I have to say that when I was growing up, I did not expect to end up where I am today. Of course, I loved to take photos, but to say I was a city girl is a bit of an understatement.
But it is funny where life takes you.
Often you don’t expect the outcome that you achieve. And when you get there, despite those preconceived notions, you wouldn’t have it any other way.
That is what happened to me. Just a city girl turned farm girl… and loving it!
I wanted to share my story with you. How I came to be in this place, and how my style of art grew over the years.
My Story: From City Girl To Farm Life
As a youngster, I was a city girl, born and raised in Brisbane, Australia. Even then, I was active and creative - training hard as a competitive swimmer and also a part of the Australian version of the “Fame” talent agency.
It is almost a rite of passage for Kiwis and Ozzie’s to head off on their OE before settling down and choosing a career. I was no different.
And like many others, I met a man during my travels. A kiwi, in fact. This led me to head to New Zealand with him so he could keep working on the family farm. It was here that I fell head over heels with rural life. The breathtaking scenery of New Zealand had me well and truly captivated, as did rural living and the gorgeous animals on the farm. (Don't get me wrong, I still love Australia and my life over there too, and take every opportunity to visit home when I can.)
It Began With A Beautiful Bovine
Photography started off as a much-loved hobby for me. It was a way to capture those unique split-second scenes and make them last a lifetime.
The business really began when I decided to create a large wall print for my own living room. An opportunity arose to photograph a stunning highland cow. The resulting animal print became the focal point of the room and my friends started requesting similar pieces.
This inspired me to head out and take photos of other rural animals. That led to a “hobby” Facebook page. Unexpectedly, and very quickly, people started to resonate with the images I was producing. Before too long, and much to my delight, I found myself with a full-time business on my hands.
Now By the Horns has been featured on the Cover of the Brisbane News Magazine, a feature in Your Home and Garden magazine, Avenues Magazine, Latitude Magazine and various blog posts.
Combining My Love For Animals And Fine Art
I am driven by a passion and enthusiasm for the art of photography - and I adore animals! Living on a sheep and beef farm allows me to be around these incredible creatures every day. I have discovered they have such individual personalities and characters. I love capturing this in a perfect country-style print.
Although animals are often the focus of my shots, I can look at any scene or object - including landscapes, portraits, or botanical prints - with a different perspective. Photography is my obsession and I always have my “photographer goggles” on. I enjoy aspects of interior design and have a knack for visualising how wall décor and wall art can add a particular energy to any space.
Statement Photography Prints For Any Space
My fine art prints are stunning statement images that capture the simple, majestic and natural beauty of New Zealand. I love to frame our common (and not so common) farm animals in a distinctive and awe-inspiring way
I work hard to capture the best animal, still life or landscape images for the pleasure of those viewing them, and take meticulous care to retain the highest quality in the image - from the point of capture through to the final print.
I only print my images on museum quality fine art prints that will last a lifetime.
I think all of these key points have helped to build my business into what it has become today. I am intensely proud of my artwork and humbled by the fact that so many people want my pieces in their homes.
So, if you are after a unique piece of art, or some interior inspiration, consider one of my pieces. You can visit the By the horns website to choose from a selection of popular photography prints or select a limited edition, exclusive piece of fine art.
Check out the selection now.
