by Ellen Harvey, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Two-time Eclipse Award winning photographer and occasional Hoof Beats contributing photographer Barbara D. Livingston will be holding an equine photography hands-on seminar at the Our Mims Retirement Haven in Paris, Ky., on May 2, 2010. Ms. Livingston’s racing photography has appeared in mainstream publications like Newsweek, People, TV Digest, Vanity Fair, Sports Illustrated, and GQ.

Ms. Livingston is currently a photographer for The Daily Racing Form, and she has written five books showcasing her beautiful equine portraits, including Old Friends, More Old Friends, and her latest Horses: In Living Color. She has judged the photography section of the Hervey awards for harness racing journalism several times and her photos have illustrated three Hoof Beats stories. She is a native of Saratoga, N.Y., where the first good horse she photographed was Niatross.

The seminar will allow participants a hands-on opportunity to not only see Ms. Livingston at work, and to take their own photographs, but also to ask questions and receive personal tips. If your camera — digital or film — is a bit of a mystery to you — ISOs, apertures, shutter speeds — Ms. Livingston will help try to shed some light on things. She will also explain what she looks for when photographing, from lighting to angles.

The mares of Our Mims Retirement Haven, including California stakes winner Bel’s Starlet and the granddam of Not Bourbon, Timeless Sue, will serve as photography subjects. The ladies of OMRH are featured in Ms. Livingston’s More Old Friends. OMRH specializes in restoring health and spirit in aged mares. The ladies love company and will be eager to be a part of this event.

Soon after the seminar, Our Mims Retirement Haven will hold a photography contest of photographs taken during the event. The winning entrant shall receive a free copy of More Old Friends signed by Livingston, OMRH’s Jeanne Mirabito, and by one of OMRH’s leading ladies (using their hoof and non-toxic paint).

The event will start at 1 p.m. and will last for about four hours. Participants must bring their own camera equipment and are asked to wear comfortable shoes (no sandals or flipflops). Entries will be limited to 20 registrants. Cost for the afternoon will be $155 per participant, and partial proceeds will benefit the Haven. There will also be a cookout at the end of the session.

Our Mims Retirement Haven is at 2810 Millersburg Ruddles Mill Rd, Paris, Ky.

Questions? E-mail cheryl@ourmims.com and she’ll get back to you.