Why I would rather be a HORSE than a Wife

Today’s blog is just for fun, but to be honest it really got me thinking.

Here are my Top Ten (and there are lots more) reasons why I would rather be a horse.

1. When you speak (neigh) people listen, and rush over to see what you might need – not so much when you are the wife

2. All your meals are brought to you including any special vitamins or minerals you might need.

3. Someone else cleans up after you allowing your nails (hooves) grow nicely.

4. Which means, “New Shoes” every 6 weeks – yea I love new shoes

5. You only work about an hour per day and always get time off if you are sick. No one expects you to just carry on.

6. Naps and early nights seem pretty standard practice. Not the exception

7. You not only get to smell the roses you sometimes get to eat them

8. Having your own personal trainer and style consultant is not just for the rich and famous it seems to me most horses have one. I just have a very critical 16 year old.

9. Even if you have a foal - someone else takes care of it for you – and worries about shots, doctors appointments, special diet etc.

10. Horses do get to “Retire” and just hang out with their buddies. Regardless of what happens to the economy or their stock.

The biggest reason and perhaps the greatest lesson they can teach us is the ability to “Just be what God created you to be”

Dressage is Poetry in Motion

Sharon Merkel Beattie
Canadian Dressage Candidate for 2012 Olympics – UK
I was so excited to hear that Sharon had been listed as a possible candidate for the 2012 Olympics, and wanted to support her in her journey. So I offered to be her “Official Photographer” and provide her with not only a record of her journey in picture form but also commercial images she could use in her Olympic campaign.
I had photographed Sharon many times as “Show Photographer” at various dressage events across Alberta but this would be special and I would be capturing not only all the action in the dressage arena but also some behind the scenes shots allowing a personal glimpse into what it takes to become an Olympic rider.
My first appointment was at a fundraiser event at Whitemud Equine Centre. Sharon and her beautiful chestnut Hanovarian mare Essence of Glory were to perform a freestyle dressage demonstration to music, with an opportunity to meet Sharon afterwards and ask her questions. It was a very cold Snowy day in January and despite the cold temperatures there was a fabulous turn out so see Sharon ride. Before she and Esa travel to California and prepare for the World Equestrian Games.
Hopefully the next selection if images will be in the sunshine - not snow

Who is Linda Finstad - Anyway?

Allow me introduce myself.

My name is Linda Finstad, I grew up in small rural community in England. Where it was normal for kids to learn to ride a horse before they rode a 2 wheel bicycle and I got my first pony on my fourth Birthday.
My childhood revolved around horse shows and pony club - what I took for granted back then, in hindsight was obviously a very privileged upbringing.
As my mother bought me very nice show ponies and hunters that were fit to
win at county level.
Horses were my life and it only seemed natural to work in the industry so I studied at Wrae Green Equestrian Centre for my BHSAI - once qualified I taught riding there for a couple of years before moving on to open a saddlery store. And once again I was back at the horse shows with a trade stand selling tack and country clothing.

I came to Canada about 14 years ago and for a while felt quite lost I didn’t know where the shows were held or how to get involved in the horse industry.
So in an attempt to re-invent myself I went back to school to learn photography this was a very challenging but rewarding process but it was only when the teacher asked the class “What do you really want to take pictures of” that it struck me Horses and Dogs of course. With all my experience not only in the show ring but also as a trainer I have an extremely good eye when it comes horses. This coupled with my formal photography training makes capturing fabulous shots so much easier.
I feel I my life has come full circle, and feel extremely privileged to be the official photographer at many horse shows and dog agility events throughout Alberta.
I really do have the best job in the world as I get to photograph some amazing animals and very talented handlers, horsemen and women.

In 2008 I was given the biggest commission of my entire career
The “Equine Heritage Exhibit” a photographic study of all the breeds of horses that make up the equine population of Alberta. Once this two year project is completed it will be housed in the Provincial Archive museum. Providing a snapshot in time of what “All” the breeds not only look like but also what they are used for. A fabulous resource for future generations.

I am truly blessed to spend my days capturing the beauty of Horses.
www.imagineitsold is where you can see my work

Live life like you nail polish color

Live life like you nail polish color
Wild berry is the name of my favorite nail color polish, to me is says - bold, exotic, bodacious, and it simply makes my nails look good.
Now I am a hard working girl and not the kind to enjoy beautifully manicured finger nails , they just wouldn’t stand up to my life style so when I say this delicious Wild berry color makes my nails look good I am referring to my toe nails. And you will just have to take my word for it as my toes are always jammed in work boots.
Just saying the name “Wild berry” makes me tingle with excitement and conjour up images of treking through a hot steamy rain forest in search of exotic creatures to photograph. Escorted by my own personal guide who just happens to look like a George Clooney and is devoted to my every need. Ok I am getting a little carried away now.
Don’t worry I am not losing it, I know just painting my nails wont magically create this fantasy life, but allowing your color to inspire your fantasy is a great starting point to making it a reality. Until I really thought about the name “Wild Berry” and allowed myself permission to daydream I had never even considered the possibility of visiting the rain forest. But now I have had those thoughts there is no turning back.
Living like your nail color can be a conscious choice so ladies choose carefully.

Thank you Dr. Phil

I was really excited to watch Dr. Phil yesterday because there was a lady on the show who’s BIG problem in life was her obsession with Farmville.
I too am struggling to justify the time I sit at my computer tending virtual crops and worrying about collecting eggs and milking make believe cows. My husband has told me on numerous occasions to delete the bloody thing and get a life. But its not that easy - then there is the guilt of killing off all those animals, or worse I could just block access to the game then I my farm would still be there but no one would visit or care for the place – I really don’t know which would be worse.
So I was excited to hear what Dr. Phil had to say – guess what he shared my husbands thoughts and told her to delete the bloody thing and get a life, well he didn’t swear but that was his sentiment.
Now this lady had it bad she started farming in the early hours of the morning and neglected her family and home in order to sit at the computer ALL day playing farm.
I really don’t want to become her so I am taking steps to cull my addiction. I have sold off lots of my animals and am planting crops that take 4 days to harvest this means I can take a few days off and who knows in that time I might find a new distraction. If only I could become obsessed with house work and cooking.
Unfortunately there millions of people out there who think Farmville is the best thing since sliced bread, and don’t see a problem with wasting their precious time on Earth tending a virtual farm. Hopefully one day there will be a 12 step program to make the transition back to reality easier.

Help – I don’t know what to wear?

If you have ever thought about getting some publicity shots taken that you can post on your web site or business cards and break out in a cold sweat trying to figure out “What to Wear” here are a few tips that might help.
Business / Publicity Portraits
Clothes & Colors, keep in mind that you want to appear professional but friendly. When in doubt about what to wear, a slightly conservative look is best. A jacket in blue, navy, grey, burgundy, or black are always safe choices. Avoid light pastels, bold stripes, bold patterns or anything that is too distracting, a subtle pattern is fine. Also avoid short sleeves if a jacket is not worn, upper arms always tend to photograph wider than they are in real life. Darker colors are "slimming.” Corporate portraits are just head and shoulders so don't worry about your shoes. Keep jewellery simple unless you are a rodeo queen and then bling bling bling!

The Psychology of Color:
• Green is the “Don’t trust me” color
• "Cheap Image" color is Purple
• The "Unsophisticated or Slob" color is Brown, avoid it!
• Navy says "Success”
• Earth tones appear friendly and approachable
• Black is for the very stern and serious
• Yellow appears positive and friendly
• A dark dusty pink is calming and non threatening “soft”
According to various sources I researched on the internet, so you might want to take those suggestions lightly
Many of my clients are horsemen and women so a formal business attire would really not send the right message.
My best advice is to go for a classy country look, that doesn’t mean what you would wear whilst mucking out the barn - But a nice fitting pair of jeans and boots, avoid white socks and running shoes, teamed with a clean well pressed long sleeve shirt, you might want to team it with a nice vest or lightweight jacked – remember to keep patterns to a minimum. Your portraits will look more authentic if taken outdoors and maybe leaning against a fence or holding onto a horse.
A word of caution regarding hats – they create a shadow over your face, so if you absolutely must wear a hat try to try to wear it slightly further back to allow light to reach your eyes.
Hands: Ladies hands are often included in portraits, they add femininity and elegance. Having your nails done is important. If you have work hands a pair of nice leather gloves will cover up a multitude of sins.
Makeup: Remember to bring along some makeup (lip-gloss and powder) for touch ups. A more natural look is better than heavy make up.
Think about the image you want to project in your portrait, conservative, sporty, professional, friendly, artsy, approachable.
Contact Lens: Some people who wear contact lens tend to blink on a high percentage of photos, it might be a good idea for contact lens wearer to wear glasses and take them off for the portraits.
However The most important thing you can wear is a smile
Last but not least: remember to get a good night sleep for that fresh look.
If you would like help creating a “Sharper Image” in your business or promotional pictures I can help. www.imagineitsold.ca

Wild Mongolian Horses in Alberta?

When I first started work on the Equine Heritage Exhibit - I had a mandate to locate – photograph and document all the different breeds of horses that make up the equine population in Alberta. I was given 2 years in which to complete this project
The initial list included 40 different breeds, however I photographed 43 in the first year and the list just keeps on growing. I can’t take credit for locating all these horses I had lots of help from people within the horse industry. What would typically happen whilst on a shoot they would suggest people they knew who specialized in a certain breed and owned either a stallion and a few mares or in some cases large herds. Some of these suggestions were of breeds that were not even on my list, which made the whole project very exciting. As I really don’t know exactly how many breeds are represented here in Alberta.
Last week I went out to photograph Zebras at Calgary zoo - although it was a bit of a stretch, I know they are not horses but they certainly are equines. Plus it was an excuse to get up close and personal with two very cute female zebras and capture unique images of them in the snow - after all most Zebras should never see snow.
Today I discovered there is a small herd of wild Mongolian horses in Southern Alberta. In all the years I have been an equine photographer I have never seen a Mongolian horse so I am very excited at the prospect of meeting them, and truly fascinated to find out why they are here. Hopefully I can arrange a photo shoot soon – I would like to shoot them in a winter setting.
I wonder how many different breeds of horses there are in the World?
If anyone knows of an official list or unofficial for that matter I would love to see it.
I think I will make it my personal goal to photograph as many of them as humanly possible.