NANCY HOLLY PHOTOGRAPHY
Many would say that a camera captures the moment, but wildlife photographer Nancy Holly readily confesses it is indeed the moment that captures her.
Classically trained as an oil-on-canvas portrait artist, Nancy developed a unique and highly recognized style that renders her photographic vision of the "Portrait of the Horse." Born and raised in Laguna Beach, CA, Nancy's travels into the world of America's iconic Wild Mustang have produced a series of portraits that record and define this classic American beauty. "The day that I married my love of horses with my passion for photography was the day my creative purpose was refined. I am deeply committed by this passion and purpose to give photographic life to the majestic spirit and grace of the equine."
For the consecutive eight years from 2011 through 2018, jurors of nationally top-ranked art festivals, to include the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts|Pageant of the Masters and the La Quinta Arts Festival, invited Nancy to showcase her images. Nancy now exhibits in solo art shows and has installations hanging in Orange County establishments. In 2015 her images were a major part of a wild horse exhibit on display at the Wildling Museum in Solvang, CA. Due to the overwhelming positive response from patrons of these shows and festivals, Nancy's work hangs in businesses and residences of private collectors worldwide.
When asked to what she attributes her emerging success, Nancy tells us that she goes beyond taking a picture of what she sees; she reaches within and takes a picture of how what she sees makes her feel. She believes it is this personal vulnerability that provides the viewers with an opportunity to experience an exceptional moment of equine grace and glory.
Nancy volunteers a portion of her time and talent each year to non-profit organizations that advocate for and rescue animals, as well as organizations that utilize equine-assisted therapy for traumatized and disabled persons and returning war veterans. Nancy spent two years on the Board of Directors of Return to Freedom wild horse preservation and sanctuary in Lompoc, CA, and continues through her work to raise awareness of and funding for rescue and advocacy groups such as this.