Steel Wool Photos at Vista House

A couple weeks ago during the full moon, I drove up to Crown Point. I had some specific photos in mind and sometimes you just have to revise your plans if something better arises, and that Monday was the night for adventure.

My thought was to park south of Crown Point to capture it lit up by the full moon and to have a long enough exposure so that you could still see the stars .... instead, once I parked, I noticed on the west side of the Vista House (the side i the shadow of the moon), there were sparks. I thought to myself that it looked a lot like a steel wool photoshoot, so I decided to investigate.

I went towards the light and struck up a conversation and after some chit chat I had my tripod set up next to the two guys who were the masterminds behind the adventure. Now, I've read about steel wool photography, but I haven't had a chance to do it. I asked them their settings and all my photos turned out great!

I used my Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 lens and had it set to ISO 200, f/8.0, 20-25 sec, and focus set to manual at infinity. This was my first time taking night photos with my new lens and I'm quite happy with it.

As with all good photoshoots, there's a great story behind it. No, it's not the story I've already told you, but it's more of a lesson. Steel wool photography lesson #1-100, never have anything flammable within reach of the flying, flaming bits of steel wool. This includes having your car window open ... thankfully only a towel in the guy's car caught on fire and not the actual upholstery.

Sellwood Bridge Opening

This past month I've been volunteering as the event photographer for the Multnomah County Animal Shelter. Last weekend I was invited out to the Sellwood Bridge Opening Celebration. I can't believe how many happy hounds there were on the bridge. Here are some photos I took while out and about :-)

And you can have call a party a party without some VooDoo doughnuts. ;-)

Thanks for looking!

Drum Horse Artists Workshop

I have some really exciting news, I'll be hosting an artists workshop this summer at the Drum Horse Farm I love to visit.

It will be an afternoon of artists being inspired by these beautiful horses. 

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One day Artists Workshop with an entire herd of Drum Horses!

Located in Eagle Creek, Oregon, only a 45 minute drive from downtown Portland

Spend the day painting, photographing, watching demos, and enjoying these beautiful horses!

• $75 per participant
• Limited to 20 people
• Pre-Registration is Required
• No Horse Experience needed
• All Art Mediums welcomed
• 18 and up

• Equine Anatomy Drawing Demonstration
• Watercolor Plein Air Demonstration by Elizabeth Zimmerman
• Live Equine model sessions - draw, paint, photograph
• Liberty session at the covered arena - photograph some action
• Meet Drum Horse Stallions, Yearlings, and Mares

You can REGISTER HERE.

Here are some paintings that I've created of the Drum Horses. I hope you can come and be inspired, too!

Western Pony T-Shirts | Last Chance

Western Pony is my second limited edition t-shirt (and tea towel) design. He was inspired by the working ranch horse. He's ready to get the job done with a lariat secured to his pommel and breast collar to keep his rigging (and rider) in place once the going gets tough. All he needs is you!

There are two options for ordering now:

1. EMAIL ME (EMAIL HERE) the style, color, and size of shirt(s) you want and your mailing address. Then I'll email you an invoice which you need to pay by Saturday, March 5. The specific shirts you want will then be ordered, once they're received I will hand print Mt Hood Forest Buck on the front and Western Rose Studios logo on the back in black ink. And if all goes to plan, they will be shipped around Monday, April 4!

2. ETSY, yes, I'll post this also on Etsy. ORDER ON ETSY HERE. I set the limit to 25 orders on Etsy and will be stopping the listing on Monday, March 7 at 9PM PST.

This is the LAST chance for you to order this cute little ranch pony t-shirt. After this run of orders, the design will be washed away, never to be repeated the same. Truly limited edition and handmade, making them even more special.

Here are your options:

Styles: Loose (men's/unisex crew), Fitted (women's crew), V-Cut (women's fitted v-cut)

Colors available for Loose and Fitted styles (left to right): Neutral, Silver, Blue, Pink, and Green

Colors available for V-Cut Style (left to right): Hot Pink, Stone, and White

Sizes and Pricing: 

Loose and Fitted Styles: Small $20, Medium $20, Large $20, X-Large $20, XX-Large $25, XXX-Large $28

V-Cut: Small $24, Medium $24, Large $24, X-Large $24, XX-Large $29

T-Shirts are 5 oz. 100% cotton high density fabric (Fruit of the Loom brand). Stone may be a poly/cotton blend.

Remember, you need to have the invoice paid by Saturday, March 5 to secure a shirt just for you!