Hi, I'm Dina Sutherland — The Girl Who Would Rather Hang with Horses

Whether you've known me your whole life, we've crossed paths somewhere along the way, or you're meeting me for the very first time — thank you for following along on my equine fine art journey. I offer equine fine art photography and commissioned horse portraits.

I hope to write a blog once a month and I would love to hear from you on how you find them or topics you would like covered. I thought I would start by sharing a bit about myself. Here goes…

Me and a couple of my pieces.

I'm a Small-Town Country Living Girl, Through and Through

I was born in Dawson Creek, BC, and I have moved more times in my life than I can honestly keep track of. There was a short period of time I lived just outside of downtown Calgary, let’s just say it wasn’t for me. Thankfully, these days I call the foothills home, just outside of Okotoks, Alberta. I can remember driving to a rodeo when I was about 16 or 17, going past an area close to my home now, and day dreaming it would be nice to live there. My dream came true!

People are often surprised to learn I'm an introvert. Just recently an old elementary school friend described me as always so outgoing, and honestly, I found the comment interesting. Maybe there's some truth to it — I know I'm a leader, I'm a wee bit competitive, and when I need to show up, I show up. But I can also go days without leaving the house and feel completely content. I'm not a big conversationalist (I’ve always hated talking on the phone), which is probably a big reason why I've always loved spending time with horses. Then I went and married Mark, who is about as extroverted as a person can get.  I can easily let him carry the conversation when we are out.

My family is my greatest accomplishment; everything else comes after that. What do I love (besides my family):

• Horses and dogs.

• Being on a boat surrounded by water and sunshine.

• Travelling with our fifth wheel (I am not big on hotels or flying) exploring new places, but I equally love coming home.

Horses Have Always Been My People

I have ridden horses my entire life. From the time I was a little girl, they were just always there — I am grateful I had that opportunity. I was the kind of kid who would ride her horse for 10 hours straight and think nothing of it. I enjoyed the quiet adventures and the time to dream and plan. Maybe that is why I lean toward careers that allow me to express my creativity in planning and strategy.

Me and Sandman in the 70’s - My mom had made me my blue tack.

My mom made sure I always had the opportunity to ride, even when we really couldn't afford it. I didn't fully understand what that meant at the time, but I do now, and I am grateful for it every single day.

I have been blessed with a few truly great horses over the years. The kind that leaves a mark. The kind you think about long after they're gone. They were the ones who first made me want to stop and say — someone needs to tell their story. Because horses are so magnificent. So beautiful. So soulful. They deserve to be seen and understood; they deserve to be remembered.

How Photography Found Me

I always wished I could draw. I'd look at something beautiful and want so badly to capture it, but that particular talent just wasn't in the cards for me. Art class was stressful because I so badly wanted to succeed. When my husband Mark bought me my first camera something clicked. Literally and figuratively.

Photography turned out to be the way I could finally create the art I'd always seen in my head. I didn't need to draw. I just needed a camera and a horse and good light.

Looking back, it seems pretty obvious. The girl who spent 10 hours a day on horseback was always going to end up telling their stories somehow.

The Long Way Around

When I graduated high school, a career in fine art was definitely not the plan–I couldn’t draw! I knew I needed something with horse, so my plan was to open my own horse school. I loved horses and I loved teaching — it made perfect sense. I figured I needed a proper credential to teach people about horses, so I headed off to Lakeland College in Vermilion. I was the first person in my family to go to a post-secondary school, and we genuinely had no idea what we were walking into. We didn't know about student loans, how much everything would cost, or that you had to buy your own textbooks! My brother had given me some money to go, but it wasn't enough. I ended up having to come home and go back to work sooner than planned.

The next fall I tried again, more organized this time, and started at Grande Prairie Regional College for my teaching degree. That's where I met Mark. We both eventually transferred to the University of Alberta and finished our degrees together. However, we ended up having our first born, Kiera, before I was finished so my path changed.

Horses were there through all of it. I did quit barrel racing and competing when I got pregnant with Kiera and because money was tight, ended up selling my horse Tex (something I have regretted often). However, I embraced the thoroughbreds and the sport of chuckwagon racing which ultimately led me to this road I am on now of equine fine art.  

Grateful - This is the one that made me think I can do this!  Taken several years ago, it tells a story. The quiet intimacy of getting close. The patience of waiting for the right moment. The extraordinary detail that reveals itself only when you truly stop and look.

What I'm Doing Now

I'll be honest — I struggle calling myself an artist because I can't draw. Failing art class in high school has never really left me, even though I know there is more than one type of artist. My love for horses, my desire to create, and my entrepreneurial spirit have led me to this — my journey into the fine art world. I dream of being the go-to girl whenever there is a story to be told about a horse, whether they are a rockstar athlete or the kindest and gentlest soul. It doesn't matter.

My work has been published in Cowboys and Indians, which is still something I have to pinch myself about. I've had the chance to photograph some remarkable horses, remarkable people, and remarkable places. Every single time I go out with my camera, I am trying to capture something true — something that makes you feel what I feel when I'm standing in that field.

That's really what this is all about for me. Not the camera or the technical side of things. The feeling. The story. The horse.

It is never too late to be what you might have been.” - George Eliot

Learn more about Dina

A Few Kind Words From People I've Had the Honour of Working With

Natalie Tremblay "Oh Dina, you take amazing pictures. I just got my canvasses and I am loving them. I wish I had ordered more. You are definitely our go-to girl!"

Becca Poulin "I purchased one of Dina's prints. I was absolutely astounded when I saw the print in person. Dina has a spectacular talent for capturing equine in the moment and truly grasping their essence; it translates wonderfully to her prints. The print itself is beautiful and high quality, and it now serves as quite the stand-out piece in my home."

Anonymous “I love your style of photography. I can almost feel the hot breath of the horse.”