Feature Photo - Number 2

Feature Photograph
Number 2


Taken:	April 2, 1997 Cuyama Valley, Central California
Technical:	Late afternoon, partly cloudy skies Hasselblad 501c Kodak PMZ color negative film no filters

"Double Exposure" would have to be my favorite photograph taken on The ShyBoy Adventures, especially because the image happened to be an accident... let me share.

For those of you not completely familiar, The ShyBoy Adventures is what we named a this one particular trip that the Monty Roberts crew took to the high desert of California in late March 1997. This would be Monty’s time to put the language of Equus, to the ultimate test.

As Monty put it: “I was in the high country of central California attempting to make a point: that through communication and fair treatment, the wild horse will forge a relationship with people." Monty wanted this little mustang to show the world that when treated with respect he would show his capacity for generosity and trust.
-ShyBoy: The Horse That Came in From the Wild.

It was the end of a very rewarding day. Monty, Caleb and ShyBoy went on a leisurely ride so as to end the afternoon on an especially good note. As the three were walking through the low grasses of the valley floor, I realized it was perfect time to take a series of images. An old windmill and Caliente mountain would serve as a beautiful backdrop. The sunlight seemed to be dancing on the desert as the wind carried the clouds along.

In the excitement of the moment I was switching back and forth from color to black and white film (My Hasselblad camera has the ability to accept different film backs, and I had two along with me). This is when I accidentally shot "Double Exposure." The image of the three in the distance was taken first, and I accidentally did not advance the film. I then switched the film back to black and white, and took a few more images. When I returned to the color film I continued to shoot, unknowingly photographing the closer image on top of the first. I was given a gift..."Double Exposure."

In the North American Version of the ShyBoy book three other images from the ‘windmill series were used. Harper Collins used two of the images as the end pages, the third image was used on page 120. As a gift for Monty’s birthday in 1997, I enlarged "Double Exposure" to 30 x 30 inches. It now proudly hangs in Monty and Pat’s home on Flag Is Up Farms.

Previous Feature Photographs
Number 1