Some people might discover a love for photography as a child, but for Jeanne Shepherd Harford, the calling came later during a trip to Italy.
“If you’ve ever been to Tuscany…with colors and the light, and of course the architecture and the landscapes… it was just made for photography,” she said.
Now a professional photographer, Harford’s latest exhibit continues through January at the Hinds Fine Art Gallery in Tyler.
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Harford spent 22 years as a military spouse and was stationed in Italy in 2008 when she found her passion for photography.
When Harford returned to the United States, she went back to school for photography but didn’t want to focus on just any subject.
“I’ve grown up with horses all my life… they are my life,” she said. “It has always been in my blood. I knew I wanted to be involved with photographing horses.”
Growing up, Harford rode competitively and said she loved every moment of it. She eventually started training and coaching other riders, even internationally.
“Unfortunately, as I got older, my body couldn’t deal with it a lot, so there were times I would be a judge,” she said. “But I still enjoyed it.”
While she was attending a photography class, an instructor asked those who were interested in sports and events to raise their hand, which Harford did.
“They said, ‘Get ready because you’re going to have the more expensive equipment, more expensive lenses and you’re not going to get paid a whole lot,’ ” Harford said. “But… I still saw it as an opportunity to do two passions at once. I was absolutely ready.”
Harford is well known as a professional horse photographer and has traveled all over the world — even at the expense of the king of Jordan.
“There was a mounted archery competition (in Jordan), and it was… spectacular,” she said. “I got to eat and drink with these amazing people. They shared amazing life stories.”
Born and raised in San Antonio, Harford has called East Texas home for the past few years.
“It’s much easier to connect with people in places like Tyler compared to a bigger city,” she said. “I love it here.”
If she’s not photographing horses, she often finds inspiration in landscapes by pulling off to the side of the road.
“I have always been a photographer that seeks dark light,” Harford said. “I’ve never been about bright lighting. The dark, negative lights have always been my aesthetic.”
With her on these photographic adventures is her fiance, Russell Ford, who spent 20 years in the corporate world before finding his creative streak.
“He really liked what I was doing and was enamored with the idea of just having a little more freedom,” Harford said. “So, he basically traded in his nine-to-five job for a camera.”
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One of Harford’s favorite things is visiting older hotels, often fueling her quest for dark light.
“They’re always off the beaten path,” she said. “But they are these American treasures and just really fun to photograph.”
Like many artists, Harford was eager to share her work with the world.
“I really have to give my neighbor, Denise Henry, longtime Tyler resident who is also an artist, credit for bringing my attention to Hinds Art Gallery in Tyler,” Harford said. “We decided to go into town one day, and we walked in the gallery and I just fell in love with it.”
Harford and her neighbor met gallery owner Aaron Hinds.
“He just had such wonderful vibes about him… very positive energy,” Harford said. “I liked that he was passionate about featuring local artists.”
Hinds said he was impressed with Harford from the start.
“She’s a hustler… I mean, as an artist you have to be,” he said. “You have to hustle and be persistent when you want to be displayed in galleries. But she had this amazing, outgoing vibe that’s very refreshing.”
Before long, Harford’s work was displayed in the gallery.
“Jeanne… she’s a Texas classic, you know,” Hinds said. “She’s made herself famous by being extremely interested in horses, horse culture, horse shows. She just has a great eye for the American Southwest.”
Her show has been one of the most successful at Hinds Fine Art Gallery. She brought 25 pieces and has sold 13.
“When I created this show, I was stumped on what to call it,” Harford said. “Then it hit me… I wanted it to be about the stories behind them.”
With each photo, there is a QR code for Harford’s website that tells the story of each photo.
“I am actually in the process of creating more work,” Harford said. “I love how much East Texas accepts their artists.”
Harford was originally scheduled to have her show through December. However, it was was extended through January.
“Tyler really is the heart of East Texas,” Harford said. “There are so many budding artists… and a community that is so accepting of the art scene. Everyone has been so welcoming.”
“She’s exactly what you want a photographer to be,” Hinds said. “Jeanne is just kind of one of those East Texas forces. We’re happy to have her featured here.”
