PERSONAL USE PHOTO DOWNLOADS

Since writing my last blog post Who Am I I've been giving the matter a great deal of thought with respect to marketing my photography.

I realize now that I have lacked focus. Part of the problem is probably ADD but I accept full responsibility. I've been all over the place with my marketing  efforts.  Like most artists I am far better at my art than I am at marketing.

As the song says I can see clearly now. And what I see is that I want and need to focus totally on my fine art photography.

My epiphany could be good news for fans and followers. Henceforth, the only print images I will be offering  for sale will be my fine art giclee prints.

What I'm going to do with the thousands of pretty pictures that I have taken, whilst searching for my art,  is make them available to the public as personal downloads. This means you can download an actual jpeg file and, depending on the size file you buy, you can do whatever you wish with it as long it's strictly for your personal use. You can make prints, note cards and screen savers just to name a few.

I'm just getting started with this project so you may want to bookmark the gallery and check back from time to time. I think you'll find some very cool images and I sincerely hope that you can make good use of them.

Just go to PERSONAL USE DOWNLOADS and browse away.

©Kinsey Barnard

KOOCANUSA ICEFALLS

Saturday I made a junket off the mountain and in to town. It was clean out the mailbox day. Where I live the Post Office fears to go so I must make a weekly pilgrimage to town to pickup the mail.

When I have to come down off the mountain I always try to work in some photo scouting. My thought was ice falls along the Koocanusa. Usually at this time of year there are some extraordinary icefalls to be found. Last year the icefalls were everywhere and some were too beautiful for words. The image below is one such Koocanusa icefall.



This year was certainly nothing like last year. I was barely able to even find any ice. And here it is the middle of January for pity sakes! I was kind of thinking about trying to get into Little Norfork Falls if all else failed.

Whilst I was creeping along I did find some ice falls right along the road that looked like they had some potential. As is always the case when I see something I would like to photograph there was no shoulder to pull over. But, the road on the west side of the Koocanusa is a forest service road and gets next to no traffic in winter. That is unless I have parked in the road and set up my tripod at the edge of the pavement. About the time I got myself setup two axe men (read logging trucks) came barreling down on me. Let me tell you those boys stop for no one and nothing. They flew by me, using the oncoming lane, like I wasn't even there. I wish I could have gotten a shot of them coming at me. It would have been impressive.

I never saw any other vehicles in the time I was there, probably three hours. I did make my way down to the Little Northfork Falls turn off but guess what? That's exactly where those logging truck were working. No way this girl is going down an icy single track road with logging trucks on it. No freaking way!

At that very spot where I saw my life pass before my eyes I was able to get one photograph I thought was nice. I was darned grateful for even the one. It's totally different from last years catch but I think beautiful in it's earthy contrast.



Weather here in Montana can change on a dime. It's still just the middle of January so maybe there will be more opportunities ahead. Will just have to wait and see what Mother Nature has to say about that.

©Kinsey Barnard

AUTUMN LILY PADS

It is with great pleasure that I introduced the newest addition to my limited edition landscape gallery. "Autumn Lily Pads" was taken at a no name pond in the Stillwater State Forest in Montana.

Whilst it is true that there is extreme beauty in our national parks there is also much beauty to be found in obscure places that few will ever see. This is one such image. It gives me no end of pleasure to find and reveal these treasures.



Regularly scheduled programming will resume on Monday when I will be telling the tale of "The Scariest Road I Ever Drove".


©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Icicles

Not a lot new to report. Still shoveling and plowing altough the forecast is currently showing a little respite from the snow and some sunny days ahead. Sun is at a premium in this part of the country in winter. It's funny when I lived in Druango I got bored with all the sunny cloudless days. Here I really look forward to them in the winter.

It has been warmer, in the high twenties and thirties. High enough to start the snow to melting. My fascination this week was as a result of that melting. Icicles have formed along the roof line creating, at least for me, the most extraordinaly nature sculptures. Below are some of my favorites.













©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Abstract Art in River Boulders

As I wander the vast western outdoors I have discovered whole worlds existing in places I once never thought to look. In nature there are literally layers of life, whole galaxies existing right under our noses if we just but look.

I have an on going love affair with water. I always seem to find interesting things to photograph when I am in the proximity of water. I suppose this is because water draws all living things in their quest for survival.

What I have discovered scrambling over boulders in rivers and creeks is that the boulders themselves have worlds etched in their skins. Centuries of water from above and below have chiseled fine designs that can only be seen by a magnified look.

Below are a few images I have taken of the surfaces of boulders. I think they are quite beautiful in an abstract kind of way.

RIVER ROCK

RIVER BOULDER

 BOULDER ART

BOULDER DESIGN

BOULDER WITH LICHEN

Nature plies Her artistry just about anywhere we care to cast our gaze. It's just that sometimes we don't realize what we are seeing until it is captured by a camera. More examples can be seen at DESIGNS AND PATTERNS IN NATURE

Observing nature holds never ending fascination for this viewer.

©Kinsey Barnard

Aspen

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When I was a kid my father used to take me packing into the High Sierras. The night before we headed out was spent at Silver Lake, which was surrounded by Aspen. My first trip was when I was five years old and my father would tell me they were "quaking" aspen and a bunch of stories about them that I don't remember. Those were the days when my love of the mountains was born.

So, today I'm thinking of aspens so here are some photos of these marvelous trees.

The above was taken on a cattle ranch here in northwest Montana.

This photo was taken in the West Kootenai, along  Big Creek where the trees intermingle with cottonwoods, cedar and mountain maple.

Even their trunks make for interesting viewing. This photo is of an old wound that is now hosting some lichen riders. I love these natural designs.

This is another example of aspen bark hosting lichen. I find this extraordinarily beautiful.

But, of course, the thing aspen are most noted for is their annual fall performance when they single handedly turn the landscape into a riot of color. This photograph was taken at Banff National Park Alberta Canada.

This little copse was standing on the Shore of Dickey Lake which is a the entrance to the Tobacco Valley.

This last image is one of my favorites. It reminds me of a Monet painting. It was taken at Surveyor Lake, Kikomun Provincial Park, British Columbia. Check out "Monet Aspen" and all my paintings on water canvas.

Be sure and visit The Liberated Photographer

©Kinsey Barnard

Wood Ranch aka The Apple Orchard 05-09-10

Koty and I took a hike over at the Wood Ranch. Folks around here refer to it as The Apple Orchard. The ranch was an old homestead that was traded to the state some years back. It is now winter range for elk and mountain sheep. It also has, IMO, the best view you'll find of the Tobacco Valley. You will note some little ears at the bottom.

The Tobaccco Valley

They call it the Apple Orchard because the original apple trees are still standing. They are probably a hundred years old and are not in too good shape but the trees are there,  they do produced apples in the fall and the bears come for them every year.

The photo below was taken a couple of years ago. The fence is no longer standing.

The Apple Orchard

Everything that remains of the original settlers is falling away. The old cabin's roof has completely fallen in and soon all that will remain are the rock walls. I found this design in the collapsed roof that I thought was rather intriguing. It looks like some kind of face. There is also an old rusty nail and it's shadow.

The picture below is a photo of a large chunk of the old weathered wood that contains the image above. I rather find this old wood fascinating. The face is almost like a spirit in the wood.

Still not a lot of wildflowers about yet. Been too cold for things to really get underway. I realize dandelions are weeds. And, heavenly only knows I have directed a few unkind words their way for invading my lawn but I still think they are pretty little flowers.

Dandelions

And, of course, there is always Koty doing what he does best, hanging out looking good!

It was a lovely hike. Unfortunately, later in the afternoon I had to put down a sweet little white tail buck that someone ran over breaking his back. It makes me so mad. There was no need for it to happen except that the human cared for nothing but speeding mindlessly on a dirt road that you should never travel fast enough not to be able to avoid a confused creature. I'm not very happy with we humans today.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

GOLDENEYE ON GOLDEN POND

Today it is with great pleasure that I introduce my latest Limited Edition "Goldeneye On Golden Pond"

LARGER VIEW

This is an extraordinarily beautiful image of a goldeneye paddling serenely along in an abstract world of reflections.

This artwork is offered as an 11 x 14 print.

The edition size is limited to 10 plus 1 Artist's Proof.
Each print signed and numbered

Price $400.00 plus s&h.

Your complete satisfaction is guaranteed.
Simply return the print within 30 days for a full refund

HOW ABOUT A NOTE CARD TO SHARE WITH A FRIEND? EVERYONE NEEDS BEAUTY IN THEIR LIFE!

Walden Goldeneye by kinseybarnard
on zazzle.com

The Beauty of Fire.

As regular readers are aware, my second job is forest worker. I spend as much time as I can working on my forty acres of forest cleaning up after Mother Nature and she's been a devil this past year. Between the freak winds and the insect invasion I've got my hands full. I try to burn as I go along because I am very fearful of fire in the forest. I keep my piles small and easily manageable by one person.

Images of fire are the focus of this post. Look closely at the marvelous texture and design. It's really beautiful.

I had this downed Larch right outside my kitchen window and it was driving me nuts so yesterday I decided to get it taken care of.

The old dear had died from I really don't know what. The woodpeckers had certainly been after her carcass so maybe it was bugs. Whatever it was she had been weakened and had fallen in a wind. So, I got the old chainsaw out and limbed and cut her up for firewood. Larch is great firewood. As soon as I had enough slash I started my fire and hand fed it as I went along.

Once I've put all of the debris on the fire I have nothing to do but tend the fire until it's mostly burned out. It's not a boring time because it offers me the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of this place I call home. It's like a meditation.

As I stood leaning on my shovel I became mesmerized by the glowing coals and began to see all kinds of beautiful designs in the hot embers. I ran to the house for my camera in hopes I could capture some of what I was seeing. Fire is one of Nature's many dichotomies. It is at once beautiful and dangerous.


Dantes Inferno by Kinsey Barnard

This last image I took some artistic license with. I'm addicted to color so every now and again I have to do some enhancement. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. In this case I think it does. This image is offered for sale at Imagekind. If you click on the photo it will take you right there.

Now, isn't fire fascinating and beautiful?

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

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Nature: The Ultimate Designer

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There isn't much about nature that doesn't fascinate me. To say photographing some aspect of it is my favorite is an oxymoron. But, nevertheless, photographing patterns and designs in nature is one of my favorite subjects. So, today I thought I would share some of my favorite natural designs.

First up is sandy beach that I photographed on the shores of Lake Koocanusa. At this time of year the lake has been drained low and sandy beaches have been exposed. The wind blows a gale down in this veritable hole leaving delicate designs such as those below in it's wake. No, the sand isn't really blue, I used a blue filter to make it so. Just whimsy on my part.


Blue Sand by Kinsey Barnard

This next photo is of driftwood sitting on Florence Beach in Oregon. If this were a painting, which it nearly looks like, people would be talking about the graceful flow of the brushstrokes. Yet no human hand made this design. It was years and years of wind, rain and surf. There was no intentional effort expended to create this work of art. It simply exists and allows itself to be molded and recreated by the passing of time. What could be more beautiful? A purple filter was used here.


Driftwood by Kinsey Barnard

Below is one of my favorite favorites. It is nothing more than Ponderosa bark but looks like a woodcarving from a master carver. Fortunately, the lighting was just right to show off the exquisite color and texture of the bark. I can imagine a human wood worker spending hour upon hour trying to create something as lovely and interesting as this yet Nature does it effortlessly without intention.


Ponderosa Bark-4 by Kinsey Barnard

And then there are the incredible designs Nature imprints on living things. I'm not certain what kind of shell this is but one thing I know for sure is you don't want to accidentally leave it in your car when you cross the border into Canada because US Customs will try and confiscate it when you return! I live near the border with British Columbia and travel into Canada regularly. One day not long ago I forgot I had the shell with me and Customs had a fit when I tried to enter with it even though I had left with it. The shell belonged to my mother and has been in the family oh maybe thirty years.

But, I digress. Just look at the intricate design this shell exhibits. If a human artist had created it people would be all a twitter (pardon the pun). Yet, Nature's artistry is all around us all the time and mostly goes unnoticed. Gads we humans are arrogant and dim. If anyone knows what kind of shell this is I would appreciate a heads up.


Sea Shell by Kinsey Barnard

As you can see from the above illustrations Nature really is the ultimate designer. And, as they say, you just can't make this stuff up although we humans continuously try. Next time you are out in nature make a point of paying attention to what surrounds you. I think you will be amazed.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Moonset and The Internet

I spent a good deal of my time this week working on my new store at Imagekind. I’m quite impressed with the quality of the site and pleased with the sales it has generated. The site offers print only or custom framed and there are a gazilliion frame and mat options. You can have a lot of fun playing with them. I have a many more images to upload so there will be new photos as time allows.

I’ve also been working on a marketing campaign for my limited editions as well as working on updating the site. All this to say; I spent most of my week working on Internet stuff and it’s really hard work for one who doesn’t sit well.

Whilst I was consumed with Internet stuff I ran across this article Information Super Sewer. and it made an impression on me. It talks about the pros and cons of the Internet and I believe the author makes some really good points. I know I have a love hate relationship with the darned thing. Give it a read I think you will find it provocative.

Of course, this meant Koty did not get his full measure of energy release and I’ve been paying dearly for that. He hoots and howls non-stop in an effort to show his displeasure. He takes every toy (and he has accumulated quite a few over ten years) out of the toy box and tosses them all over the house. When that doesn’t get my attention he heads for the trash and picks out something he can shred. That does get my attention as I have to chase him all over the place to get it back. I try not to let on but it's hard not to laugh. I really admire his creativity.

My Angel

As always the mule deer were here to keep me company. They are such sweet and gentle creatures. When they arrive in the fall they are wilder than March hares but before winter is over they are as tame as can be. Some of them I get to know so well I am compelled to give them names. This is my girl Daisy.

Daisy

The snow is melting PDF (that stands for Pretty Damned Fast not Portable Format Document). And, the temps have been in the high 40's. The ten day forecast is for 50 degree days. So, if winter is returning it doesn't look like it will be next week.

As usual, Mother Nature reminds me I needn't go far to experience her wonders. In fact I don't even have to leave the house. Below are a couple of images of a recent moonset that came our way this week. Proving once again there is only one true Artist. The rest of us are merely posers.

Moonset Over Montana

The wonder of it all. It's so very humbling.

The View

Check out the "Skyscapes" gallery.

One last item. This must surely be a sign of the times Is Nothing Sacred? Banks are now foreclosing on Kentucky Derby hopefuls.


©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Canadian Border and Spring Is In The Air!

As usual we did a lot of walking in the woods this week much of it along the Galton Range which looks down on the Tobacco Valley. It was gorgeous. If you've not seen the Canadian Border anywhere but at a manned crossing you might find the image below kind of interesting. The snow makes it possible to see the thin white line that is the border, nothing more than the equivalent of a fire break. The break in the line is Lake Koocanosa which is still iced over.

Canadian Border

The mountain range in the distance is called the Percells which run right up into British Columbia. I believe the tallest of the peaks is Mt. Henry. There is a forest fire lookout up there. I must get up there one of these days. In any event the view was mighty nice.

Percell Mountains

We have had very little snow this week and very mild temperatures. Even all my forest friends have taken notice. Birds are sing songing and the squirrels are out and about. I saw a real cutie posed beautifully on an old stump by the time I got a bead on him this is what I got ...

Squirrel?

The sun has been shining quite a bit and it really transforms the world. If the Tobacco Valley has any short coming I suppose for me it would be that the winters are dark and dreary. So, when the sun does make an appearance it's like manna from heaven. I love the patterns in nature and tree bark is a favorite subject. In the image below the sun is really showing off this Ponderosa.

Ponderosa Bark

And, of course, there was Koty hanging out doing what he does best .... looking beautiful.

Lakota Sunrise

Speaking of Koty; he had some of his pals stop by to play. The deer are really funny. They know Koty is on a tether and just how close they can come to him without risking an altercation. Koty pretends to be indifferent hoping to lure them within range.

Koty & Friend

It won't be long now until we can get out and about. I'm beginning to get that yearning for spring. What usually happens is we get this great weather in February and get all excited that winter is done. Then wham we get hit with one more serious winter patch.

The View

"The View" is what I see out my livingroom window. Man am I one lucky girl?!

Well that was our week. It was another great one but we are starting to get a little spring fever!

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Snow Fleas and Sad News

Well, howdee! After two weeks I am only 95%. What ever bug that was it was a doozie. Or, maybe it's my age but I don't think so.

Speaking of bugs I made a discovery this week. I had gone down to my gate to clean up some new fallen snow when I noticed what looked like soot on the snow. I thought that was rather strange as the chances of there being soot on the snow, out here in the wilderness, is slim and none. Then, since I love in conspiracy country I thought con trail those danged Feds have dropped something on us. But, when I put my nose right down on the snow I saw a writhing, popping mass of living organisms. I'd never noticed anything like. I mentioned the phenomenon to my neighbors who set about an internet search. Turns out the little devils are snow fleas. Thank goodness they aren't really "fleas" or it would be mighty unpleasant as they number in the kabillions.

I got some very sad news this week. A man I had know since I was a teenager, and extremely fond of, was killed by a wildebeest near his home in Nanyuki. Julian had been a professional hunter in Kenya until hunting was banned in 1972. Thereafter he had taken people on camel/photograph safaris. At the time of his passing he was nearly eighty years old. By this time I had thought he would just pass away quietly in his sleep. It never in a million years occurred to me that a wild animal would get him whilst he took and afternoon walk with his dogs. A very clear reminder to those of us who wander the wilds that a wild thing can take you down at any time. It wouldn't at all surprise me if this same sort of thing didn't happen to me one day. I certainly hope not but it's always a risk.

To say I was saddened by this news would be a great understatement. I spent a lot of time wandering and reflecting down near the Tobacco River there was much more than just my reflecting going on.

Tobacco River

It never ceases to amaze me, the effects of the seasons upon the landscape. It's like a living painting that is not bound by canvas and oils. Forever changing and reshaping itself into wonderous momentary images.

Tobacco River

I also took several walks out in the woods. Yesterday I followed elk tracks and before long discovered a wolf was following them too. I never saw the wolf but I certainly did see the elk. The were over the side of the trail and when they got wind of us they went crashing through the woods like a herd of elephant. Very goosie and for very good reason.

As usual Koty was busy doing what Koty does best, hunt out trophies to gnaw on in the snow.

Koty

That was our week as we took the bitter with the sweet.


©Kinsey Barnard Photography

Montana Forests Are In Distress

This week I divided my time between working on my spring marketing campaign and culling some of my diseased trees.

All over Montana the forests are dying out. My property is not escaping the carnage. There are as many theories as to why the forests are dying as there are forests and I suppose there is a little bit of truth in most of them. I believe they are dying because of man's sticking his nose into it. First they clear cut then they no cut. Both practices equally unenlightened.

I try very hard to keep on top of the diseased trees and get them culled as soon as I can. But, it's awfully tough to stay ahead of the game.

Dead Spruce

Above is what one of the dead standing spruce look like. Not a thing of beauty that's for sure. And I think you can imagine what a virtual torch it would become in a fire.

Beetle Damage

You can see in the above photo that the beetles had really demolished the core of this tree. But, bugs aren't the only thing killing the trees. There's a lichen that is taking hold and killing fir, larch, spruce and everything in its path.

No Beetles Here But, this tree was deader than a doornail.

Here's a ponderosa that bit the dust from bugs. I thought it was actually kind of an attractive still life of sorts.

Ponderosa

I never get lonely when I'm out working in the woods. The mule deer always come to keep me company. For them that deadly lichen is a delicacy and a falling trees is like a dinner bell to them. I want to get these trees all limbed up so that I can burn the slash as soon as burn season returns. I like to get my slash burned up whilst the ground is still wet. Only two things frighten me in the forest, fire and ice.

Mule Deer

As you can see I did not spend much time with the camera this week. I really love working in the woods even in winter. I really hate working on marketing plans. It's nice to have the balance of being able to do office work and then go out and do physical work. It really helps keep me balanced. I'm one lucky puppy to be able to do all my work surrounded by nothing but beauty.

Winter Scene

Well, that's it for this week.

Snow Dog On the Run

I must write about my week in reverse. It's been snowing for two days now and although it has been a light snow it has started to accumulate. Koty, my Siberian Husky, loves running in the snow. So, this morning I could not resist doing a little photo shoot of him enjoying himself. I'm worse than a proud parent but what can I say? :)


Lakota Sunrise


Lakota Sunrise


Lakota Surise

Winter is well and truly here that's for sure. I remember the first Christmas after I moved here, in 2002, there was not a flake of snow on the ground and I was afraid I would get a white Christmas in my new home. It snowed that night. But, this year there can be no doubt we'll be having a white one.

Earlier in the week when we went for our weekly Post Office run I chased this juvenile red-tailed hawk in the car from post to post. Never was able to get a good shot but here he is anyway.

Red-Tailed Hawk

AS is our way in winter we just stuck around the ranch and hiked in the woods. There is enough beautiful nature right hear so as not to have to ever leave for the want beauty.

Out the Kitchen Window

It did warm up some from that cold spell that blew through. My coldest temperature was a minus eight but a pal of mine down in the valley scored a twenty below. That be real cold. Cold does create some beautiful images though. Like this photo of ice crystals that formed on the pond. They look like flowers to me.

Ice Crystals

I spent some time working in the woods. The burning season has ended but one can still build a warming fire and that what I do in order to keep on with my cleaning up. It's just so beautiful being out in the woods. The photo below is a scene I pondered whilst I worked. The clouds here in Montana are some of the most beautiful in the on the planet.

The Meadow

What more fitting end to a blog post than a sunset. The sunsets at my altitude are just too good to be true all year round.

Sunset

Well, that about does it for this week at Dancing Deer Ranch in magical Montana.

©Kinsey Barnard