14 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Lauren R. Giannini
B
ev Pettit can’t remember a day when she has not been
crazy about horses. They inspire her to create images
that express their power, grace and spirit. She embraced
photography as her artistic medium when she moved to Hong
Kong in 1991 and picked up a camera for the first time. Two
years later, her career began officially. Since those first photo
credits, she has been published sometimes as a writer and often
as a photographer. Her resume includes awards and exhibitions,
covers and inside photo credits.
Bev’s work shows strong influences that date back to university
days when she earned her degree in fine art. “I found myself
influenced by the master painters, such as Leonardo Da Vinci,”
Bev recalled. “He utilized the technique of Chiaroscuro to create
a strong contrast between light and dark to achieve a more
dramatic effect. I believe that lighting is the essential element
in any photograph – it directs the viewer’s eye to the important
area of the image, and shadow compliments that light. Without a
balance between light and shadow, a photograph ends up flat and
ordinary. It takes a thoughtful approach to light and dark to add
The Artistic Visions of Bev Pettit
e
Arizona - Artist
realistic depth and make that image come alive.”
Early photographers Dorothea Lange, Paul Strand and Cartier-
Bresson were also influential with their classic monochrome
images. Bev studied with Jack Spencer, a more contemporary
photographic artist, based in Nashville. She said, “I admired him
for his compositional techniques and his stunning use of light and
color.”
To create her artistic visions, Bev utilizes high tech tools
found in computer-based “darkrooms” to enhance selected
photographs. After she achieves her artistic vision, the results are
often stunning. “I may not always know exactly how an image
will come out when I first release the shutter,” Bev admits. “But
when I finally see the images on my monitor, I pretty much know
which ones will go on to the editing stage and which ones will go
into the trash. What I look for in an image is a strong element that
connects me with the subject, something that expresses emotion
or tells a story – an expressive eye or an interaction between two
horses. With digital tools I can create what I see in my mind’s
eye.”
Bev admits to being self-taught when it comes to computers
and exploring the mysteries of various digital software programs.
She keeps up with new developments by taking clinics and
courses. She has taught for about 10 years, including workshops
and clinics around the country and online courses.
Bev says it is important to know your camera like the back of
your hand. “When I first started out in photography, I couldn’t
be bothered with all that boring technical stuff – shutter speeds,
aperture, depth of field – but I missed many a good shot and
opportunity in those early days, because I didn’t understand how
to use my gear properly,” Bev said. “You must be ready to act
quickly, especially when photographing animals like horses, and
be prepared to change your camera settings in a heartbeat.”
Bev Pettit and Skeeter (Sandini Skeet)
Photo by Kathy McCraine
Wild horses graze at the Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland
Island off the coast of Georgia. Due to threatening skies and no
tourists, the artistic photographer had the horses all to herself.
Cowboys taking a break during a photo workshop led in spring
2013 by Bev at the historic Z Bar Ranch in Kirkland, Arizona.
