Photographer Arto Djerdjerian showcases an intimate view of everyday life at the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, where horses are wintered and trained for use by Parks Canada staff in national mountain parks: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho.
Djerdjerian spent six years photographing life at Canada’s only federally owned and operated working horse ranch. An exhibition of his work has been mounted at numerous venues across the West, the latest at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, here.
His work provides a window into a special place that has rarely been photographed, revealing the gritty hard work of ranch life, magnificent animals, and a stunning landscape.
Born in Cairo, Egypt to Armenian parents, Djerdjerian was raised in Montreal where he went on to study photography. Living and working in Alberta since 1977, Djerdjerian works full time as a photographer.
Arto Djerdjerian with his work at the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies exhibition this winter (see more exhibition images, here)
Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, here.
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Such beautiful photos, the first one adorable with the bird. The others makes me feel like I’m there.
I also love the bird, such a great catch. Thanks for your thoughts on these works.
The first photo is incredible. I hope the horses are happy. I wish they were free. It makes me sad to know they were captured and are being used for whatever purpose.
I always appreciate your thoughts/insights. I should have made clear . . . these horses have been bred and raised since 1908 on this ranch (although maybe originally some were wild) and they are governed by federal animal handling rules, so they are safe. But I absolutely take your point. You have such a good heart!
The photos make my heart sing. This was me in my youth.
I’m happy these photos filled you with that kind of joy! Thank you for taking the time to say so. (You must have had a wonderful youth)