TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF CONNIE
I am a native Idahoan, actually live within 150 miles of where I was born and attended school. I was raised on ranches and feedlots and hold very dearly to that western lifestyle. I live outside of Burley, a farming/ranching community that sits on the Snake River and is in between a couple impressive mountain ranges. I retired the end of September 2022 and it was the best thing I ever did. I have a laser-engraving business that keeps me a little occupied and love to explore with my husband and take photos the rest of the time.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT DOING A 365?
First and always the other's doing the 365 - I feel like I have made some absolutely wonderful friends and I love to see the creativeness and vision of everyone else.
I also love the spontaneity of the prompts, this year's look to be extra fun. I like having a reason to think creatively, and believe me sometimes I really have to be creative to hit the prompts!
WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO CAMERA AND DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE APP OR SOFTWARE?
I am a Nikon girl through and through, shooting with a D500 and D750, and as my husband says - "they get to go more places with me than he does". I am trying my best to use my iphone more as well, but it's a stretch. I edit my photos in Lightroom and am working on learning how to use Photoshop much better as well. I do play with Snapseed, Icolorama, and Rhonna Designs when I have a minute.
WHAT TIP DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW SOONER?
That when it comes to the 365 project - it is a snapshot of your life on a particular day. When I started I would stress that I didn't take a picture for several days at a time but I realized that it isn't a contest and I won't lose anything because I didn't get a shot. Some days my shots are hurried and quick and messy - and it's okay. Last year was the first time I had a picture for every day of the year, I am hoping to repeat it this year.
WHAT IS THE STRANGEST THING YOU HAVE EVER PHOTOGRAPHED?
I have a photo I took of the back end of a hummingbird - in flight - it's kind of all butt and nothing else.
WHAT PROMPTS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? AND WHICH ONES DO YOU DREAD?
I love all of the prompts except maybe the ones with self-portraits involved...I am rather reserved and don't take good selfies - but I am getting better.
The technical challenges are super fun, a great way to learn "How do they do that?" type of stuff.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
My inspiration can change from day to day but I love to be outside, remote areas are wonderful and animals are the best. The end of October 2022 and a couple different times this past year I had the opportunity to photograph wild horses and I was in heaven. I love to shoot wildlife and not so wildlife but the horses kind of drew an extra "AHHH" from my heart. I am a horse lover anyway and getting to spend several days - all day long with herds of horses was just wonderful. I also love macro, landscape, flowers...you name it.
Thank you, Connie, for taking the time to tell us a bit about yourself. You can see more of her images on
Instagram: @oldidahocowgirl
Adobe Profile: www.conniegillstraubhaarphotography.com