Horse photography goals in 2018
I’m writing out my Horse photography goal planning calendar for 2018. Here’s when I plan out my projected horse photo shoots – breeds, locations, equipment and also art shows. As I plan my Horse Photography shoots in 2018, I can’t believe the first quarter of the year is almost over. I kept waiting for a significant snow storm so I could get out and photograph a few of the local area horses romping through the snow. However, I’m still waiting for the significant snow storm in Northern Arizona to happen. We are a mile high in elevation and have in past years gotten some substantial snow but this year it has been just small amounts- a few inches at a time. Not enough to arrange horse photography before those few inches melt off in a sunny afternoon. The first quarter of 2018 was gone in a blink of an eye. It was mostly consumed with caring for our foster dog, Kenny. Any spare time was filled with let Kenny 
in, let Kenny out, feed Kenny, walk Kenny, play with Kenny, cleanup after Kenny, take Kenny to the vet and so on. I did get some awfully cute photos of Kenny the dog playing in the snow before it melted.
Now Kenny is with his forever home and we are free to foster another dog.
Horse photography dreams!
In 2018 I am envisioning photographing many of the local area horses. I am putting out a call to folks in Northern Arizona who own truly striking breeds and colors of horses. Since we don’t have much greenery except pine trees, I am also looking for locations with green grass or unobstructed backgrounds so I can have horse photography without complicated backgrounds.
As I was dreaming up the beautiful breeds and locations, the first opportunity dropped in my lap and is 
set for later this month. It does indeed include truly striking breeds: Andalusian and Lusitano Horses. This horse photography dream photo shoot includes beautiful horses, green grass and white fences and it’s all close to home! I also get to spend the day with fellow photographer, Tamara Gooch and a few other horse photographers I have not met yet. Stay tuned to future blogs about that experience and outcome.
Fashion model and Equestrian, Nicole Zuelke spends part time living in Prescott and enjoying her beautiful horse. This year if Nicole and I can find a match in our schedules, I hope to photograph her mare with such unique coloring.
I’ve also been doing more work with Natural Horse Magazine and they have a handsome and very large black and white draft horse named Elvis. I will be working on fitting an Elvis photo shoot into my 2018 horse photography schedule as well.
Horse photography and cattle round ups in 2018
For the past few years I’ve joined Broken Horn D Ranch here in Prescott for their annual cattle round ups 
and branding and sorting. I enjoy getting great action horse photos of wranglers roping a calf or watching as the entire herd of cattle are brought into the corrals and sorted. Dave and Kim carefully checking their lists and sort them all out.
You can find their grass fed criollo beef at the local area farmers market or contact Kim from the website. I have done the taste testing for you and it’s all fantastic!
They sell individual cuts of burgers, roasts and steaks or you can buy an entire cow.
Horse photography on the Salt River
The wild horses from the Salt River also make for an excellent horse photography shoot. I will be making my way back down to the Salt River to seek them out and get more wild horse photos.
I was amazed during prior visits to photograph the Salt River Wild Horses, that they were not very intimidated by humans. This image above, titled Emergence depicts a band of horses coming out of Saguaro Lake after a dip to cool down and get a drink. Off to the sides of this wild horse photo are people picnicking on the beach.
So, I am looking forward to the final 3 quarters of 2018 as I really move into taking more horse photography. Maybe my horses in snow photos will come towards the end of the year instead.
Stay tuned and see!
Jody Miller is a professional photographer specializing in Horse Photography, Equine Photography, and Equestrian photography. Her work can be viewed online here in her gallery section, and she is also featured at these Arizona Galleries: Arts Prescott Gallery CO-OWNER, Dragonfly Arts in Cottonwood and Coops Coffee House at Talking Rock Ranch, Prescott Family Diner.