Fotografo de Bodas, Santiago

March 8, 2011

Before I go any further, just wanted to quick give a shout out to Bridal Musings, who was kind enough to feature me in Behind The Lens yesterday!

While we were in Patagonia for the second time in one month, we got to take a little horseback riding trip through the “afueras” (outskirts) of Puerto Natales. We took a half day trip with Estancia Travel.

The day we were scheduled to ride was unfortunately freezing and a little rainy — but that really didn’t matter to me. It’s Patagonia, after all. What do you expect? The temperatures can change from sunny to downpouring in the blink of an eye. Originally we were going to go to the Milodon Cave. But when we got going it was too cold for us to have survived all the way there and back. So we took a scenic route overlooking the fjords. We even made it to a place where you should’ve been able to see the Torres del Paine. However, the day was cloudy so there wasn’t much of a view.

I was really excited to see which horse would be mine for the afternoon! I used to ride horses when I was a little girl (not well and not for very long) and all I wanted was to end up with a horse that wasn’t too sluggish. But, the good thing is that horse back riding in Chile isn’t like the horseback riding trips I’ve been on in the U.S. Here, you get to ride horses that look alive. It’s not like when you’re little and you go on those slow walks through the forest on a horse that’s dragging it’s feet.

I ended up with a fellow named William, who was happy to trot and even steer off track if I wanted him to.

Seba’s a cowboy, watch out.

Getting up onto a horse with no stool is not an easy feat for someone with legs as short as mine. I felt like it was a big accomplishment.

Keep in mind that Seba had the camera the whole time so almost all the pictures are of me. It was also so cold that he could barely feel his fingers, so we didn’t go as photo crazy as we normally would’ve.

The views, of course, were spectacular.

A rainbow! We always see rainbows on our travels. I love it. I like to think I’m the leprechaun with the pot of gold at the end of them all.

Woah boy. Seba’s horse wanted to head straight for the food.

We were on the trip along with some journalists from Hong Kong. One of them couldn’t speak much English at all, but he saw us pull out our 24mm t/s and immediately said, “Tilt-shift! Tilt-shift!” and handed us his 17mm t/s to try out. LOVE. Want. Must. Resist. Urge. To. Buy. I took this photo out the window with it.

Estancia Travel’s bread and butter are avid horseback riders. And by avid, I do not mean, people like me who used to ride on occasion way back in the day. I mean, people who own horses, people who love horses, people that are talented riders. They come from far and wide to go on two week trips with Estancia — and recently one of Estancia’s long programs was named the second best horseback riding trip IN THE WORLD. They’re kind of a big deal. Within the coming years, they’re planning to add more Arabians to their line up of horses, which I believe is what you might consider to be the Ferrari of horse breeds. When they have enough Arabians, their long trips will be purely made on this kind of horse. Which may mean nothing to you or me, but the expert riders who go on their long trips will certainly appreciate it. I admire this kind of reaching for the best of the best. It’s the same reason I use the best kind of a equipment that a wedding photographer can buy. My clients might not care what kind of camera I’m using (and I’ve seen plenty of great photos taken on lesser equipment as well), but I like the fact that I’ve given them nothing but top quality, even if they don’t know it.

Disclaimer: According to the FTC rules I have to tell you that Estancia Travel sponsored our horseback riding trip. However, please note — I am not being forced to blog about this and I wouldn’t say any of it if it weren’t true.

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21 Comments

These are gorgeous, Kyle.

Comment by nadine austin — March 8, 2011 @ 11:02 pm

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Wonderful! That first one totally sets the tone.. beautiful work!!

Comment by Rae — March 9, 2011 @ 1:47 am

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Oh my number 366 is amazing!!So pretty!

Comment by Jamie — March 9, 2011 @ 2:05 am

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How did you get a horse named after me???

You do realize it’s on right? I’m totally coming. I’ve been wanting to got years… I gotta organize at least 2 month trip.

Comment by William Bay — March 9, 2011 @ 2:19 am

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You two look so peaceful and content – such tranquility. I love these images, and I love how at home you both are, with nature and with each other. I am smiling as I type this.

Comment by Roxanne — March 9, 2011 @ 4:23 am

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It looks absolutely gorgeous there! The horseback riding must have been so amazing in that scenery. And I love your victory pic after you got up on that horse hehe. And… a little jealous of your comped excursions and hotel stay! Good for you guys!

Comment by Laura — March 9, 2011 @ 7:56 am

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Your photos are always amazing and I’m always impressed and I fall all over myself saying so, so this time I’m going to say – your riders outfit was too cute, Kyle! And I loooove the photo of your turning around. =)

Comment by Nessa K — March 9, 2011 @ 8:36 am

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First of all, Kyle you are stunning. Secondly, I heart your riding attire. Loved all of these! I really want to go rife a horse somewhere now.

Comment by Caroline Ghetes — March 9, 2011 @ 8:41 am

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I totally meant “ride” not “rife”.

Comment by Caroline Ghetes — March 9, 2011 @ 8:42 am

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Amazing images Kyle. What an absolutely gorgeous place.

Comment by Paul Rowland — March 9, 2011 @ 9:07 am

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Your life is awesome. Beautiful pictures!

Comment by Leah Muse — March 9, 2011 @ 10:19 am

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So lovely. Envious of the views!

Comment by Laurie Peacock — March 9, 2011 @ 12:29 pm

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Killer photos all around. I can never seem to land a shot while on a moving horse. Then again, I’m a miserable horseback rider. BTW, you’re landscape work is fantastic.

Comment by George L Koroneos — March 9, 2011 @ 1:34 pm

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Beautiful!

Comment by Jenn Dyer — March 9, 2011 @ 1:39 pm

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Stunning! That first photo of the horses is just *amazing*!

Comment by Becca Dilley — March 9, 2011 @ 1:56 pm

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I am glad it was a great ride! It looks like it’d be loads of fun.

My parents are coming to visit in a few weeks (SQUEE) and we’re planning on going on two horseback rides. I’m sort of excited about it. But what’s not to love about scenery like that?

Comment by Deidre — March 9, 2011 @ 2:30 pm

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crap. now i want to go to patagonia even more.

Comment by gabe aceves — March 9, 2011 @ 3:01 pm

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Kyle, I love that we get to see so many photos of you. You’re beautiful. Hand that camera over to Seba more often and get in front of the camera. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I’ve always dreamed about riding horses but have never really gotten to do it.

Comment by Keao — March 9, 2011 @ 5:36 pm

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Kyle – these are so fun! Looks like you guys really enjoyed yourselves

Comment by Leo Druker — March 9, 2011 @ 9:49 pm

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Wow you’re living the dream with these locations eh? Would do anything to shoot in some of these places! #livingvicariouslythroughyourblog

Comment by cole — March 10, 2011 @ 11:54 am

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Haha, I know what you mean about getting on a horse. In school, when we had to climb on a rope for gym class, I had to have a chair to even reach the rope! Sigh. …looks like you had fun, though!

Comment by Heather — March 25, 2011 @ 1:51 pm

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