Laura Fay & LVG Prydar
For my first year of professional photography, I decided to sponsor not only 1 but 2 riders and also a local "boutique" barn. My first rider, Laura Fay, is also the owner and operator of Aering Green Equestrian Facility, LLC. At this picturesque location, Laura trains both horse and rider for dressage competition. Her current mount is a Fjord. This is an ancient breed that has existed for 2,000 years and it is very rare to see one competing at 3rd level dressage - and he has progressed to 4rth level this summer. That's right!
For our first photo shoot, I wanted to create a black background portrait. I studied and practiced and sweated nervously leading up to the appointed time. I was welcomed warmly by Laura and her crew. And the star, small but mighty in stature, seemed at ease in front of the camera. With just a couple turns of his head and one repositioning, we captured a breathtaking image in the doorway of the barn. I say "we" because Laura has good company! Two women helped set the area and then they stood behind me with whips and a container filled with treats. All the rattling and arm flailing helped keep our subject's attention while Laura stood to the side out of sight, ready to catch him if he strayed. Ever the professional, Prydar stayed on his mark.
Being a photographer is a bit like being a competitor. There are many others who are also artists that (as I like to think of photography) paint with light. Knowing how to manipulate the settings on your camera to interpret what you see is a skill. Add living beings to the moment and magic happens! It's all in the moment and no matter how hard you work at it, sometimes you just have a bad day and just need to get back to practice. And practice and practice and practice..... To be good at anything, you must work at it consistently. Every day. You must study, learn and take necessary steps to advance -- however slow it may be. You must test your skills and also fail in order to learn but then choose what to do in order to succeed. It's a journey that isn't easy but the rewards are sweet. My rewards are the joy I feel, the admiration my client has looking at an image I've created, and being completely in the moment of where I am and what I am doing.
I don't know if that makes sense! But as a horsewoman, I think it does. Days of training and riding and adventuring that leads to building a communication and enhanced mental and physical conditioning of your horse makes the cold, wet, hot, miserable days worth the light feel and seamless motion of the living being beneath you. Snorts and hoofbeats, dirt and sunlight, sunrises and sunsets, sweat and tears, smiles and happiness - I want to soak it all up because it becomes a part of me that no one can take away. It's priceless. No matter what kind of ride we have. We always have next time and all the moments in between. Yes, I'd say photography is very similar and knowing your worth, will bring you back every time. Set your goals - you can do it!
Laura's story has been shared by another author who is dedicated to promoting the Fjord breed and fascinated with Prydar's performance in a dressage arena. You can find their story here: www.fjordingtale.com/2022/04/olympian-rides-norwegian-fjord-horse.html
I plan to document as much of their journey as I can - Here's to their future success!
Never let success get to your head or failure get to your heart.
Set your goals and remember your worth as you work towards them.
Laura Fay & LVG Prydar
I am forever grateful to them for their confidence, their beauty and their support of my young business. They are brave and dedicated as they follow their dreams and it is very inspiring to me!
