Photographing the Man Behind the Stories

For years, Brett and I have worked side by side behind the camera at Diamond Double S Photography. Lately, he's also been pouring that same creativity into writing novels and screenplays. When he was invited to do an author interview, it was the perfect excuse to turn the camera around and create portraits that reflected both sides of who he is

He's written western mysteries, adventure stories, and books for young readers, but before any of that, he was—and still is—a horseman.

When an interviewer recently asked for photographs to accompany an upcoming feature, I knew I didn't want to photograph him sitting behind a desk with a stack of books.

That isn't Brett.

His stories are inspired by the people, places, and animals he's known. Horses have been part of that journey, so it only made sense that they would be part of these images too.

We spent the morning doing what we normally do—walking around the ranch, moving from one spot to another, watching the weather roll in, and letting Jasper do what Jasper does best... stand quietly until it was his turn to shine.

Some of my favorite photographs are the ones where neither Brett nor Jasper seem to realize the camera is there. They're relaxed, comfortable, and exactly who they are every other day of the week.

As photographers, we sometimes get caught up trying to create the perfect image. Perfect light. Perfect pose. Perfect expression. But portraits don't have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the best portrait simply shows someone where they're most at home.

For Brett, that's in a saddle.

For Jasper, it's hanging out with his rider.

And for me, it was a chance to tell a story without a single written word.