I admit it. I’m a Texas summer wimp. I’m not alone, but I like to tell my husband that I’m a delicate flower. And then of course he rolls his eyes at me. At the end of July we escaped the boiler room that is Houston for a few days and went to Wyoming where my father-in-law and his wife summer about an hour outside Cody. They are the smart ones. Winter in Houston. Summer in Wyoming. I need to take some lessons there.
Driving in from Billings, Montana. Long story, but after a cancelled flight and getting seats on another airlines, we managed to touch down within driving distance. Though to quote Steven Wright, “Anywhere is walking distance if you have the time.” This view makes it all worth it.
We had a relaxing and fun time and, of course, there is always something interesting to photograph.
Scott, the gentleman who works at the ranch, collects shed antlers and when the truck is full, he hauls them into Cody and sells them. Many become dog treats, but some become chandeliers. The shedding of antlers is a natural process, so these really are just found. Scott even has one of his dogs trained to sniff these out.
I was fortunate to be up there when Tamara Gooch and Jess Lee were holding a Wyoming photography workshop nearby. Sarah, who is Scott’s wife, hooked me up for part of one evening when they were shooting models on horses and it was a blast! Alas, we didn’t get to shoot very long as we had some rain roll in, but I think I need to go back for one of their other workshops and do the whole multi-day event. You can see more of Tamara’s and Jess’s stunning work here.
My favorite from the evening workshop shoot. She wasn’t actually “modeling” by this time, but was kind enough to wait for me to pop a few shots before bringing in her horse.
We did get into Yellowstone one day just for some drive time and small bit of hiking.
Lower Falls, Yellowstone National Park
My husband and his dad did a lot of fishing. My husband had a black bear jump into the river and swim across about 50 yards from where he was wading. In choosing between snapping a photo and backing the hell up, he did what I probably would not have done and so there are no bear shots. But I did get to bring my husband home in one piece and that’s always a good day. Who knew fishing could be so drama filled?! The rest of the trip was muuuuch more restful. Thank goodness!
Life is good when you’re a Wyoming Dogg.
Keep on going around the circle for more good stories and photos! Next in the circle is the beautiful work of Sandra Grimm.
kris mcneil photography 
15 thoughts on “5 on 5 august 2016”
Stephanie Smith
Oh my goodness. What beautiful images. I too, am a Texas heat wimp. We spent 31 days on the Pacific Coast and when we came back to San Antonio I almost cried. Your photos make me want to go north again.
Kris McNeil
You’re in SA? That’s one of my favorite places to shoot. I’m a mission junkie. We’ll have to plan a meet up! You know, when it’s cooler and we won’t melt. But then again, Texas does have the best margaritas, so we do have that going for us.
Lianne Thompson
Kris – so much to love here. I love that first mountain shot…the mood! And the power in the waterfall – I can just feel it.Great captures!
Kris McNeil
Thank you my friend! ❤
Sandra
These images seriously want to move or at least visit where you live. I especially like the mood in the first shot, darf and gloomy, but still kind of vibrant and mysterious. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Kris McNeil
Thank you, Sandra!
Alison
I almost couldn’t handle Texas in October – I’ll be staying away in the summer 🙂 You’re always welcome in Minnesota in the summer too! Love your Wyoming photos.
Kris McNeil
Thanks honey! and you’re welcome to come back in January and February. 🙂 ❤
Janice S
Wonderful! and I’ve been to Texas in July and omg it’s unbelievably HOT. Like, can’t breathe kind of hot. I’m with you! Also with the Wyoming Dogg heheee
Wyoming looks beautiful through your lens. And what luck to be there for the photography workshop! What a gorgeous setup.
Kris McNeil
I’d say you get used to the heat, but really, complaining about it is something of a summer games event down here. Hah! Thank you my friend! Yeah rather good luck on my part to be in the right place at the right time. Woohoo! I think I need to go for the whole package though. Can’t resist a good cowboy shot.
Susan
What a beautiful place and gorgeous images. I would love to visit Wyoming one day.
Kris McNeil
Thank you! It’s well worth the trip there. ❤
kim thompson steel
LOVE all of these. Such timeless quality you’ve captured in each image. What an amazing trip. x
Kris McNeil
High praise coming from you right off your sister/cousin trip. Thank you!
Maureen
Kris you do such a lovely job of story telling with your photos. It’s been many years, almost a lifetime ago, that I was in Wyoming, and your photos brought back fond memories of my first trip ‘out west’. Love the one of the falls in Yellowstone, I was 16 when I first saw that in person, and still find it just a beautiful. Thanks for sharing!