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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Photo Shoot

1/6/2013

 
I really dislike having my picture taken. No matter how hard I try, which is probably the real problem, I end up looking really cranky. Or disgusted. Or just plain mad. I try to smile, but it's rare that I come across looking happy to be there. When Lori Ovanessian offered to do a photo shoot with my horses, I hesitated for only a moment. The possibility of getting a good one of them was more than I could resist.

Lori and I set a date, rain threatened, of course, so we postponed for the next day. Secretly I was relieved because I was certain appointment number two would fall through, and I wouldn't have to spend any time in front of the camera after all. But no, the day was dry and cloudy which is apparently excellent for shooting photos.

Lori's directions were to wear something nice and bring a set of riding clothes. Something nice? Has she never met me? I am not much of a dresser-upper; I am much more of a jeans and sweater kind of gal. Worried that she would be disappointed, I went the jeans and sweater route anyway and hoped for the best. As a bit of a compromise, I did add a pretty scarf and jewelry. Lori took a look at my wardrobe and seemed satisfied with my choice of colors.

We walked around the property scoping out good locations for the types of photos that Lori wanted to try. As we walked, she adjusted her camera's many settings to ensure the correct amount of lighting would enter the lend and so on. My confidence grew as we talked. She knew what she was doing.

We spent some time first in the arena using the white fencing and green background. From the first shutter click, Speedy was game on! I can never get him to stand still for photos. For Lori, he posed for over an hour, and I don't mean just a little bit, he truly posed! His ears were ALWAYS up and he either looked directly at the camera, or gave a lovely silhouette as if to say, this side, or this side? Lori giggled at him more than once. I know how charismatic he is, but it was really nice to see someone else appreciate his personality.

We ultimately used a number of locations for the photos, but my favorites were the action shots. Lori asked if someday she could come back and shoot him at liberty doing his "Arabian thing." I suggested we do it right then. Speedy and I play some fun games out in the arena, and I suspected that he would be up for it that day. You can see for yourself.

Click play to start.
There were many more ... these were just my favorites!
Lori Ovanessian
1/5/2013 11:36:51 pm

Wow Karen... I think you should write a book someday! I have to laugh... It always amazes me to hear other people's perception of things... Just to let you know I was probably even more nervous on my end. First I think your a beautiful person inside and out... And for the record, I saw you dressed up for dinner at macaroni grill and thought you were lovely... I did happen to like the colors you chose that day I thought they would look great with a white horse and a fall back ground (which they did)... I am always nervous at these photo shoots because in my mind I can visualize what I want to capture... But making it happen isn't always that easy! You always want the client to feel comfortable and you want to be able to catch a true feeling of happiness or love or a genuine smile... You never want things to look to posy... But I have to say we started off with great conversation and that always helps making both parties relax in front of the camera... But you always get the beat shots when everyone is having fun. Now I'm not as good expressing my feelings with words as you but I definitely feel like my photos express loudly how much fun we all had! I had the best time... I have truly never seen such a meet connection between a horse and owner... I knew at the last horse show Speedy was photogenic and I wanted more opportunities to shoot him, but I had no idea that little boy was so big in personality! I am just so thankful you have me the opportunity to experience it! My fears are that the client won't like anything I capture... It has been so rewarding to know that you have enjoyed them... Thank you...

Karen
1/6/2013 12:23:16 am

My favorite comment on this blog ever. Hands down the winner. Thank you.

Calm, Forward, Straight link
1/6/2013 01:15:00 am

Lovely lovely photos Karen. You can feel the love between you and your horses.

Coincidentally, I had some pictures taken yesterday, and was slightly embarrassed vs. overly pleased by the one of me and Val smooching... I feel better now, ;D

Karen
1/6/2013 01:38:03 am

CFS - the smooching ones are the best, and I've seen plenty of Val being smooched! But thank you - all the credit goes to Lori.

Lauren link
1/6/2013 06:27:04 am

Those are great photos! Speedy is so photogenic - I think Arabs win hands down compared to other breeds when it comes to photos.

Karen
1/6/2013 06:35:45 am

Thanks, Lauren. I think he's kind of cute. :0)

Sharon T
1/6/2013 10:42:23 pm

Very beautiful photos of both horses and you. Your love for them shows in every photo.

Karen
1/7/2013 09:10:39 pm

Thank you, Sharon. Lori has a good eye. :0)

Sarah link
1/7/2013 05:10:53 am

Wow! You and your horses look fabulous!!

Karen
1/7/2013 09:11:04 pm

Thank you, Sarah!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian
    Email Karen

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at Second Level. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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    October 2020

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    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
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    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
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    I love her stuff!

    National Rider Awards

    • USDF Bronze Medal - 2020 
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    • CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
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    Ruby Rider Award, 2018
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    • CDS Second Level Horse Performance Award: Speedy G - 2018
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    2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Education
  • Local
    • Shopping List