Horse Photographer Interview – Emily Peak

Name
Emily Peak

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: notabamafan.redbubble.com/
Myspace: Emilyjo1
Follow Emily on twitter: @ausunshine

Where I am
Stapleton, Alabama (Baldwin County)

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I am the youngest of 4 to parents that have just celebrated 50 years of marriage! I was born in W.Va. and have lived in MI and CA.

After high school we moved to south Alabama and after 2 years at a junior college attended and graduated from Auburn University. After college I worked for a ranching outfit halter breaking and fitting sale weanlings and yearlings. I married my sweetheart in 2001 and now have 2 wonderful little boys ages 6 and 3.

We have a small boarding facility and I am blessed to be able to stay home with my boys and home school them.

When did you take your first picture?
I took my first picture probably as a small child. I would always get the hand-me down cameras from my parents who were always snapping pictures.

What kind of camera do you use?
I am currently using a Canon Rebel Xti and usually with a 70-300 lens.

If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
I am embarrassed to say I have no idea about the more powerful cameras!

I would love a faster one with a huge lens to capture sporting events and horses from a greater distance. I think I would almost feel dangerous!

Who are your main influences?
Bob Langrish, Shane Rux & Harold Compton

What made you first start photographing horses?
I have always loved horses and have always loved *trying* to capture their God given beauty and personalities.

You don’t just take pictures of horses, what is your favorite subject to photograph?
I take pictures of all kinds of things; my boys, our English Bulldogs, our barn cats, etc. but my favorite subject is the horse.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
I have always had horses and pets and trying to capture their personalities has always been a thrill for me.

I have had the same Arab gelding now for 19 years and I guess he’s as close to a muse as anything!

Is there one place in particular that moved you with inspiration?
Anytime I am around horse and horse people I am inspired! This past summer I visited a harness racing training track. I have never been around that part of the horse world before.

There was one mare there that fascinated me. Out of 12-15 horses on the track that morning,” Lisa” was the one I was drawn to. She had so much magnetism that it oozed out of her in the form of power and beautiful grace.

But she was also a fireball! Her desire was to full out run and I half expected (and secretly hoped) her harness to break! It was
all I could do to photograph her because I wanted to watch her and not snap pictures of her.

Where were you the most inspired, but without a camera?
I worked at a really nice golf course in college. Being there in the early
mornings watching the sun come up over the greens and the steam coming off the surrounding lakes were always inspiring to me. I remember our facility hosted the LPGA Championships one year and one early morning there was a bagpiper playing as the sun came up.

WOW! That was inspiring! Of course I had no camera at the time so that will remain just a memory…

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art and photography in general?
I think the Internet is an amazing networking tool! It allows an artist to put something out there and almost instantly get feedback. It can be super encouraging for any artist regardless of medium.

As a consumer it allows you to explore all your options on what’s available. As an artist it can provide inspiration.

Has it had an effect on yours?
The Internet has affected my photography in that it does give me encouraging feedback. I also have been able to sell some of my works though RedBubble.com which has truly been a blessing!

Which one is your personal favorite image?
That’s always a difficult question to answer! But after much deliberation I think it would have to be “Boys Can Too Wear Braids” starring my APHA gelding Sharp Shootin Peppy. It was a total accident shot but after post production I just love it.

What else are you passionate about?
I am passionate about a lot of things besides photography and family. One of them is trying to make my horses better through constantly trying to improve my horsemanship skills. One of my joys in life is riding a good horse with a great handle.

More To Come

Thanks to Emily for answering the interview and sharing her photography. Be sure to check out her website periodically to see her latest pieces.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.

Are you a photographer or do you know an equine photographer you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.