Jules the Princess
 

While visiting my injured friend Laurie recently we sat and chatted over hot tea curled up on a nice comfy couch in her incredibly welcoming home. I listened to the story of her accident and she listened to me ramble on. I actually thought I would never leave the comfort of her nest and warm presence. All the while, we were in the company of her friend Jules the Weimaraner, a beautiful dog with a gray/brown shiny coat, a muscular body, and intelligent eyes. I was quite taken with her. What a wonderful companion for our little snuggly tea party, she was as well mannered as any high tea guest. If she could talk, I imagined a conversation with her on the state of the economy, the proper way to cut roses from your garden or perhaps a pithy tale about her latest visit to Buckingham Palace. Now, please don't misunderstand, my dear friend Laurie had all my attention and well, honestly, I don't think she minds how I was taken with her friend Jules, considering her affection for all animals.

At the end of our visit I begged for an opportunity to photograph this lovely creature, and Laurie, bless her heart, made her way (on crutches no less) to my studio helping me pose and dress Jewel with dozens of my studio props. Now, while I am no William Wegman (yet), I can certainly see why he loves to photograph theses dogs. They have almost human expressions, their eyes grow bigger when they look at you, and they sit nearly perfectly still while studying you.  Jewel was particularly cooperative, well behaved and highly photogenic. I love all faces, and I love furry faces and I pay a big thank you to Jules for allowing me to photograph her, as it was quite satisfying. And thanks to my wonderful friend, Laurie for coming along.


This story would not be complete without mentioning Erlend Greulich, Jules' owner, who took a rowdy Jules at six months and taught her all she knows becoming the fine dog friend she is today. Thank you Erlend for sharing Jules with us.


Her photo will be on display at the Wine and Whisker's Fund Raiser for the Second Chance Shelter in Ridgway on March 10th where I have donated a studio photo shoot to raise money for their programs.

For more information about the Fundraiser, go to http://adoptmountainpets.org/resources/other-info/news/category/events

Jules the Afghan
 

Logo on White

Brenda Colwell

Photographer, Equestrian, Airstream Enthusiast

 970-729-1026  

[email protected]

Hat

Another great thing about living in a small town is having friends in high places. I could be talking about altitude, because our houses sit at 8700' feet and higher in Telluride, Colorado, but what I am really referring to are my friends who run the town, or in this case the Fire District. John Bennett is our newly appointed Fire District Director, responsible for fire prevention in the 250,000 acres of stunningly beautiful landscape we call home (no pressure John).

Johnny has been with the Fire Department his entire life with his Dad and his brothers, even his Great Grand Dad served on the Fire Department. So it just made sense that a boy who's family has been living in and protecting Telluride from fire for five generations be appointed to the position of Fire Chief. And he is highly qualified with 20 years of service and extensive training under his fire hat.

It's likely you already know John, and you might call him JB, Johnny B, John or just sir. He is easily the most well liked person in town, always greeting friends with a smile, a hug or a squeeze, and a little heartfelt laughter. I can't help but feel happy every time I see him. And while he is an easy going guy, he lives and breathes safety and takes his job very seriously. Locally famous and highly popular, of course a photo shoot was in order! 

Johnny Lean logo

Flag2

Johnny Step Up

Telluride Fire District: Telluride Fire District
Photography and Article protected under copyright 2011

Logo on White

Brenda Colwell

Photographer, Equestrian, Airstream Enthusiast

 970-729-1026  

[email protected]

Pasture Sky

In the Mountains of Colorado, the end of June can be a set of mixed feelings when you run a ranch.  The shortage of rain fall brings low water pond levels and concerns over stocking up winter hay, pasture growth and the challenges of water shares and water calls.  But yet, that same shortage of rain means nice warm weather and that brings long leisurely rides on dry ground, stalls are easy to clean, chores are easier because you can wear shorts!  But, not for me, because I have never come anywhere close to running a ranch.  But, today, I am thinking this would be one of the better days to do it.

And, if you are me, a photographer and horse lover (not a rancher), you can take advantage of the great weather and hike all the way out into the back pasture and lay down on dry ground, which is exactly what I did on a particularly warm and beautiful Monday evening at Many Ponies Ranch in Norwood, CO owned by Paul Finley & Lisa Foxwell.   Just me, my camera, the horses and the amazing beauty around us.  Perfectly silent with the exception of horses munching grasses and lazily stepping forward brushing hooves over the grasses one at a time carefully selecting only the best blades of delicious grass.  At that moment, being a horse seemed like a pretty good deal.   So, I decided to hang out with them for the final light of the day laying on my belly, my side, crawling through the grass photographing these peaceful creatures of the pasture.   I don't care who you are, there is nothing better than being out on "the range" alone surrounded by 20 horses calmly grazing in a wide open sky in a high mountain pasture.  And, oh yes, enjoying the smell of them!  I think everyone should stop and smell the roses, but its so much more satisfying to stop and smell the horses.   

Domino

Profile Sky

Logo on White

Brenda Colwell

Photographer, Equestrian, Airstream Enthusiast

 970-729-1026  

[email protected]