Horse Photographer Interview – Billie Hutchings

Name
Billie Hutchings

Website & places you can find my work online
Blog: wildhorsefever.spaces.live.com
My Book: Little Books Cliffs Mustangs
Flickr: tawasi73
Colorado Magazine Online: Saving Wild Horses

Where I am
Western Colorado

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I have lived in western Colorado all my life.

I only recently (within the last 4 years) have gotten into photography. I am by no means a “photographer”, I take pictures that sometimes turn out nice!

When did you take your first picture?
Only about 4-5 years ago. I have always loved looking at photos, but never really took any of my own until recently.

What kind of camera do you use?
I have an Olympus E-510 and I usually use the 70-300mm lens.

If you could pick any camera (regardless of price) what would it be?
I like my Olympus and the camera really doesn’t have so much todo with the photograph, it is the person behind the camera and what they see.

What made you first start photographing horses?
I follow and document the wild horses on the Little Book Cliffs horse range and I needed photos for my ID book. The more I watched the horses, the more photos I wanted of their actions/interactions and moods.

Most of the photos I take are of wild horses so there is really no posing or setting up scenes, what you see is what you get. There are rarely any second chances.

I have loved horses all my life and in high school rode quite a bit and even was in a few rodeos, barrel racing and such.

Your favorite horse breed?
All horses are great, but of course, I love the mustang best. They are a very hardy breed. They are also one of the most misunderstood breeds.

Is there one place in particular that moved you with inspiration?
The Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Herd Management Area. The horses are beautiful and it has some amazing landscape too.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art and photography in general?
Good and bad influence. Good – you can get your work out there and set up web sites, etc. to showcase and even sell it.

Bad- those souls who feel it is okay to steal others work and claim it for their own.

Has it had an effect on yours?
I love using FLICKR because of all the comments and suggestions I can get. It really helps.

Also, just looking at eveyone else’s photos gives me new ideas. There are so many talented people out there.

Which one is your personal favorite image?
I don’t really have one favorite. One might be a favorite because it is a good quality photo, but another may be one of my favorite poses or favorite horse or just a special event at that moment.

More to Come

Thanks to Billie for answering the interview and sharing her photography. Be sure to check her website for updates about her latest images.

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

Are you a horse 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 us a note to get involved.