiece, and in the early, beautifully diffused, sunlit light of this softly fog layered morning, we did just that.
With a quick removal of his t-shirt and a snap of the red material in the air, with no other sounds to be heard, all four horses moved into action running full speed ahead across the sand covered island. With Whip in the lead and all four horses heads held high, it was a sight to behold that absolutely took our breath away. Across the island Whip ran, farther and farther away from the other horses, who, as if knowing, slowed down their speed while watching the beauty of the chocolate and marshmallow colored majestic being that is Whip.
I knelt down while simultaneously pulling my camera up to my eye in one fluid movement, and as I looked through the lens, following the majestic movements of this incredible animal, I felt that familiar emotion in my heart. A wild beating as though someone had plunged a needle of adrenalin deep within me. SNAP! One shot... SNAP! two shots... my breathing quickened as this beautiful animal made his way towards the edge of the reservoir and SNAP! I felt it... that "Knowing I just got the shot" feeling that only a photographer who shoots from the heart, can experience.
Hoofbeats drowning off into the distance of the sage prairie he ran on, Whip continued on his race towards the horizon, head high and black mane and tail whipping in the lightly misted, morning breeze. Josh, Beggar, and Blackie following lightly behind as though they too, were aware that a masterpiece had just been created.
wyoming, horses, fog, amanda smith, photographer, mist, morning, nikon, zoom
Mystical Beauty © 2013by Amanda Smith, Professional Photographer, Wyoming All rights reserved.
I photographed this incredible and surreal scene with my Nikon D700 using a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens set at an ISO of 200, a range of 70mm zoom, 0 exposure (I just left it alone) at f7.1 and 1/200 of a second. It was the perfect setting to capture this incredible moment. I didn't want a lot of light to come in, as I really wanted to still be able to capture the details of the scenery through the mist. So even though the morning was dimly lit and the light was diffused by the fog, I went with 1/200 of a second so that I could let less light in, and chose f7.1 to allow enough time for light to enter my lens while still maintaining a good amount of clarity (sharpness) in my image. I do think I could have gained a bit more clarity (sharpness) had I set the f stop to 11 and the timing of light entering my lens at 1/100 of a second ... F11 would have allowed an even sharper image. But I was concerned about my shutter at 1/100 of a second being open too long to cease the movement of Whip as he ran across the sand (I could be wrong, its just my experience and my humble opinion, not any unwarranted advice.)
I think the final creation turned out excellent and the only thing I would have changed was to have been much closer (about another 25 yards closer) and backed off the zoom some, which would have allowed a bit more sharpness to the image once I blew it up to 20x16. Either way it was a great shot, and studying the settings afterwards, and comparing them to what I could have done, was a great way for me to better understand a unique setting such as this dimly lit and diffused, early morning sunlight combined with a fairly dense fog.
And that my friend, is the key to becoming a better photographer. So let today's banter remind you that this is a great way for you to "study" what masterpiece you've just created, and understand exactly why it worked.
Doing so will ensure you are always at the ready no matter what setting you find yourself shooting in.
Consequently, as it turned out, had we waited another 15 minutes we would never have been able to create this shot the way we did. And there hasn't been a foggy morning since. And in this part of Wyoming, foggy mornings are few and far between. And therein lies the lesson that I learned this morning, always be ready because time runs out, and it runs out faster than you think. And as the old adage for me goes, a really good photographer can't recreate a really great shot, that was missed.
Happy Shooting and GOD BLESS!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Shooting for Christ, Focusing on God ©
I thought I'd log on here and give everyone a heads up as to where I'm headed and what I've been doing in my outside life. Its still an amazing journey in the news world out there and I hope you are enjoying it as much as I have been.
So for my little jaunt off to the side of things, I've ventured into a great world of creating. From candles to western photographic art, a rescue horse, a rescue pig and more. My husband and I are having an incredible time on this venture together west. :) Speaking of my husband, I wanted to thank him profusely, and from the bottom of my heart for always being there to help myself and my staff report the news to Wyoming, and the emergency alerts throughout the entire state, and for the countless nights and early mornings he spends with me gathering information, getting that information validated for accuracy and facts, and in assisting in making sure it gets reported on time. Thank you so much, Professor. I love you with all my heart.
Here is a little something that my husband and I created together, and I'd like to share it with all of you!
Here goes:
Once upon a misty morning a few weeks ago, my husband and I ventured out onto the back property of our ranch in Wyoming, where a reservoir had filled up completely from the the night's previous rain shower. The coolness of the Wyoming morning combined by the warmth of the night, and moisture from the much needed rain, created a mystic ambience, to an already gorgeous morning. And this photographer was ready to capture something amazing.
Grabbing my camera at o' early thirty, out we trekked. Off in the distance we could hear the soft nickering of our four horses coming down off the sage covered hill above the reservoir. It was a sight that moved both of us completely, and our creative juices began to flow. Quickly my husband took off his red t-shirt and moved towards the inquisitive and slow moving animals that once worked these very lands as cattle movers. Placing his shirt around the neck of Whip, his quarter horse, he gently walked him over to the island that sits just adjacent to the reservoir. The other three horses; Josh, Beggar and Blackie, all lumbered along behind Whip, lining up in sequence behind their faithful leader. It was as if each of them knew we were about to create a masterpiece, and in the early, beautifully diffused, sunlit light of this softly fog layered morning, we did just that.
With a quick removal of his t-shirt and a snap of the red material in the air, with no other sounds to be heard, all four horses moved into action running full speed ahead across the sand covered island. With Whip in the lead and all four horses heads held high, it was a sight to behold that absolutely took our breath away. Across the island Whip ran, farther and farther away from the other horses, who, as if knowing, slowed down their speed while watching the beauty of the chocolate and marshmallow colored majestic being that is Whip.
I knelt down while simultaneously pulling my camera up to my eye in one fluid movement, and as I looked through the lens, following the majestic movements of this incredible animal, I felt that familiar emotion in my heart. A wild beating as though someone had plunged a needle of adrenalin deep within me. SNAP! One shot... SNAP! two shots... my breathing quickened as this beautiful animal made his way towards the edge of the reservoir and SNAP! I felt it... that "Knowing I just got the shot" feeling that only a photographer who shoots from the heart, can experience.
Hoofbeats drowning off into the distance of the sage prairie he ran on, Whip continued on his race towards the horizon, head high and black mane and tail whipping in the lightly misted, morning breeze. Josh, Beggar, and Blackie following lightly behind as though they too, were aware that a masterpiece had just been created.
 |
| wyoming, horses, fog, amanda smith, photographer, mist, morning, nikon, zoom Mystical Beauty © 2013by Amanda Smith, Professional Photographer, Wyoming All rights reserved. |
wyoming, horses, fog, amanda smith, photographer, mist, morning, nikon, zoom
Mystical Beauty © 2013by Amanda Smith, Professional Photographer, Wyoming All rights reserved.
I photographed this incredible and surreal scene with my Nikon D700 using a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens set at an ISO of 200, a range of 70mm zoom, 0 exposure (I just left it alone) at f7.1 and 1/200 of a second. It was the perfect setting to capture this incredible moment. I didn't want a lot of light to come in, as I really wanted to still be able to capture the details of the scenery through the mist. So even though the morning was dimly lit and the light was diffused by the fog, I went with 1/200 of a second so that I could let less light in, and chose f7.1 to allow enough time for light to enter my lens while still maintaining a good amount of clarity (sharpness) in my image. I do think I could have gained a bit more clarity (sharpness) had I set the f stop to 11 and the timing of light entering my lens at 1/100 of a second ... F11 would have allowed an even sharper image. But I was concerned about my shutter at 1/100 of a second being open too long to cease the movement of Whip as he ran across the sand (I could be wrong, its just my experience and my humble opinion, not any unwarranted advice.)
I think the final creation turned out excellent and the only thing I would have changed was to have been much closer (about another 25 yards closer) and backed off the zoom some, which would have allowed a bit more sharpness to the image once I blew it up to 20x16. Either way it was a great shot, and studying the settings afterwards, and comparing them to what I could have done, was a great way for me to better understand a unique setting such as this dimly lit and diffused, early morning sunlight combined with a fairly dense fog.
And that my friend, is the key to becoming a better photographer. So let today's banter remind you that this is a great way for you to "study" what masterpiece you've just created, and understand exactly why it worked.
Doing so will ensure you are always at the ready no matter what setting you find yourself shooting in.
Consequently, as it turned out, had we waited another 15 minutes we would never have been able to create this shot the way we did. And there hasn't been a foggy morning since. And in this part of Wyoming, foggy mornings are few and far between. And therein lies the lesson that I learned this morning, always be ready because time runs out, and it runs out faster than you think. And as the old adage for me goes, a really good photographer can't recreate a really great shot, that was missed.
Happy Shooting and GOD BLESS!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Shooting for Christ, Focusing on God ©
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Does anyone really know how hard it is to rise above, and battle through the nay-sayers? I do. Took me awhile. Amanda Smith Wyoming.
Some people lack in courage to speak up, stand firm, or maintain their own opinions. They live and breathe to make sure they side with those who intimidate the most, so as not to stir conflict for themselves. Lest they too end up in the endless judgements of uneducated people conversing in small, but boisterous circles.
I mean, who wants to stand up for someone if it means they themselves might be looked down upon, right? Wrong.
You are allowed your own opinion, you do not need to make excuses for it, or downplay your own feelings just so you can stay within your comfort zone of the nay-sayers. They are not as strong as you think they are.
You do not have to distance yourself from people who are truly your friends, just because you fear being looked down on by the nay-sayers. They are not as loyal as you think they are.
You are not expected or even asked to forgive AND allow the forgiven act to continue to happen, and then forgive again and again and again. You, after forgiving, are allowed to distance yourself from that which you are continuously expected to forgive.
You do not need to let the expectations of others, weigh you down. You do not need to live your life for anybody else's approval but your own, and God's above.
If you are hiding just to keep the nay-sayers at bay, then climb out from behind your hiding place and raise your chin up to God, knowing that He is what matters, knowing that You are already perfect in His eyes, no matter what anyone else says, thinks or does. Come out from your hiding place knowing that He has your back, and start concentrating on YOU and the people around you who love you with consistency, loyalty, and without condition; and forgive (and then distance yourself from) those that can't, don't and won't.
Then take a deep breath, move forward with your day, and live your life!
I mean, who wants to stand up for someone if it means they themselves might be looked down upon, right? Wrong.
You are allowed your own opinion, you do not need to make excuses for it, or downplay your own feelings just so you can stay within your comfort zone of the nay-sayers. They are not as strong as you think they are.
You do not have to distance yourself from people who are truly your friends, just because you fear being looked down on by the nay-sayers. They are not as loyal as you think they are.
You are not expected or even asked to forgive AND allow the forgiven act to continue to happen, and then forgive again and again and again. You, after forgiving, are allowed to distance yourself from that which you are continuously expected to forgive.
You do not need to let the expectations of others, weigh you down. You do not need to live your life for anybody else's approval but your own, and God's above.
If you are hiding just to keep the nay-sayers at bay, then climb out from behind your hiding place and raise your chin up to God, knowing that He is what matters, knowing that You are already perfect in His eyes, no matter what anyone else says, thinks or does. Come out from your hiding place knowing that He has your back, and start concentrating on YOU and the people around you who love you with consistency, loyalty, and without condition; and forgive (and then distance yourself from) those that can't, don't and won't.
Then take a deep breath, move forward with your day, and live your life!
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Wild Wild West Contemporary Art by Amanda Smith and Laurie Justus Pace
Experience the power of the west as it brings together two unique artists in their first
annual Wild Wild West Contemporary Art Show. Worldwide acclaimed
photographer, Amanda Smith Wyoming, is hosting the show at her gallery/studio in
Glenrock, Wyoming; introducing to the west, internationally collected
Texas Equine Artist, Laurie Justus Pace.
The Show captures the heart of the west featuring the cowboy, the horse and the land. Through her photography, Amanda explores simple compositions woven throughout the west as well as the portraits of those living the life. Laurie reigns in the energy and passion of the story with colors bursting across her canvas. Her exceptional approach to express the movement and beauty revolves around her use of the palette knife with thick buttery oils.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-wild-west-contemporary-art-amanda-smith/1105796243#productInfoTabs
The Show captures the heart of the west featuring the cowboy, the horse and the land. Through her photography, Amanda explores simple compositions woven throughout the west as well as the portraits of those living the life. Laurie reigns in the energy and passion of the story with colors bursting across her canvas. Her exceptional approach to express the movement and beauty revolves around her use of the palette knife with thick buttery oils.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-wild-west-contemporary-art-amanda-smith/1105796243#productInfoTabs
Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer on Photographing Winter in Wyoming
Photography in winter can be, lets be honest... COLD..., as in frigid cold.... especially in Wyoming. The winds blow on a regular basis, and that means the snow moves, a lot. This isn't really a bad thing for photography, save for the brown spots that are quickly uncovered when the snow is moved around. Having said that, there are still beautiful moments that can and should be captured on "film." I happened upon these Wyoming Snow caps while assisting my husband with moving our cattle. I always try to bring my camera along, even though circumstances that arrive with moving cattle, might not allow me to take it out and shoot. The cattle were moving so beautifully in a fabulous straight line that morning, that I decided to scout out a draw that we were near. That's when I saw these magnificent snow caps!
As my husband rode on up ahead, ensuring that the cows all stayed together, I stole a few precious moments and dropped down into the draw, so that I could quietly photograph the snow caps above me, from down below, at an upward angle. They were amazing, and the winds were blowing wisps of snow at the tippy tops of each snow cap in such a fashion, that it was absolutely mesmerizing!
I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed creating them! They are also available in my newest calendar for 2016 titled Winter in Wyoming, by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer.
www.AmandaSmithWesternArt.com
As my husband rode on up ahead, ensuring that the cows all stayed together, I stole a few precious moments and dropped down into the draw, so that I could quietly photograph the snow caps above me, from down below, at an upward angle. They were amazing, and the winds were blowing wisps of snow at the tippy tops of each snow cap in such a fashion, that it was absolutely mesmerizing!
I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed creating them! They are also available in my newest calendar for 2016 titled Winter in Wyoming, by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer.
www.AmandaSmithWesternArt.com
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| Snow Cap in Black and White by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer |
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| Snow Cap Mid-Drift in Color by Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer |
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Wyoming photography and fine art by Amanda Smith
I love photographing anything, and everything that has anything to do with the American West. Striving for capturing moments as they are happening, I love being in the midst of a branding, cattle drive, rodeo event, you name it. Cowboys and cowgirls on the working ranch inspire me, so much so that I can feel a shot as I'm depressing the shutter button on my camera. Taking that shot to another level, I add an element of "Fine Art" to each of my images, making them not just a real, honest to goodness, authentic capture, but turning my photographs into art that even the most eclectic art collectors would love.
I travel as much as possible, across the western and southwestern states to capture the west as we all know and love it. The romantic part of it, per seh. I love walking into a restaurant and hearing someone yell my name out of familiarity from a previous visit, "Amanda! Welcome back!" And then to be shown a wall with a new art piece on it, screaming the west with an artistic flair. It makes me feel accomplished, and it makes me happy that someone out there loves my art.
I guess I'm writing this so that any of you who might think that they can't make it to a level of hanging art on walls of clients, you can. Take your art seriously, do it for YOU, the way you like it, the way you feel it. Don't do it for anybody else,create what's in your heart. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, and don't forget to learn from your past, live beyond your mistakes, but learn from them. Ignore those who wish to destroy you, and last but not least embrace the Almighty Father, and have a keen understanding that He gave you this skill. Don't chase your dreams, if God gave the skill....capture them and turn them into works of art.
Good luck and God Bless,
Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Amanda Smith Wyoming, on the Wild Horse
Amanda Smith Wyoming on Photographing wild horses can be intense. It takes a lot of patience and ingenuity to capture such animals on "film."
When I say ingenuity, it's because you don't simply happen upon an award winning capture, you must plan ahead, and be at the ready to capture that one in a million shot, no matter the weather, dust, sirt, mud, snow, rain or any of the above.
It's a total rush to be out there on the plains with them, especially if they are feeling particularly inquisitive. Amanda Smith Wyoming, Photographer.
www.amandasmithphotography.com
When I say ingenuity, it's because you don't simply happen upon an award winning capture, you must plan ahead, and be at the ready to capture that one in a million shot, no matter the weather, dust, sirt, mud, snow, rain or any of the above.
It's a total rush to be out there on the plains with them, especially if they are feeling particularly inquisitive. Amanda Smith Wyoming, Photographer.
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| Whimsical Stallions copyright Amanda Smith Wyoming |
Friday, December 26, 2014
Photographing Ponies
Photographing wild horses in Texas. On the plains of Texas a herd of ponies roam, and given the opportunity presented by owners of an AQHA Show Horse facility, who are members of the American Quarter Horse Association, I readily took the offer, and ran with it.
I couldn't believe that I, Amanda Smith, photographer of the American West, from Wyoming...!!! should receive such an opportunity at taking a shot at photographing these ponies, was. Special thanks to my husband, and his brother and sister in law, for making this incredible photo shoot come to fruition. Amanda Smith of Wyoming, has created several coffee table books, and 2015 and 2016 calendars of these incredibly photogenic subjects. These can be viewed and purchased at: www.amandasmithwesternart.com
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| Amanda Smith of Wyoming, Photographer of the American West, photographs ponies on the plains of Texas. |
I couldn't believe that I, Amanda Smith, photographer of the American West, from Wyoming...!!! should receive such an opportunity at taking a shot at photographing these ponies, was. Special thanks to my husband, and his brother and sister in law, for making this incredible photo shoot come to fruition. Amanda Smith of Wyoming, has created several coffee table books, and 2015 and 2016 calendars of these incredibly photogenic subjects. These can be viewed and purchased at: www.amandasmithwesternart.com
2015 Calendars by Photographer of the West Amanda Smith
Texas Ponies
This photograph is by Amanda Smith. She is a photographer of the American West, from Wyoming.
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Does anyone hanker for a calendar done by Amanda Smith of Wyoming? If you do, you can purchase yours at www.amandasmithphotography.com. photos of real life cowboys and Cowgirls, unlike models, the real Mccoy. Her 2015 calendars range from ranching, to cattle drives, and cowboys and Cowgirls. Amanda Smith of Wyoming also photographs antique tractors, old barns and all things of the American West.
You can purchase an Amanda Smith Western Photographic Art Calendars at: www.amandasmithphotography.com See more of her works at www.facebook.com/amandasmithphotographs www.amandasmithwyoming.com
Does anyone hanker for a calendar done by Amanda Smith of Wyoming? If you do, you can purchase yours at www.amandasmithphotography.com. photos of real life cowboys and Cowgirls, unlike models, the real Mccoy. Her 2015 calendars range from ranching, to cattle drives, and cowboys and Cowgirls. Amanda Smith of Wyoming also photographs antique tractors, old barns and all things of the American West.
You can purchase an Amanda Smith Western Photographic Art Calendars at: www.amandasmithphotography.com See more of her works at www.facebook.com/amandasmithphotographs www.amandasmithwyoming.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Wyoming Blizzard Plow by Photographer Amanda Smith
http://amandasmithwyoming.tumblr.com/post/76638468311/blizzard-by-wyoming-photographer-and-western
South Dakota Least Chipmunk by Amanda Smith Wyoming based Photographer
http://amandasmithwyoming.tumblr.com/post/73726681316/little-south-dakota-chipmunk-called-a-least
Blood Red Moon Wyoming based Photographer Amanda Smith on the Blood Red Moon and Lunar Eclipse April 15, 2014
http://amandasmithwyoming.com/
Specializing in Photography in Wyoming and Western Photographic Art, Amanda Smith of Wyoming also teaches photography classes in and around Wyoming including Douglas and Glenrock.
It has been one year since she retired her newspaper on April 23rd, 2013, The Bird Central Wyoming News, formerly The Glenrock Bird. Prior to that Amanda Smith started Shooting Stars Photography which is now Amanda Smith Photography.
Currently Amanda Smith Wyoming is working on Sky and Space photography projects in and around the great Cowboy State, and just recently photographed the April 15, 2014 Lunar Eclipse and the Blood Red Moon.
Specializing in Photography in Wyoming and Western Photographic Art, Amanda Smith of Wyoming also teaches photography classes in and around Wyoming including Douglas and Glenrock.
It has been one year since she retired her newspaper on April 23rd, 2013, The Bird Central Wyoming News, formerly The Glenrock Bird. Prior to that Amanda Smith started Shooting Stars Photography which is now Amanda Smith Photography.
Currently Amanda Smith Wyoming is working on Sky and Space photography projects in and around the great Cowboy State, and just recently photographed the April 15, 2014 Lunar Eclipse and the Blood Red Moon.
 |
| Amanda Smith Wyoming based Photographer and Photography Instructor photographed these images from the April 15, 2014 Lunar Eclipse and Blood Red Moon, in Converse County, Wyoming outside of Douglas and Glenrock. She compiled all of her images of the first phase of the Lunar Eclipse into this time lapse interpretation. Copyright Amanda Smith April 15, 2014 |
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Cadillac Cowgirl Amanda Smith Wyoming
http://amandasmithwyoming.tumblr.com/post/81803838561/cadillac-cowgirl-copyright-amanda-smith-i
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer and her article in Automotive News
Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer was hired to photograph Wyoming's oldest car salesman, Derrell Alexander, who at 95 years of age, is still selling cars at Whites of Casper, Wyoming, and has been since 1949. Wyoming photographer, and photographer of the American West, Amanda Smith photographed an incredible man, with an incredible story about his incredible journey. I hope you enjoy reading this article as much I enjoyed photographing the man that it is about. Here is the link to the story:
http://www.autonews.com/article/20100419/RETAIL07/304199960?template=mobile&X-IgnoreUserAgent=1
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| Derrell Alexander is 95. He works six days a week at a Chevrolet
dealership in Casper, Wyo., and has sold more than 5,000 cars and trucks
since 1949. Photo credit: AMANDA SMITH WYOMING PHOTOGRAPHER |
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Amanda Smith Wyoming websites and directories
Amanda Smith has several other businesses listed on her websites. The Glenrock BIrd newspaper, Shooting Stars Photography, Amanda Smith Photography, Dignified Designs, to name a few.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Tired of mis-informed people and their negative comments about South Dakota's October 2013 blizzard related livestock deaths
Our hearts and prayers go out to our fellow neighbors and ranchers in South Dakota who are not only dealing with huge losses from last week's incredibly under-predicted blizzards, but also from the onset of negativity that under-educated and mis-informed people have been making.
From our ranch to yours, we pray continuously for your recovery. Kudos to those of you who, although may be far from understanding what it takes to be in the ranching industry, still send prayers and help to everyone that was affected by these horrendous storms in both Wyoming and South Dakota. Just like any National or International tragedy, this too, is an equal tragedy that will have a lasting effect not just on these incredibly strong and courageous Ranchers in both states, but also on everyone directly or indirectly related to the livestock industry, everywhere.
I am married to a Rancher, to his ranch and to his family of incredibly hard working folks, so I know you will believe me when I say that Ranchers are very strong willed people, and those affected by the storm will get through this. Ranchers are not one to reach out for help, as they are very used to getting through plenty of hard times with just the strength in their hard working hands and backs, and the love of their lifestyle that has been in their hearts for generations. They don't ask for hand-outs, and they don't wait around for someone else to come pick up the pieces. They simply get through it and they get it done. They've seen more beautiful times than most will ever encounter in the work world and they've seen more hard times than most of us will when it comes to working for a living, and yet they carry on. Why? because ranching is in their blood, it cannot be shaken, it cannot be replaced by anything else. It is why families have carried on the ranching traditions for generations upon generations. It is why some of the strongest men and women on this earth are 70+years old and still able to work circles around most. It is a passion that most cannot understand, but most certainly are intrigued by. It is a group of people who remind us what honesty and integrity is all about, and it is a group of people who will weather any storm, at any time, and never, ever give up. All for the sake of their family, their lifestyle, their livestock and the undeniable passion for what they do, that drives them.
So when you see a negative comment from a poorly mis-informed or mis-guided person, simply pray for that person, and follow it up with a positive comment.
These ranchers don't need to feel the pressure of having to explain why an under-predicted but record breaking blizzard wreaked havoc on the livestock that they give their blood, sweat and tears to raise, and neither do the people who are trying to help them.
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| Through Smokey's Eyes. Photo © Amanda Smith, Wyoming Photographer |
You won't hear a rancher complaining, but if you look close enough you will see it in their eyes. And when you see that kind of pain and sorrow in the eyes of a rancher, you can be sure its the kind of pain and sorrow that sits deep within their hearts, and never, ever goes away. Godspeed to every rancher affected by this horrific and devastating storm.
There are 5 resources you can check out if you can help out in any way, and you can find those resources here. If you can't help that's okay, you can still pray for the recovery of their industry, and for their broken hearts: http://beefmagazine.com/blog/5-resources-south-dakota-ranchers-hit-october-blizzard
God Bless and Godspeed!
Very sincerely,
Amanda Smith Wyoming Professional Western Photographic Artist and Photography Instructor
Shooting for Christ, Focusing on God ©
( P.S. for those who like to tear every single detail apart for the sake of hearing themselves negate every little thing, and spark controversy regarding this blizzard, the attached black and white image of the cowboy is not an image affiliated with the blizzard in any way shape or form, it was taken by me in 2004 of a rancher in Arizona, who has also seen a tough time or two, and I thought it was a fitting photo for the moment.)
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Amanda Smith Wyoming on Capturing Fall in the Cowboy State
"There is something to be said about 'capturing fall in Wyoming' and Wyoming Photographer Amanda Smith, seems to be able to do just that" - pretty cool comment from published Author, Susan R. Stoltz.
I like to think that creating a piece of photographic art in the fall, comes with a feeling of calmness combined with cool "sweater wearing" evenings, a good pair of cowboy boots, a jug of lip burning coffee and a crispness to the air that only Autumn can bring. So I'll start off my post today about "capturing fall in Wyoming" with a quick side-note that you don't "have" to wear cowboy boots when shooting in the fall, and you don't "have" to carry lip burning coffee, but I do. :)
A Lazy Sunday evening drive through the hills of Boxelder Canyon in Converse County, Wyoming, provided for me quite the ambience in the setting of the September sun. There it was up ahead, a giant of a tree that I was determined to photograph in fall, even if I did burn my lips off while gulping down slurps of coffee on these winding Wyoming roads.
Wiping my mouth off on my sleeve, I pulled over to the shoulder of the road and crept my old dodge ram pick up over the cattle guard, pulling off onto the golden prairie I put the truck in park and climbed out of the cab. Stretching my tired back I grabbed my camera, twisting the strap around my wrist and quietly walked across the sage brush clumped ground to a spot where I could study what stood before me. This giant of a tree, with her branches stretching out east and west and north and south, mesmerized me in her new coat of amber colored leaves. I sat down on the cooling ground, and waited patiently for the sun to sink behind this majestic wonder. Sometimes the key to a great photograph that you've already created in your mind, is patience. Soon the rays of the autumn sun began to play across the branches of this old tree and as I brought my camera up to my eye, my breath quickening at the adrenalin that almost always races through my body when I know I am shooting from the heart, I began shooting. And there it was, that old familiar and beautiful feeling right smack dab in the middle of my chest, depressing the shutter at the insistence of the beating of my heart, I knew I captured a golden moment. A moment that completely captured what "Fall" is in my mind. Leaves painted a hue of liquid gold that only God and Mother Nature can create. Continuing to shoot, because I wanted to be sure I'd actually created the shot I came for, the sun sank behind the tree and I could no longer see the beautiful rays shining through the leaves.
I made a conscious effort not to check my LCD screen, and turning my camera off, I pulled myself up off the now cold ground, worked out the kinks in my body, steadied myself and began the walk back to my truck. Happy and satisfied that I was sure to love the photo I'd just created.
And I did.
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| © Amanda Smith Wyoming Photography http://amandasmithphotography.com/amanda-smith-wyoming-western-landscape-art-photographer/ |
I call her "Boxelder's Autumn Tree" because that's exactly what it is. There is no need for intriguing titles that may or may not move those that view this masterpiece. The title "Boxelder's Autumn Tree" says it all.
Have an incredible and very BLESSED day!
Amanda Smith
Western Photographic Artist
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
Editor and Publisher of The Glenrock Bird Central Wyoming News, an Associated Press Newspaper.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaSmithPhotographs
www.amandasmithwyoming.com
www.amandasmithphotography.com
www.amandasmithwyoming.com
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Amanda Smith Blue Moon Photography Update on August 20, 2013 Blue Moon in Wyoming
Good morning from Amanda Smith Photography, Wyoming!
I thought I would update my Blue Moon post dated August 21, 2013 regarding my photography of Wyoming's Blue Moon on August 20, 2013.
I still have some more "studying" to do on capturing a blue moon in August.. in Wyoming. As you can see, its not as sharp as I'd love it to be, and although I did add a bit of drama to the photo by tweeking the curve a bit to show that there is in fact a sort of tinge of blue to a blue moon, I still do like the photo. The moon was actually a greyish blue in the original photo, more grey than blue.
The brightness of the moon, because blue moon's are so incredibly bright, made it hard for this photographer to grasp the idea of what setting would work best. I opted to forgo trying to capture the clouds that surrounded this particular moon, and just go for the moon.
The reason I did this, was because shooting on bulb to try to capture the glow of the clouds around the moon, made it difficult to capture the detail in the moon. Even though I have been photographing professionally for over 20 years, I have never attempted to photograph a blue moon. And I am happy to say that with all the years of experience under my belt, I still have more to learn, and am looking forward to more "studying" and more photographing of the moon and the skies and the stars that overlook the great Cowboy State that is Wyoming.
See my "Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer" previous post on more information on my experience with capturing this Wyoming blue moon. You can click here to go to that previous post:
http://amandasmithwyomingphotographer.blogspot.com/2013/08/photographing-wyomings-blue-moon-last.html
Have a beautiful and very Blessed day!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
Amanda Smith Photography
I thought I would update my Blue Moon post dated August 21, 2013 regarding my photography of Wyoming's Blue Moon on August 20, 2013.
I still have some more "studying" to do on capturing a blue moon in August.. in Wyoming. As you can see, its not as sharp as I'd love it to be, and although I did add a bit of drama to the photo by tweeking the curve a bit to show that there is in fact a sort of tinge of blue to a blue moon, I still do like the photo. The moon was actually a greyish blue in the original photo, more grey than blue.
The brightness of the moon, because blue moon's are so incredibly bright, made it hard for this photographer to grasp the idea of what setting would work best. I opted to forgo trying to capture the clouds that surrounded this particular moon, and just go for the moon.
The reason I did this, was because shooting on bulb to try to capture the glow of the clouds around the moon, made it difficult to capture the detail in the moon. Even though I have been photographing professionally for over 20 years, I have never attempted to photograph a blue moon. And I am happy to say that with all the years of experience under my belt, I still have more to learn, and am looking forward to more "studying" and more photographing of the moon and the skies and the stars that overlook the great Cowboy State that is Wyoming.
See my "Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer" previous post on more information on my experience with capturing this Wyoming blue moon. You can click here to go to that previous post:
http://amandasmithwyomingphotographer.blogspot.com/2013/08/photographing-wyomings-blue-moon-last.html
Have a beautiful and very Blessed day!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
Amanda Smith Photography
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| Amanda Smith Photography, Wyoming. ©2013 August 20, 2013 Blue Moon |
Saturday, August 24, 2013
How we created "Mystical Beauty" ©
Amanda Smith Wyoming Photographer on How I created Mystical Beauty.
Once upon a misty morning, my husband and I ventured out onto the back property of our ranch in Wyoming, where a reservoir had filled up completely from the the night's previous rain shower. The coolness of the morning combined by the warmth of the night, and moisture from the much needed rain, created a mystic ambience, to an already gorgeous morning. And this photographer was ready to capture something amazing.
Grabbing my camera at o' early thirty, out we trekked. Off in the distance we could hear the soft nickering of our four horses coming down off the sage covered hill above the reservoir. It was a sight that moved both of us completely, and our creative juices began to flow. Quickly my husband took off his red t-shirt and moved towards the inquisitive and slow moving animals that once worked these very lands as cattle movers. Placing his shirt around the neck of Whip, his quarter horse, he gently walked him over to the island that sits just adjacent to the reservoir. The other three horses; Josh, Beggar and Blackie, all lumbered along behind Whip, lining up in sequence behind their faithful leader. It was as if each of them knew we were about to create a masterpiece, and in the early, beautifully diffused, sunlit light of this softly fog layered morning, we did just that.
With a quick removal of his t-shirt and a snap of the red material in the air, with no other sounds to be heard, all four horses moved into action running full speed ahead across the sand covered island. With Whip in the lead and all four horses heads held high, it was a sight to behold that absolutely took our breath away. Across the island Whip ran, farther and farther away from the other horses, who, as if knowing, slowed down their speed while watching the beauty of the chocolate and marshmallow colored majestic being that is Whip.
I knelt down while simultaneously pulling my camera up to my eye in one fluid movement, and as I looked through the lens, following the majestic movements of this incredible animal, I felt that familiar emotion in my heart. A wild beating as though someone had plunged a needle of adrenalin deep within me. SNAP! One shot... SNAP! two shots... my breathing quickened as this beautiful animal made his way towards the edge of the reservoir and SNAP! I felt it... that "Knowing I just got the shot" feeling that only a photographer who shoots from the heart, can experience.
Hoofbeats drowning off into the distance of the sage prairie he ran on, Whip continued on his race towards the horizon, head high and black mane and tail whipping in the lightly misted, morning breeze. Josh, Beggar, and Blackie following lightly behind as though they too, were aware that a masterpiece had just been created.
I photographed this incredible and surreal scene with my Nikon D700 using a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens set at an ISO of 200, a range of 70mm zoom, 0 exposure (I just left it alone) at f7.1 and 1/200 of a second. It was the perfect setting to capture this incredible moment. I didn't want a lot of light to come in, as I really wanted to still be able to capture the details of the scenery through the mist. So even though the morning was dimly lit and the light was diffused by the fog, I went with 1/200 of a second so that I could let less light in, and chose f7.1 to allow enough time for light to enter my lens while still maintaining a good amount of clarity (sharpness) in my image. I do think I could have gained a bit more clarity (sharpness) had I set the f stop to 11 and the timing of light entering my lens at 1/100 of a second ... F11 would have allowed an even sharper image. But I was concerned about my shutter at 1/100 of a second being open too long to cease the movement of Whip as he ran across the sand (I could be wrong, its just my experience and my humble opinion, not any unwarranted advice.)
I think the final creation turned out excellent and the only thing I would have changed was to have been much closer (about another 25 yards closer) and backed off the zoom some, which would have allowed a bit more sharpness to the image once I blew it up to 20x16. Either way it was a great shot, and studying the settings afterwards, and comparing them to what I could have done, was a great way for me to better understand a unique setting such as this dimly lit and diffused, early morning sunlight combined with a fairly dense fog.
And that my friend, is the key to becoming a better photographer. So let today's banter remind you that this is a great way for you to "study" what masterpiece you've just created, and understand exactly why it worked. Doing so will ensure you are always at the ready no matter what setting you find yourself shooting in. Consequently, as it turned out, had we waited another 15 minutes we would never have been able to create this shot the way we did. And there hasn't been a foggy morning since. And in this part of Wyoming, foggy mornings are few and far between. And therein lies the lesson that I learned this morning, always be ready because time runs out, and it runs out faster than you think. And as the old adage for me goes, a really good photographer can't recreate a really great shot, that was missed.
Happy Shooting and GOD BLESS!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Shooting for Christ, Focusing on God ©
www.amandasmithwyoming.com
Once upon a misty morning, my husband and I ventured out onto the back property of our ranch in Wyoming, where a reservoir had filled up completely from the the night's previous rain shower. The coolness of the morning combined by the warmth of the night, and moisture from the much needed rain, created a mystic ambience, to an already gorgeous morning. And this photographer was ready to capture something amazing.
Grabbing my camera at o' early thirty, out we trekked. Off in the distance we could hear the soft nickering of our four horses coming down off the sage covered hill above the reservoir. It was a sight that moved both of us completely, and our creative juices began to flow. Quickly my husband took off his red t-shirt and moved towards the inquisitive and slow moving animals that once worked these very lands as cattle movers. Placing his shirt around the neck of Whip, his quarter horse, he gently walked him over to the island that sits just adjacent to the reservoir. The other three horses; Josh, Beggar and Blackie, all lumbered along behind Whip, lining up in sequence behind their faithful leader. It was as if each of them knew we were about to create a masterpiece, and in the early, beautifully diffused, sunlit light of this softly fog layered morning, we did just that.
With a quick removal of his t-shirt and a snap of the red material in the air, with no other sounds to be heard, all four horses moved into action running full speed ahead across the sand covered island. With Whip in the lead and all four horses heads held high, it was a sight to behold that absolutely took our breath away. Across the island Whip ran, farther and farther away from the other horses, who, as if knowing, slowed down their speed while watching the beauty of the chocolate and marshmallow colored majestic being that is Whip.
I knelt down while simultaneously pulling my camera up to my eye in one fluid movement, and as I looked through the lens, following the majestic movements of this incredible animal, I felt that familiar emotion in my heart. A wild beating as though someone had plunged a needle of adrenalin deep within me. SNAP! One shot... SNAP! two shots... my breathing quickened as this beautiful animal made his way towards the edge of the reservoir and SNAP! I felt it... that "Knowing I just got the shot" feeling that only a photographer who shoots from the heart, can experience.
Hoofbeats drowning off into the distance of the sage prairie he ran on, Whip continued on his race towards the horizon, head high and black mane and tail whipping in the lightly misted, morning breeze. Josh, Beggar, and Blackie following lightly behind as though they too, were aware that a masterpiece had just been created.
 |
| Mystical Beauty © 2013 by Amanda Smith, Professional Photographer, Wyoming All rights reserved. |
I photographed this incredible and surreal scene with my Nikon D700 using a Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 lens set at an ISO of 200, a range of 70mm zoom, 0 exposure (I just left it alone) at f7.1 and 1/200 of a second. It was the perfect setting to capture this incredible moment. I didn't want a lot of light to come in, as I really wanted to still be able to capture the details of the scenery through the mist. So even though the morning was dimly lit and the light was diffused by the fog, I went with 1/200 of a second so that I could let less light in, and chose f7.1 to allow enough time for light to enter my lens while still maintaining a good amount of clarity (sharpness) in my image. I do think I could have gained a bit more clarity (sharpness) had I set the f stop to 11 and the timing of light entering my lens at 1/100 of a second ... F11 would have allowed an even sharper image. But I was concerned about my shutter at 1/100 of a second being open too long to cease the movement of Whip as he ran across the sand (I could be wrong, its just my experience and my humble opinion, not any unwarranted advice.)
I think the final creation turned out excellent and the only thing I would have changed was to have been much closer (about another 25 yards closer) and backed off the zoom some, which would have allowed a bit more sharpness to the image once I blew it up to 20x16. Either way it was a great shot, and studying the settings afterwards, and comparing them to what I could have done, was a great way for me to better understand a unique setting such as this dimly lit and diffused, early morning sunlight combined with a fairly dense fog.
And that my friend, is the key to becoming a better photographer. So let today's banter remind you that this is a great way for you to "study" what masterpiece you've just created, and understand exactly why it worked. Doing so will ensure you are always at the ready no matter what setting you find yourself shooting in. Consequently, as it turned out, had we waited another 15 minutes we would never have been able to create this shot the way we did. And there hasn't been a foggy morning since. And in this part of Wyoming, foggy mornings are few and far between. And therein lies the lesson that I learned this morning, always be ready because time runs out, and it runs out faster than you think. And as the old adage for me goes, a really good photographer can't recreate a really great shot, that was missed.
Happy Shooting and GOD BLESS!
Amanda Smith
Professional Photographer, Wyoming
www.amandasmithphotography.com
Shooting for Christ, Focusing on God ©
www.amandasmithwyoming.com
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