As I get older, I think a lot about people that have make an impact in my life. Often times these people are met by chance and then there is just a connection.  Ayla Reed is one of those people that I didn't know would have made such an impact and brought me so much joy.  She was just a 15 year old getting family photos.  She was darling. I wish I had some images to show but it was so long ago, I don't even have record of them. Then her mom Tracy asked me to do Ayla's senior photos.  I included a bunch to show you how special it was.  I wish I had out-takes of the event. We all traveled by horseback into the back country. Just her mom Tracy, brother Maverick and me to accompany her 4 horses and outfits.

We had a ball. I didn't want to stop shooting. She had so many ideas. I am not an equestrian although I have always had a deep love for horses. I can't stop smiling when I am riding one... which isn't very often.

Ayla struck me as very self-confident, self-reliant, kind, smart and  witty. I loved how she was so comfortable talking with adults.  She could sing and perform in plays too. I took my daughter to see her performance in Cinderella.  She invited my son to do a trail ride on horseback.  His smile shows his excitement. She was so kind and generous to do this for us. My kids adore her.

Later on, we did a more stylized shoot with a different horse that was enormous! No horse intimidated Ayla! She looked like the poster child for Ralph Lauren.

Then she went to CSU. We did a shoot at Eagles Nest Open space park in Colorado.  It was a thrill to get in the river as she galloped past me. Then to see her have the horse kick up like a champion! There was nothing that Ayla was afraid of. I was so lucky to see and capture that!

Ayla graduated and started Reign Quarter horses.  https://www.facebook.com/reignquarterhorses/. She is raising/breeding horses , selling/riding/competing and training them.  I am sure because she is genuine, intelligent, and works with integrity she will continue to be so successful. Best of all, she is following her passion. Go Ayla!