Glow of the Ranch

My dad comes from a long line of ranchers. Yesterday he gave me my great- grandmother's old, retired saddle. I decided I would do a series of still... more

by Wendy Thompson

Title

Glow of the Ranch

Artist

Wendy Thompson

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

My dad comes from a long line of ranchers. Yesterday he gave me my great- grandmother's old, retired saddle. I decided I would do a series of still life photos with the saddle in it. This is the first.

I went to the rodeo last night in Billings, MT and after I got home, I felt inspired to do a cowboy themed still life shot to use as wall art. I used my daughter's cowgirl boots, a kerosene lantern, and placed the saddle in the background. I knew I wanted a soft, warm glow for a relaxing, homey feel. I wanted to be able to picture this rustic photo hanging in a log cabin, or rustic ranch home. The goal was to make this a soothing ranch photo.

I am very happy with how the still life turned out. This is a taste of Americana. The old west. I was born and raised in Montana and it is where my grandparents rode horses. As I stare at this photo, I imagine my ancestors; my great grandmother, years ago, riding in that saddle, and my daughter today, wearing those cowgirl boots, carrying on the ranching lifestyle tradition, and the spirit of the west. Chiaroscuro lighting helps create the soft, calm mood.
© Wendy Thompson

Western Heritage

Uploaded

October 19th, 2014