EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD HAVE A MUSE.

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My muse happens to live with me, and I never tire of recruiting her to pose when I get an idea in my head. This shot was conceived when Betsy purchased a retro-styled hat at a local thrift store. The combination of the hat and her amazing locks framed her face perfectly.

BOULDER INDOOR CYCLING

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After a preliminary test shoot last week, at Boulder Indoor Cycling, the owner (Rodrigo Garcia) and I decided to do a poster shoot to advertise the new facility. I coordinated the session with two of BIC's pro instructors (Allen Krughoff and Nick Traggis), who nailed it for the camera. This was the final image and poster ad.

BODACIOUS BOVINE

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 I don’t know about you, but when I think of cows, I generally picture them as pretty static creatures with not much personality – the type of placid beasts known to tip over when you give them a good shove. Well, a recent visit to a local cattle ranch made me realize that I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

Take the case of the red cow in the above image. We’ll call her Millie, for the sake of reference. When I first approached the herd, most of the cows were skittish and kept their distance, so I knelt down and started shooting frames from about twenty yards away. While focused in the viewfinder, I heard a loud snort in my right ear, accompanied by a waft of hot breath. Trying not to act startled, I looked over the top of my camera to see a ton of lean beef staring me right in the eye. It was the bull, apparently coming over to let me know who was in charge. As ominous as he looked, he turned out to be more curious than concerned, so I seized the opportunity to shoot some close-ups of his eyes. The eye image above was my favorite of the sequence.

However, the winning frame of the day came completely by surprise when Millie walked over and rested her chin on the bull’s back. Her expressions were priceless, and I was fortunate to have been ready for the fleeting moment when it occurred. I fired off four frames – the one of her shown here being the prize of the day. Seconds later, the bull spun around, mounted her in a flurry of galloping hooves, and my session was done.

Who would have thought that photographing cattle could be so rewarding? Needless to say, I’ll be back for more.

TEN THOUGHTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

- Open your arms to change, but never let go of your values.

- Be considerate of the planet.

- Remember that the best relationship is one where your love and like for each other is greater than your need for each other.

- Judge your success by what you've had to give up in order to achieve it.

- Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

- When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye and mean it.

- Give people more than they expect, and do it happily.

- In disagreements, fight fairly and don't hold a grudge.

- When you make a mistake, don't defend it, and take immediate steps to correct it.

- Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

Although these things might seem obvious to many of us, we sometimes forget to apply them as a regular habit.

Happy New Year, everyone.

KIMBERLY VARELA

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Here are a few images from a recent fashion shoot.

Model: Kimberly Varela is available through Donna Baldwin Talent, in Denver.