1859 Magazine Assignment: Horseback Through Vineyards

You can probably imagine my tail wagging Snoopy dance I did when Kevin Max, editor of 1859 Magazine, called and asked me if I would like to take on an assignment where I would photograph people riding horses through Oregon wine country.  I love this lush area of Oregon, am in awe of the amazing wines that our state produces, and really dig assignments where I am photographing people having fun.

The assignment was flipping fantastic – much more than I ever expected!  What surprised me the most was the camaraderie that exists between the vintners.  Since we were visiting many vineyards over two days, and this was essentially a press tour which could result in highly desired PR in Oregon’s National Geo-like magazine, I imagined the vintners jockeying (ha!) for inclusion in the magazine.  Instead, I saw exchanges of support, purchases between vintners, and exclamations of admiration for the neighboring vineyards.

What surprised me secondly was that I would be riding.  And that horses can get spooked.  And they can run.  Whoa Nelly!

Special shout-out to Mary Hansen from ArborBrook Vineyards for coordinating the tour.  We will be back, and your wines are de-lish!

Lifesong Adventures: Man Vs Wild

I had a great time photographing a wilderness adventure last week for 1859 Magazine.  The organizing company is Lifesong Adventures, and they custom fit wilderness adventures for any group, any where.  I can’t say enough great things about this organization.  They are field experts in a variety of wilderness training, from shelter building to animal tracking to what you can and can’t eat while lost in the forest.

Owners Mark and Celeste are consultants on the Man Vs Wild TV series, but their most enjoyment comes from teaching all of us how to live with only a knife and some flint in the wilderness.  Girls take note:  they love it when you sign up!  And this felt more like Man WITH Wild.

Here are a few images from the shoot.  Full story will be run in the April issue of 1859 Magazine.  The last image is of the bear that tried to get into my cabin one night.  (Photo courtesy of Celeste Cole)