Name
Valerie Lawson
Website & places you can find my work online
Website: ValerieLawsonPhotography.com
Follow Valerie on twitter: @ValerieLawson
and Facebook.com.
Where I am
North Florida
Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I am a single mom to a wonderful 10 year old daughter who shows her horse in Hunter-Jumper classes. I grew up in the mountains of Idaho, 50 miles from the Canadian border. At various times I also lived in California, Long Island NY, and Ft. Lauderdale Florida.
When did you take your first picture?
I have always been an artist, drawing in pencil and pen and ink,and painting in watercolors. I even was accepted to a summer art program from Syracuse University, NY.
However as soon as I took my first photography class in high school I knew it was what I was meant to do. I haven’t looked back since!
What kind of camera do you use?
I use a Canon 5D and Canon lenses.
If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
I am happy with the quality I get from my 5D, however if funds were available I would probably upgrade to the next generation, the 5D Mark II.
Who are your main influences?
I have always enjoyed looking at the work of other photographers. I like DeWitt Jones as he has a very similar eye to mine, and Galen Rowell for his incredible nature photography.
What made you first start photographing horses?
I have always loved horses since I was a little girl, so I attempt to capture the beauty of the horse and the special relationship between horse and owner.
It’s exiting to see it all come together and see the pride the owner has when they hang a beautiful print on their wall of the horse they love.
Your favorite horse breed?
I love Arabians, they have a beauty and grace very unique to the breed.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
Yes, I am owned by an Arabian named Tez Amore. He has been the horse I had always wanted, and he has made many dreams come true for me.
Is there one place in particular that moved you with inspiration?
Any time I can escape and travel I am very inspired, even if it is just a weekend getaway. I see photographs everywhere, there is no one place in particular unless it is near the water. I always seem to end up by the ocean or by rivers and lakes.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on photography in general?
The internet has had a tremendous influence on photography, both in the way photographic products and services are sought out, and how people now connect with each other through social media such as Twitter and Facebook.
Also, photographic education is as close as signing up for services like Betterphoto.com or KelbyTraining.com. Now people can learn at their own pace without the cost or time commitment of attending a physical college. Education is more affordable for the working class.
Has it had an effect on yours?
Yes, this interview is an example. I find more people connect with me through the internet, then by phone. My website is a way to present my work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people interested in the services and products I provide.
Which one is your personal favorite image?
I don’t have just one favorite, after every shoot I usually have a few I really love and those I seperate out and use in my portfolio.
What else are you passionate about?
I love travel, home improvement, reading, trail riding and riding my horse in parades!
More to Come
Thanks to Valerie for answering the interview and sharing her photography. Be sure to check to her photography portfolio periodically for updates about her latest works.
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.
Wonderful work!
Those are such beautiful creatures.
My little girl wants a horse she would like to see these.