Shot By Aponi

America's Favorite Trail Horse 2012 Calendars

2011-12-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

This calendar features the top ten finalists from the first season of America's Favorite Trail Horse and a few photographer's picks. The calendars can be purchased online at www.aponi.us/products.htm

$25.00 each with free shipping. Order 4 or more for $21.25 each with free shipping.

Bikes, Blues and BBQ 2012 Photography Calendars are now on sale!

2011-12-20T18:35:00.001-08:00

Click to Purchase >>

Calendars may be purchased individually for $25.00 each with free shipping. When ordering 4 or more calendars you may purchase them for $21.25 each with free shipping.

Click here to view each month's photo, including front and back covers, in a large slideshow: http://aponi.zenfolio.com/p292090288/slideshow

Bunkhouse Photography

2011-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed tremendously an impromtu shoot at Salem Springs Stables... shot this on the fly with no studio lights and a group of fun ladies at a Divorce Shower! More Bunkhouse Photography is in the works, great fun!

Bikes, Blues and BBQ 2011

2011-10-25T09:09:00.001-07:00

BBB was a blast to shoot, one of the highlights of each year!

View more photos at www.aponi.zenfolio.com

Forest Shadows

2011-10-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

Shooting on the switchbacks of Devil's Den has been one of my particularly favorite places to shoot for the previous two seasons. It doesn't come without its challenges though... the sun filtering through the forest creates mottled shadows, and quite often these shadows fall across the faces or entirety of the subject. That's when my good friend Photoshop comes into the picture. In the untouched photo you can see the how the subject is nearly lost to the shadows. Some adjustments were made with curves, shadow/light 10%, a duplicate layer created and the top layer was enhanced with a Topaz filter (shadow/highlights) and then an 80% opacity was applied to the top layer allowing a touch more of reality to peek through, and voila! A wonderful, classy, ever so slightly Norman Rockwell appearing photo appears before you. Oh wait, I also did a mild blur to the trees and a touch of a vignette for drama. Go ahead, smile. I did :)

Update: upon request the second bike behind the subject has been removed. Just another sample of editing possibilities.

See more photos from Bikes, Blues and BBQ at www.aponi.zenfolio.com

Shooting at War Eagle Mill on the Bridge during Bikes, Blues and BBQ

2011-10-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Bikes, Blues and BBQ galleries can be viewed at www.aponi.zenfolio.com

Some fun folks on Dickson Street during Bikes, Blues and BBQ

2011-10-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Shoot Schedule for Bikes, Blues and BBQ

2011-09-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

American Competitive Trail Horse Association

2011-06-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

Facebook posts designed by Aponi Studios utilizing photography by the studio taken during the finals of the American Favorite Trail Horse. This three day event is part of a 13 episode television series hosted by the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA), produced by Electric Picture Company set to air this fall on HRTV. America will vote for their favorite trail horse.

Photography by Aponi Studios shot during the event can be viewed from the gallery at: www.aponi.zenfolio.com

Visit ACTHA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/actha

Or visit Aponi's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aponistudios

Lee's Old Cars

2011-06-09T13:18:00.001-07:00

I spent the good part of an afternoon shooting old cars in a private collection in the Prairie Grove area. I shared the shoot with another photographer friend. The objective was simple; listen to old cars 'put out to pasture' and see what stories they had to tell. It's really something to look them over, imagine what sort of folks might have had them, where they might have gone... dances and drive-ins, races or shows. Which car seated a pair of young lovers or sleeping children, was someone's prized possession, first car, memory? In many cases the imagination is stirred toward sanding, priming, painting, second chances, new beginnings. Lack luster hoods and fenders, blanketed in velvety covers of robust rust, old cars whose true beauty continue to shine through peeling paint, spiderweb cracked windshields, chipped chrome and old-car-barnacles.

Rico/ NWAHJA Horse Show

2011-05-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Stop the slideshow in the header before pressing play here.

These galleries are complete! Click here to view all galleries >>

America's Favorite Trail Horse, Blanco, TX

2011-05-18T08:35:00.001-07:00

Just back from a FABULOUS week in Blanco, Texas where I was one of the official photographers for ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association), who hosted the event. Photos are in production now set to be available this week. A collection of photos are available from Aponi's featured gallery now, and available for purchase: www.aponi.zenfolio.com

Six Foot Outdoor Banner

2011-05-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

10' x 7' Expo Banner

2011-05-04T21:29:00.001-07:00

Mountain View Antique Car Collection

2011-05-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Midnight Black Arabians

2011-05-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sunset as the Blizzard Desists

2011-02-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Winter Weather

2011-02-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

Photographer's generally don't mind snow. It's a great opportunity to shoot some of the same old stuff with a whole new look. Everything looks different with a few inches of snow or ice on them!

This shot was taken at the Battlefield Park in Prairie Grove, while laying in the snow. Day 1 of the recurring 'blizzard'. I spent 6 hours out in the snow traversing from Westville, OK to Prairie Grove, AR. that day. Nice to experience the snow through the lens :)

Sweet, Pouty Eyes

2011-01-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

I've been busy with web design projects the past couple of weeks so my son and our road trips have been the objects of my photography. Photographers are picky about weather... winter is alright but give us lots of snow to shoot, and if not, well let's just get right into spring then!

Nature Photos Along The Pig Trail

2011-01-17T21:12:00.001-08:00

Enjoyed a road trip this weekend through the Ozark Nat'l Forest on the Pig Trail. Beautiful scenes of the hills and valleys.

Click here to view a slideshow of nature photography including scenes from the Pig Trail, other Arkansas and Minnesota locations:

http://albums.phanfare.com/slideshow.aspx?i=1&db=1&pw=K1VxqW7C&a_id=4728385

Or visit us on Facebook >>

Aponi Shoot: LaFuSo at George's Majestic Lounge on Dickson

2011-01-11T15:31:00.001-08:00

Stop the slide show in the header of this page before clicking PLAY to hear LaFuSo performing 'Superstition' in this slide show. Great shoot!!!

Private Shoot in Eureka Springs

2011-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

A very fun shoot with a couple from Eureka Springs. This couple stated they hadn't had photos taken of themselves since their wedding day 36 years ago. I was honored to have been able to do this for them. Great day!

Digital Artistry

2010-12-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

I thought it would be interesting to display a before and after photo depicting the process of digitally correcting and 'painting' a photo. This photo underwent several stages of correction prior to the artistic fun process. Often, a poorly presented photo is merely a diamond in the rough.

You can click on the images to view them larger.

Bikes Blues and BBQ Calendars Have Been Delivered!

2010-12-17T10:32:00.000-08:00

The BBB Calendars have arrived from the printer and are now on their way, a little close to the wire for the holidays but I think we're gonna make it. Whew! Fun side note; Bikes, Blues and BBQ's home page is now featuring the December shot from the Aponi Calendar on their home page, that rocks! The November page was previously featured on their home page for several months. Much gratitude for the honor goes to BBB. Harley Holidays to all, 2011 is gonna be GREAT!!!!

Visit Bikes Blues and BBQ online: http://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/

RidePics.Net New Blog

2010-12-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

Joe Skaggs, Action Photographer and owner of RidePics.net has been shooting roadside for over a year in the Eureka Springs area. His new blog will be incorporated into his website where he also houses an online photography store. Congrats on your new blog Joe. See you on the road soon (well, more like this spring!!!) Visit RidePics Blog >>

2 Wheels Grill on the Pig Trail Blog

2010-12-11T15:49:00.001-08:00

2 Wheels Grill on the Pig Trail, located just outside of Eureka Springs, AR on HWY 23. Visit their new blog. A website is in the works, will keep you posted! Visit 2 Wheels Grill Blog >>

Aponi Website Revamped

2010-12-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to announce my studio website has been overhauled and is all bright and shiny new. I have been so pleased with the look and feel of my photography blog that I decided to convert the entire site over to compliment and provide continuity. Have a look, I hope you like it! www.aponi.us

2011 Calendar Featuring Photos of Bikes, Blues and BBQ

2010-11-22T14:36:00.000-08:00

Colorful photography by Aponi Studios with 14 stunning scenes from the 2010 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally. The 13 month calendar measures 11" wide by 17" long when open. Full color on glossy 100# paper. Includes BBB and Bikes, Babes & Bling Dates for 2011 and national holidays. $20.00 per calendar AND shipping is free when ordered directly from our blog by December 5! Secure Paypal Checkout. No Paypal account required (debit / credit card / Paypal accepted).

CLick here to view calendar larger and ORDER ONLINE >>

Roadside Shooting at Lake Wedington

2010-11-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

It was 60 degrees this late November day, what better way to spend it than sitting by the lake at Wedington Woods? Some nice photos, testing the location, it's a definite THUMBS UP! Look for scheduled roadside shoots at this location starting up again this spring.

2010 was a great shooting year, 2011 will be even better! See you on road this spring :)

Logo for RidePics.net

2010-11-17T06:46:00.001-08:00

Logo designed for my good friend Joe at www.ridepics.net

Six Foot Banner Produced for Equine Clinician

2010-11-17T06:22:00.000-08:00

This banner was created utilizing two photographs by Aponi Studios. Final product measured 6' and can be hung indoors or outdoors.

A Poster for Mounted Fury Jousting Troupe

2010-11-17T06:20:00.001-08:00

This photo was shot by Aponi during the Renn Faire at the Washington County Fairgound's rodeo arena. The subject was cut out and placed over layers of parchment paper and the stormy skies, with two additional layers of borders consisting of leaves and hand brushed vignette. A final layer of dark shadows was used to give the parchment paper layer a lighted stage effect.

Friends of Frederik, the Magnificent Friesian Stallion

2010-10-27T14:31:00.001-07:00

Twin Springs Equestrian Center of Siloam Springs hosted a spectacular exhibition performed by an exquisite Friesian Stallion; Frederik the Great. The performance was held on October 24 before an audience of well over 200 spectators. Act I consisted of Frederik performing at liberty to the fitting music 'King Acrisius' and concluded with a majestic bow by the stallion. During Act II Frederik was ridden by Stacy Morrison of Equus Manor in Centeron, Arkansas, demonstrating sophisticated dressage maneuvers. The powerful, athletic stallion was an utter delight to behold as he moved around the arena executing each maneuver with grace and elegance.

Frederik later returned to the arena unsaddled for a brief session of questions and information sharing by owner Stacy Nazario. The performance concluded with a sharing of roses as spectators lined the arena rail to meet the magnificent stallion. All who participated in the event were moved by his beauty, power, noble presence and gentle demeanor. The event was free to the public and was held out of demand by the stallion's many Facebook fans numbering over 3,000. The purpose was to provide enjoyment and sharing of the rare and stunning Friesian breed, and notably, a beloved stallion adored by his fans.

Frederik was the first boarder at Twin Springs Equestrian Center over three years ago, states Cindy Savage, the arena manager. Since Frederik has moved home to his own private barn, he continues to hold a special relationship with his friends at the arena. Frederik visits Twin Springs about monthly utilizing the indoor riding facilities. His friends at Twin Springs claim they are blessed by his presence.

Frederik is a Dressage Grand Champion imported from the Netherlands. He is 16.1hh tall and weighs 1,400 pounds, though his power and presence will leave one thinking it is more. He is a standing stallion at Pinnacle Friesians located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Those interested in stud fees, booking for shows, promotional advertising, photos shoots or purchasing posters and other gift items can contact the owners at: pinnaclefriesians@cox.net

Pinnacle Friesian's Website: www.pinnaclefriesians.com
Twin Springs Equestrian Center Website: www.twinspringsequestrianctr.com

Friends of Frederik Photo Gallery >>

Galleries Completed for Bikes, Blues and BBQ Photos

2010-10-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

Completed:

Wednesday on Dickson Street >>

Thursday at Devils Den >>

Thursday Evening on Dickson Street >>

Saturday am Poker Run 2 Oklahoma bound shot in Prairie Grove >>

Sunday Blessing of the Bikes @ Pig Trail Harley Davidson >>

Currently being processed:

Friday on the Pig Trail in Eureka Springs (2 Wheels Grill)
Saturday afternoon on Dickson Street
Sunday afternoon on the Pig Trail in Eureka Springs

To join the list to be notified when all galleries are complete please send your request here >>

Bikes Blues and BBQ on Dickson

2010-10-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

The rally is winding down, it has been a fantastic few days and I have shot many thousands of photos from Devils Den, Dickson Street to Eureka Springs. Galleries will go into full production starting tomorrow morning so please check back often. I'm off this morning to conclude the final day of shooting from Pig Trail Harley Davidson and back to Eureka Springs to shoot with Joe Skaggs of ridepics.net. Here's to a great rally and a safe trip to all on the way home!

Photo: Dickson Street on Saturday

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BBB GALLERIES >>

Please allow up to 7 days for photo processing and upload. Come back soon!!

Biker Pup at Bikes, Blues and BBQ

2010-09-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

This pup is a crowd stopper. Sitting quietly in a nice leather backpack, his owner said that this dog is followed across the internet as he travels from rally to rally, no one with a camera can resist taking his photo (I can testify) and then post them on the internet (double testify). What a cutie!

Galleries are now being processed, divided by day and location. Please allow 3-7 days for image processing and uploads.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BBB GALLERIES

Aponi Studios on the News

2010-09-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

5th Annual POW MIA Tribute Ride

2010-09-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

On September 18 the 5th Annual POW MIA Tribute Ride was conducted from Lokomotion Fun Park to Avoca City Park. The ride culminated with a ride-by in front of a newly erected memorial in honor of those deserving military heroes who have sacrificed. The memorial was funded by local veterans organizations, businesses and residents donating money, labor, materials and time. The gallery is still being produced, most all riders are now online with scenes from the ceremony to be loaded over the next day or so. This was a very moving event, the riders expressions of tribute were clearly evident as can easily be recognized from the photos. It was an honor to have been invited as a photographer for this event.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW >>

Bikes, Blues and BBQ Shoot Schedule

2010-09-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Aponi Studios will be shooting from various locations throughout Bikes, Blues and BBQ this year. See you on the road!!!

9/29 Beaver Town Inn. shooting at the swinging bridge north of Eureka Springs in Beaver HWY 187. website>> map>>

9/30 Devils Den. shooting on the switchbacks on both sides of the park. website>> map>>

10/1 War Eagle Mill. shooting at the mill just south of Hobbs State Park Cty. Rd. 98

website>> map>>

10/2 Poker Run 2 OKLA shooting from Prairie Grove map >>

The rest of the day on Dickson Street

10/3 Pig Trail Harley Davidson website >>

Dickson Street and The Square in Fayetteville, AR

2010-09-17T09:01:00.000-07:00

A nice photo of the bank on The Square in Fayetteville. This shoot was done for a website in production for FayettevilleARcoupon.com, currently in development by Aponi Studios.

See the gallery by clicking here >>

A few favorites from the Sheriff Ralph Baker Poker Run

2010-09-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

These photos have obviously had some editing and enhancements applied to them. While this is great fun, it is also time consuming. It is only possible to do a few as examples (and for my own enjoyment!) when processing event photos. Any photo can be enhanced as seen in these samples provided. The Sheriff Ralph Baker Poker Run has been divided into three galleries and can be viewed by clicking here >>

Sheriff Ralph Baker Memorial Poker Run 9/4

2010-09-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 4 Aponi Shot participants in the Sheriff Ralph Baker Memorial Poker Run. The ride started in Huntsville at the Square, went north to Beaver, and then around Beaver Lake finally ending at Jose's on Dickson. I perched upon a post of the swinging bridge in Beaver at the Beaver Inn catching riders as they crossed from 10am until 1:45pm. Great shoot, fun perch, groovy bridge, awesome bikers! Hey there were a bunch of cool cars too!!

There will be a total of about 400 photos in this gallery when completed.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 9/4 GALLERY >>

Devil's Den Saturday 8/28

2010-08-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

Whoah check out this cool custom trike!

VISIT THE AUGUST 28 GALLERY >>

The Priceless Expression

2010-08-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

August 21: Pig Trail Harley Davidson 4th Anniversary Party

2010-08-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

I was on my way to the Iron and Ink Bike Show / Swap Meet when I drove by The Pig Trail Harley Davidson dealership... whoah!!! Harleys Harleys Harleys... I had to stop. Well, I never made it to Avoca, but had a great time browsing Harleys, biker watching, motorcycle stunts. COOL! It was their 4th year anniversary celebration; bike show, trophies, battle of stunt bikes, a water slide, concessions and bikes, bikes, bikes and more bikes. I regret I didn't make it to Avoca, so many motorcycles, so little time. VERY awesome shoot; many incredible bikes and lots of very nice people who didn't mind to stop and pose (or pose on the fly!). Perfect day!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE GALLERY >>

Bikes, Blues and BBQ 2010

2010-08-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

September 29 - October 2 Aponi Studios will be shooting on the road for one of the nations largest bike rallies; Bikes, Blues and BBQ. Our shoot schedule will include Devil's Den, the Pig Trail, Dickson Street and other locations. Details will be posted on the 'I Shoot Bikers' Calendar. What an exciting event!! Event photography will be available online. Royalty-free-for-personal- use digital downloads can be purchased for 10.00 each, with other photo products available as well.

http://www.bikesbluesandbbq.org/

Devils Den 8/15/2010

2010-08-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day shoot at Devil's Den. I'm addicted!!! I found a few key spots to shoot from, worked out the best angles, experimented until I found just the right camera settings, and met some nice people while breaking at the restaurant. I was given a few puzzled looks, some friendly waves, and a few smiles. The shoot was a great success. I am very eager for the next shoot. I finished off the afternoon by paddling around Lake Devil in a canoe with my 7 year old son. I love my job :)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AUGUST 15th GALLERY >>

Musicians, artists...

2010-08-14T14:08:00.000-07:00

I think it is time to shoot more musicians....

Teen Shoot at Battlefield Park

2010-08-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

This week consisted of another fun shoot with a high-schooler named Jordan. We did the shoot at Battlefield Park in Prairie Grove. Lots of great pics, I think this one is my favorite. I really like the rustic logs and porches for a setting, the black and white photos were especially nice against the logs and grains in the wood. Challenges? Primarily the heat... it was about 100 degrees, but Jordan kept smiling anyway :) Good job!

Aponi Loves Farm Calls

2010-08-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

This summer I was invited to 4 Mile Creek Gaited Horses farm in Velvet Ridge, AR. It was about a 4 hour drive so we were forced to shoot with the sun high in the afternoon sky, by the time I arrived. Leaving early was thwarted by the birth of my collie's 6 pups which ensued about the time I had hoped to head out. Critters! Ah well, the birth was uneventful and 6 healthy pups were born (more on that later). When I arrived at the farm to start the shoot, the family had carefully bathed several of their herd stallions which were to be featured on their new website, all squeaky clean and tied standing in a row awaiting their shining moments. Shooting a line-up of 5 stallions can be trickier than one might imagine. It would seem an inviting mare lingered off in the distance just close enough for the stallions to be aware of her presence. Everyone had a saucy mood as if to say "pick me, pick me... no no pick me!" None-the-less, the shoot went very well in spite of the challenges. The horses were delightful, I even felt some heart strings being pulled for a handsome gelding they were presenting for sale. mmmmm more pasture.... Thanks to the Mahans for a great shoot and a very enjoyable afternoon, not to mention Mrs. Mahans impeccable hospitality and delicious pot roast. Visit the Mahan's website at www.4milecreekgaitedhorses.com

VIEW THIS GALLERY >>

Teen Photography

2010-08-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

This was a fun shoot which just so happened to fall right after a cleansing early morning rain, giving things a shiny, clean look and great natural filtering from the light cloud cover. This happens to be my son who I roped into a practice shoot. I have another teen shoot scheduled for this week, looking forward to it. Teens are fun to work with, they either naturally enjoy being in front of the camera, or quickly warm up to it during the course of the shoot.

Motorcycle Photoshoot

2010-08-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

This was a private session traversing from Prairie Grove to Devil's Den. What a fun gig and an awesome person to shoot; a good sport willing to stop his bike anywhere and pose... from sidewalks to scenes at the Battlefield park, even asking the rangers if we could park on the grass for pics, sadly they declined. That's alright, a little photoshop magic did the trick :) This shoot inspired the background to my blog, great pic. I love the grunge feeling of the brick wall with the bike parked on the sidewalk. Thanks for the fun shoot!

VIEW THIS GALLERY >>

Bikes, Babes and Bling 2010

2010-08-08T19:10:00.000-07:00

On July 3 a bike event was held in support of breast cancer in Fayetteville, AR. The event was called Bikes, Babes and Bling and was geared toward women bikers. Congregating on Dickson Street, the familiar rumble resonated throughout the day in spite of a steady rain. By the time I arrived in the late afternoon participant numbers were few, but it was hard to blame them in the constant, unyielding rain. Still, rows of bikes could be found parked in front of bars and restaurants along Dickson Street and I was happy to have been able to get a few nice shots. See you again next year, ladies!

Click here to view the slideshow: http://aponi.zenfolio.com/p449383055/slideshow