Name
Gary Minshall
Website & places you can find my work online
I wish that I could say I have a beautiful website with a slide show and music but I can’t say that “yet”. I love to take pictures of horses. I share some of them on Facebook for everyone to enjoy.
Where I am
I live in a little one horse town, Tryon, Oklahoma which is just a ways south of Stillwater, home of Oklahoma State University and the Cowboys.
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I was bred, born and raised right here on the homestead that my folks acquired in the Oklahoma Land Run of 1891. I was a horseshoer and blacksmith for 36 years.
When did you take your first picture?
About 15 years ago my daughter handed me an old 35 mm camera and said here Dad, go take some pictures of the horses.
I didn’t even know how to operate it for sure but through trial and error I was able to spend a small fortune on getting film developed. I literally have boxes full of negatives and photos.
What kind of camera do you use?
I use a 20 D Canon with 50-150 1:2.8 lenses.
If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
If I could pick any camera, oh golly, I’d be like a kid at a Toys R Us store. I would research that very carefully as there are lots of great cameras to pick from but I’m sure it would be the best that Canon makes.
Who are your main influences?
All the photographers that you have interviewed are an influence to me but to pick a photographer that interested me the most would be Ansel Adams. What an adventure he was on. His vision and contribution of his art, to me has made him a pioneer and inspirator for today’s photography.
What made you first start photographing horses?
As to why I photograph horses, gosh kid, that’s all I know. Horses have been my way of life.
Being around them all the time I get to see things that are common to me but uncommon to a lot of folks. To capture a moment and to share it with people makes it fun and worthwhile.
Are you an equal opportunity photographer or is it exclusively horses?
I’d say I’m an equal opportunity type guy. I love to take pictures of little kids, they’re so unassuming to a certain age. Dogs are always lots of fun, I like for them to show up no matter what I’m doing. I’ll make sure I get’em in the shots. I also find old barns interesting.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
As for muses, yes, there are actually two, but to pick one it would be three mares running through a field of rye grass, “A Carefree Race”. The boys were bringing in the band of brood mares for me to trim their feet as they had done so many times, me knowing the habit of the situation of the horses stampeding to the catch pen, I got myself situated and snapped off a roll of film as they raced by. 1 out of 24 ain’t bad. I entered the picture in a photo contest and won best of show. That did it; I’ve been hooked ever since
Where were you the most inspired, but without a camera?
That was before I started taking pictures. I had the pleasure of visiting friends on a ranch in the Co. Rockies. They took me horse back way back deep in the mountains. I was there a week, and of all my years I had never seen such sights. Hope I can make it back someday, with camera in hand.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art and photography?
Being raised in the era of listening to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio and a television was something only the banker had.
It absolutely blows my mind as to how small the world really is, to be able to communicate with someone on the other side of planet in a cyber second. It’s something my grandchildren take for granted. It’s a great tool.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Yes Paige, it most definitely has had an effect. It got me to right here doing this interview, the biggest thing that’s happened to me as far as my photography is concerned.
Which one is your personal favorite image?
I take a lot of pictures and can’t wait to get home to see what I have and to find that favorite and every time, there it is. That right there keeps me going back for more.
What else are you passionate about?
My other passions are Christ, my Savior, Sandra, my wife of 46 years, my kids and grand kids.
Working on anything new?
Each day is a new project, experimenting and improving my camera skills, figuring out ways to get my photography seen and to see if I can make a meager living at just having fun.
More to Come
Thanks to Gary for answering the interview and sharing his work. Be sure to check out his Facebook profile periodically to see some of his latest pics.
Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.
Interesting interview and pictures were great! It takes a lot of film to have one great picture! Hope all good things come from your efforts. Keep up the good work!! DeAnn
The interview is great and I love all your pictures. Keep up the good work and have fun!!!
thank you to share such amazing pictures…next i am very interested in the trade of the artist and would really love features and interview on showing horses and hoof care too, but here in praise of a great renderer of life and horse energy …beautifull eyes..thanks you.fromnm fuji ( yes i am living in japan (from france.)
Gary and I have been friends for more years than either of us care to admit to…thank you for showing my favorite picture…the mare with her neck bowed and her colt sticking his nose throught the hold…keep up the good work Gary…love your pictures.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be included with such fine artist. A first class place to be seen. I really do appreciate this Paige, THANK YOU
Gary Minshall
Who ever said don’t let you baby grow up to be a cowboy was just trying to sell records! The photos that Gary takes show a genuine real life existance of gods work and beauty. Cowboys and cowgirls, horses, cattle, dogs, and kid photos captured by Gary cover a wide spectrum of emotions that can be felt only by those who want to slow down long enough to enjoy his art. Gary understands that because he is one. If Gary takes more photos I want to see them.
James McDonald
You are amongst one of the men I most admire in my life. I Love your pictures and love your passion.
Your neice in Houston loves you! Keep up the great work. Your photography is very inspiring and awesome!
Gary and his wonderful wife, Sandra, have been sole mates of my youth when I had the opportunity to live across the street from them in Okla City 25 years ago. we have recently re-connected on a regular basis and it has been a real joy for me. Gary’s quiet passion really shows through in his sincere demeanor and his amazing photos. Thank you for having his ever-fresh and inspired photographs in your interview feature. Keep posting, Gary. The photos are amazing. I find the exceedingly thin horse especially compelling.
Gary:
I knew you were a great cowboy poet, but had no idea how great you are with a camera! Hope you continue with both and always get that “great shot”.
I live next door to Fran and Jim Ogden. Frank has been posting some of your images on FaceBook. They are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gift with us all.
Gary,
What absolutely wonderful photos! Truly beautiful. Great interview too. I will be checking out your facebook profile to see more. Keep up the good work! Just awesome!
Billie
They are very fine photographyes but the one horse was very tiny!
I am Jim Kahlmeyer, a retired Waterford Crystal engraver who now engraves acrylic Christmas ornaments from baby pictures, sports pictures, pet pictures, wedding pictures etc ) About a year ago, I began engraving pieces for local photographers in my area. I am looking to expand into different areas of the country, working with additional photographers. If you feel that this is something in which you may have an interest, please contact me; I will be happy to send you a free sample of the work I do.
e-mail to ornamentpix@aol.com
Jim Kahlmeyer
Beautiful work! Hope to pics in my e-mail! Thank you!
do you want me to send pics to your e-mail? is that what your asking?
Beautiful work, Gary. I just wanted to post a note from one old OK artist to another. You have really captured the spirit of “country”. Will look forward to seeing more from you.