It's now a necklace

Today the sky was just right for outdoor photography, not the weather though it was windy!  It made it a challenge to hold that camera steady.  I've steered away from outdoor pics in the past,  preferring the jewelry to stand on its own with a plain backdrop.  Sometimes you can get carried away with over styling the shoot.  Then you wind up with wondering what the photo was for, the pretty flowers or the jewelry?  However I would like to put together a nice look book for potential wholesale clients and want to be more creative. 

The sky had a thin layer of cloud, just enough to diffuse the direct sunlight but still bright.  I drove out to my folks' house on the 'Rez (technically the Umatilla Indian Reservation) where I grew up.  Went down to the pasture to do some location scouting and found a dead tree that had been cut way down.  It was perfect to hang my latest necklace which is made from Clair's amazing pendant and faceted smoky quartz with brushed silver.  I've seen the blouses the Pendleton Round-Up Queen and Court are wearing and these stones really popped against the satin.

  So anyhow, as I'm kneeling down trying to get the best angle and not wiggle the camera in the very windy conditions, I feel a little nuzzle on my left shoulder so I turn to look, this is what I saw....

Sophie, my sister's very sweet (and a little naughty sometimes) filly.  She was very interested in whatever I was doing.  Of course I had to take time out and scratch here and there and tell her how sweet and pretty she is.  Then I snapped a few more, I love the next one.

After that I moved on to other parts of the ranch, got some interesting ones by the barn and corral.  Also got some good shots down by the creek on a nice flat rock.  I think now I'll try more outside shots with still making the jewelry the main focus.  With Western jewelry, the rustic backgrounds do really make a difference.  Oh yes, and of course I'll have some four legged help!