A North West Queensland photographer has displayed her unique action shots of Stockman's Challenge horse events in a new book.
Jo Thieme has been behind the camera capturing special moments her whole life, but it was a photography job at the Julia Creek Western Riding Club's Stockman's Challenge seven years ago that changed her passion into a business.
"It wasn't something I set out to do but was one of those things that took a life of its own and I went along for the ride," Ms Thieme said.
From there Ms Thieme captured the beauty in horse events, particularly Stockman's Challenges and has recently released her own fine art collection in a hard cover, coffee table book.
"I was approached by the Australian Stockman's Challenge Association to collate my images into a limited edition book," Ms Thieme said.
"The book demonstrates the capacity to communicate through connection, beyond words.
"You go to one of these events and you sit there and watch hundreds of runs but it's about appreciating the athleticism and willingness of the horses, the earth that moves beneath them, the hands and legs that guide them, and the trust and bond that is formed to work as one in harmony.
"The fine art pieces bring out the point of focus that sometimes you may not see."
Ms Thieme said the book featured horse events and riders from around North West Queensland focusing on both dry (pattern) and wet (campdraft) work.
"I have had many riders buy the book because they feature in it," she said.
"Looking at the book now, I am so happy with the finished product.
"The feedback has been overwhelmingly amazing and I have been surprised the response has been so positive."
Ms Thieme said the hardest part about producing a book was keeping it Australian made and low cost.
"I am selling the book at cost price of $75 for an Australian, premium quality, hardcover book and depending on how this book goes I am definitely interested in doing another," she said.
"I have a lot of material. In the fine art stuff there is a collection about simple pleasures, polocrosse, rodeo, campdraft and racing; there are a lot."
"I am just glad the book can provide a platform to get my fine art work out there to a wider audience."
The official launch of the book will take place at the Cloncurry Stockman's Challenge from July 10-14.
Since publishing the book, Ms Thieme has relocated from Julia Creek to Toowoomba but still photographs events for the Australian Stockman's Challenge Association.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
