I first came to know Arielle when she contacted me about my equine photography. We stayed in touch via Twitter and I started to get to know this beautiful young woman as I read her blog, A Beautiful Journey and kept up with her photography work.
Around the time I was planning my trip to Kentucky, I found myself on Arielle’s blog, captivated by her beautiful photos, prose, and the honesty with which she shared about her life as a young mother who loves horses, the country, beauty, and God. I sent her a crazy e-mail late one night, asking if I could see her when I was in Lexington, and if she would let Shirley and I photograph her. There are just some people I feel compelled to photograph, and Arielle was one of them. Her quiet demeanor, inner and outer beauty, and personal style intrigued me greatly. Thankfully, she didn’t think I was a crazy stalker, and said “yes.”
We met at Starbucks and chatted about our lives, our work, our loves and I gave her some feedback about her photography. Shirley picked us up, took us out for some delicious Chinese food, and headed to Shirley’s farm, just as the light was getting good. On our way, we stopped at an old churchyard along the way…
Tara Mauldin says
June 17, 2011 at 11:12 amwow…just wow…you are such an inspiration to me! xoxo
Nicole Schmitz says
June 17, 2011 at 11:14 amWow!!! Breathtakingly beautiful shoot!!!
Dennis Benson says
June 17, 2011 at 11:59 amShelly,
I’m doing a website for a photographer in Willmar who would like some tutorial in using Lightroom. Are you interested?
Shelley says
June 17, 2011 at 12:31 pmThanks Tara and Nicole!
Dennis – possibly. It would probably not be possible until July.
stacy k says
June 17, 2011 at 2:20 pmShelley! This is one of my favorite sessions you’ve ever done … absolutely gorgeous!
Buffy Slaff says
June 17, 2011 at 2:28 pmthis is my amazing granddaughter – she is so beautiful both inside and out and you captured her wonderfully!
Monika says
June 17, 2011 at 3:10 pmI love the way your portraits look like paintings. Those last handful of images are so, so wonderful.
Marian Adoranti says
June 17, 2011 at 7:23 pmShelley I always check your bolg and am never disappointment with what I see. You just continue to get better and better. Your use of light in this session is wonderful!
Deb Hilger says
June 18, 2011 at 11:14 pmShelley,I just love these photos. Being an almost freakish “visual” person, I just am so happy looking at your work. So many images perfectly captured. It’s the “ahhh” of a beautiful scene captured in a moment of time. Your work is a gift. Thanks for sharing.
Dennis Bullock says
June 19, 2011 at 6:29 amSo gorgeous Shelley!
Kristin says
June 19, 2011 at 8:45 pmAbsolutely gorgeous! You captured Arielle so honestly. 🙂 Great shots! I really love the close up silhouette shot- so beautiful!
Katie says
June 20, 2011 at 8:55 amI follow Arielle’s blog in part because I love her pictures. So imagine my surprise when I got to see photos that inspire her! Your pictures are just lovely. You mentioned using a lens with a lower aperture than 1.8, what lens do you use? I’m happy to add a new blog to my photo inspiration file. 🙂
Branson says
June 20, 2011 at 7:02 pmAbsolutely stunning! I love Arielle’s blog, and look forward to seeing more of your work now as well!
Kristin Nicole says
June 22, 2011 at 6:11 pmGorgeous session…love this
Lindsey Williams says
June 23, 2011 at 1:31 pmShelley– I am SUPER inspired by your work– you make me want to become a better photographer!! Arielle– you are gorgeous! I love how Shelley was able to capture your shyness in the photos– so sweet!
simplyvonne says
June 24, 2011 at 1:06 pmsimply beautiful. arielle is such a beautiful person although i have never met her, her spirit just shine through. You did such a great job ! Im new at photography and would love some more tips on your blog! 🙂
rileyphotographic says
July 15, 2011 at 6:01 amBeing a regular visitor, i always see better and better posts in this site.
So keep like this beautiful posts up always….
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