August 12, 2010
July 14, 2010
May 11, 2010
March 29, 2010
March 28, 2010
March 26, 2010
March 23, 2010
ETI Corral 8…
April through September of 2009 I photographed ETI Corral 8s five charity horse shows at Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates. I had the help of my BFF Traci and eldest son Donald who stood out in the hot sun for 11 hours at each show and shot along with me. The fabulous Lawrie Margrave photographed these shows for many years prior and taking on the job meant that I clearly had very big shoes to fill.
Photographing this show is a labor of love for me. It’s been many years since I’ve shown myself but just being there reminds me so much of how badly I want to show again someday. Here are a few things I love about the ETI horse shows along with some photos from the 2009 season.
Little Leadliners practicing – even when they aren’t on their real ponies
Leadliners patiently waiting to talk to the judge
Leadliners winning blue ribbons and a gift from Karen at The General Store.
Trainers giving last minute instruction to their students
The volunteers
The judges
Seeing victory in the eyes and smile of a little girl
Determination, drive and passion – these kids are serious about horses 
Working hard… really hard
Jumpers!!!
Inner city kids riding from the Compton Jr Posse
Getting the shot even while cheering on one of my closest friends
Ribbons…
And seeing my boy Shadow there kicking a little booty!
Finished for the day waiting for his trailer ride home
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the shows this year. 
January 23, 2009
The Equine Avenue Girls at Hummingbird’s Nest Ranch…
When Aryn of Equine Avenue and her students asked me to come out to the Hummingbird’s Nest Ranch in Simi Valley to photograph them with their horses, I had no idea what was in store for me. I can honestly say that I’ve never been in a barn with chandeliers before. It is truly an amazing place and the girls had a fabulous time hacking and jumping on the grass course.
Rylee’s Birth Story…
I was honored to be one of a few people in the delivery room during Jenn’s labor to document the fashionably late arrival of Rylee. Congrats on your new family!!!
Jenn was an amazing trouper through labor
Jenn & Darrin took a cat nap while her mom caught up on a little reading
The Grandparents were so excited… Darrin too
Little Rylee gets checked out
Daddy’s girl
The new family of three – Congrats!!!
November 13, 2008
A Very Special Client….
Every once in a while you meet someone that truly reminds you that every day we have with our families is precious. Christina is a 29 year old single mother of two adorable kids who is battling stage 4 breast cancer. Despite being let go from her job when she was unable to work and getting ready for her 10th round of chemotherapy, she is so incredibly positive. You can’t help but smile when you’re in the room with her. I was fortunate enough to meet her through friends and offered to photograph her family. I had so much fun with Christina and the kids. There wasn’t a dry eye in the studio when we she saw her images for the first time today. (see images below)
Helping Hearts for Friends Foundation along with Hush Parties and Lowers Welding are hosting a fundraiser for Christina on November 21st, 2008 at 6:00 pm at Maggies Pub in Santa Fe Springs. Tickets are $100 per person and are tax deductible. There will be raffle drawings all night long.
All Monetary contributions are tax deductible through: “Helping Hearts for Friends”
Make checks payable to: Helping Hearts for friends with Christina’s name in the memo section.
(Your canceled check qualifies as your tax deductible receipt)
Mail all donations to: Tori Dawson C/O Hush Parties
1938 N. Batavia St. Suite M. Orange, Ca 92865
Donations can also be made via Paypal.
We’d love to see you there!
