Martina Gates: Expert in Photographing Horses with an Identity Rooted in Riding Stables and Parson’s School of Design
Horses are magnificent creatures, embodying elegance, strength, and freedom. Martina Gates, a passionate horse rider and photographer, knows this all too well.
Martina’s childhood was defined by frequent visits to a riding stable in her hometown, where she rode and learned how to care for horses. She loved the animals and the environment, and this fondness has since developed into her profession as a photographer.
Her work has been featured in several magazines and exhibitions across the world, and it is easy to see why. In this article, we will discuss Martina Gates’ background and approach to photographing horses.
With an understanding of these, readers will be able to appreciate her skill even more. Martina Gates’ Background
Martina’s love for horses began in childhood, where she visited a riding stable bi-weekly.
She learned to ride under the watchful eye of experienced professionals, and it soon became a vital part of her life. From dressage and vaulting to jumping and drill team, she experienced everything riding stables had to offer.
This gave her a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of horses, contributing to her passion for photography. Martina’s formal education background is in graphic design and printmaking, having graduated from Parson’s School of Design.
Her training in copper photogravure and silkscreen printing helped develop her skills in manipulating images to create artwork. This technical foundation has informed her approach to photography, where she places emphasis on the composition and setting of each shot.
Martina’s Approach to Photographing Horses
Martina’s approach to photography is to capture natural moments in organic settings with minimal intervention. As a horse rider and caretaker, she is knowledgeable about horses’ behavior, making it easier for her to document their movements.
She believes that photographs taken in natural settings, such as pastures or fields, with horses in their natural state are authentic and expressive. Martina avoids staging scenes or using tack in her work, preferring the human influence to be minimal or non-existent.
While tack and equipment are essential when working with horses, they detract from the animal’s wild spirit and beauty. Instead, Martina chooses to photograph horses without any distractions.
Doing so highlights the animal’s connection to the environment and moves away from the conventional portrayal of horses. In conclusion, Martina Gates is an exceptional photographer whose background in riding stables and graphic design has influenced her work.
Her preference for natural environments and avoidance of tack and staging has set her apart from other photographers. Her work celebrates the natural beauty of horses, giving them a voice through her lens.
Through Martina’s work, people who may never interact with horses can appreciate their majestic qualities. Martina’s Experience with Icelandic Horses
For Martina Gates, Icelandic horses are a subject she holds close to her heart.
Her experience with these horses began when she picked up an issue of Horse Illustrated and saw the cover story, “Horses of the Gods.” From that moment, Martina was fascinated, and she began researching these unique horses. She quickly found a breeder in her area and went to visit them.
It was a life-changing decision as Martina found she had an instant connection with the horses and their community.
Characteristics of Icelandic Horses
Icelandic horses are defined by their carrying power and pushing power, which make them excellent for farming, but also great riding horses. They are known for their gaits, with four primary ones: walk, trot, gallop, and pace.
The unique fifth gait, referred to as “tlt,” is their trademark and has two variations, the “four-beat” and “flying pace.” Tlt is a smooth, fast, and secure gait that provides riders with an exceptional riding experience. Beyond their gaits, the temperament of Icelandic horses sets them apart from other breeds.
They have an incredible ability to connect with their owners and riders and have a strong sense of trust. Their friendly nature makes them incredible companions and easy to care for, leading even more people to fall in love with them.
Icelandic Horses in their Native Environment
Icelandic horses are at home amidst the magical landscape of their native country, Iceland. The ideal environment for these horses is one that boasts rich grass on vast land, with harsh weather conditions, snow, and temperatures as low as -40C.
Horse farms abound, and riding trails beckon, often showcasing the natural beauty of the country. One of the best ways to experience the magic of Icelandic horses is through trekking.
With their surefootedness, even in difficult terrains, they can cross rivers, climb mountains, and run freely on beaches. Trekking with Icelandic horses in Iceland offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the horses in their natural habitat.
Community and culture surrounding Icelandic Horses
In Iceland, Icelandic horses have long been a cornerstone of the culture, and many people have a deep connection with them. They are raised in herd environments that support their natural gait and way of life.
Icelandic horse shows are a big part of the culture and provide an opportunity for breeders, owners, and riders to showcase the breed’s uniqueness. The International Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations (FEIF) organizes meets across the globe, providing the community with opportunities to connect and share their passion.
In conclusion, Icelandic horses are unique in every way, from their temperament to their gaits and natural environment. Martina Gates’ experience with them has showcased their beauty, and she has captured their magic in her photographs.
Given the opportunity, interacting with Icelandic horses in their native environment, learning about their community and culture, is an absolute must for anyone who is a horse lover. In summary, Martina Gates’ experience with horses and her background in graphic design have made her an exceptional photographer.
Her preference for natural environments and avoidance of staging and tack have set her apart as a unique and talented artist. Her fascination with Icelandic horses has enriched her oeuvre, and her work has brought their remarkable qualities to light.
By understanding the characteristics of these horses, their native environment, and their culture, readers can appreciate them even more. Icelandic horses are a unique breed that showcases the power of connection between humans and animals, and their natural environment’s beauty.
FAQs:
Q: What is Martina Gates’ background? A: Martina Gates is a photographer, a horse rider, and a graphic designer who graduated from Parson’s School of Design.
Q: What is Martina Gates’ approach to photographing horses? A: Martina Gates’ approach to photography is to capture natural moments in organic settings with minimal intervention.
Q: Why does Martina Gates prefer to take pictures of horses in natural settings? A: Martina Gates believes that photographs taken in natural settings highlight the animal’s beauty and their connection to the environment.
Q: What are Icelandic horses known for? A: Icelandic horses are known for their carrying power and pushing power, their gaits, and their unique temperament.
Q: What is tlt? A: Tlt is a smooth, fast, and secure gait that is unique to Icelandic horses, with two variations, the “four-beat” and “flying pace.”
Q: What is the ideal environment for Icelandic horses?
A: Icelandic horses thrive in environments that offer rich grass on vast land, including harsh weather conditions, snow, and temperatures as low as -40C. Q: How are Icelandic horses raised in their native environment?
A: In their native environment, Icelandic horses are raised in herd environments that support their natural gait and way of life. Q: What is the community and culture surrounding Icelandic horses?
A: Icelandic horses are a cornerstone of Icelandic culture, with shows, breeders, owners, and riders all playing an active role in the community. Q: What is the takeaway from this article?
A: Icelandic horses are a unique breed, and appreciating them in their natural environment can be a profound experience. Martina Gates’ work showcases their beauty, and readers can gain a deeper understanding of this unique animal through the article.