We knew we wanted to shoot at the tulip fields, and so when her first full day here was forecast to be NOT RAINY, off we went. Unfortunately, the month of March was so rainy, and so dreary that the fields were not yet in bloom. The display gardens were (thankfully) but the fields were still full of daffodils (which quite frankly I find are a PIA to shoot).
When she was here 2 years ago, we happened upon an Alpaca farm, and shot them in the evening light from outside the fence. One of the things she really wanted to do was to find that farm again. When we got there, the owner, Kathy, was out in the fields feeding and cleaning up, so for a minute or two we felt a bit awkward. Once Kathy came over and started talking with us, it was clear how much she loved what she does, and she spent quite a while talking with us about them, their fleece, showing them, babies, the whole nine yards.....she could not have been more gracious.
Eventually Kathy invited us in the fenced area, introduced us to her herd, and then told us we could stay and shoot (she was leaving) as long as we secured the gates when we left. Needless to say that totally made our day! They are so darned sweet, and fluffy, and I wish they were cat sized, I'd totally want one as a pet!
This male was both Jen's and my favorite. I love his markings!
another male:
Wasn't it a gorgeous day? Daffodils and the Cascade Mountains in the background :)
Baby Alpaca! They were a bit skittish (understandably), this was shot through a fence. We did get to visit with then up close and personal though, they are so cute!
Kathy (the owner) taught us that to greet an Alpaca, you don't put your hand towards their face, you nuzzle them. Needless to say the first time or two it was a bit disconcerting, but then it was really very nice! I hope Jen doesn't shoot me for posting this ;)
The females were a little less forward than the males, and pretty much kept some distance between us and them:
Dinner time!
I just want to thank Kathy at ALPACA ADVENTURES for her kindness, we could not have been more thrilled with our Alpaca experience!
These photos are so sweet! I went to an alpaca farm a couple of years ago to shoot, and while they were adorable, they had just been SHEARED! Not cute! I wanted sweet, fluffy, alpacas, got skinny funky ones. I love the photo of your friend nuzzling the alpaca. Just perfection!
ReplyDeleteWhy does it not surprise me that it is the males who were so forward? We have an alpaca farm out here--I coo every time I drive by...they look like they are wearing leggings. My DD worked during college at an alpaca breeder's farm, and was the "nanny" for the herd/flock whenever the owners were out of town. Odd job, but she loved working with them.
ReplyDeleteAnd Charleston/Savannah? I hope we get to see some photos! Having a photo buddy to travel with is the best. ML and I are going to Michigan in June...sun, sand dunes, blue water, lighthouses...I can hardly wait to show her all the goodies.
Definitely not tulips! Very interesting animals - and perhaps after the two of you nuzzled up to all the males, the females were a little miffed - just maybe? Beautiful faces and poodle cuts - too cute.
ReplyDeleteWow - would love to see them up close like that - they look so soft and sweet! Love the way you greet them!
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful Lauren!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun, and these shots are adorable! I love the alpaca nuzzle photo! Thanks for sharing this; it sounds like it was a most memorable day!
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