Four Legged Friends Photography ~ Kris Dorst
Copyright (C) 2007 Kris Dorst. All Rights Reserved
About  Kris
Kris Dorst at trainer for a day in San Diego, any thing to get closer to the animals@
Degrees, Certificates,
Training

Bachelor of Science  ~ University of Arizona
with Equine  Specializaton
Certified  Equine Massage Therapist
Gary Whitting
Trainer for a Day ~ Sea World
Monte Roberts  Seminar Training
Kris learned to phograph animals with the help of  her grandparents, Barbara and Virgil Goodmanat their home in Jackson, Wyoming
Kris Dorst even found a way to photograph horses in Europe.
Kris Dorst and Monte Roberts the Horse Whisperer after training he encourages her go get her degree in animal science .. She took his advise
I believe my love of nature came from growing up in two
of the most beautiful places in the U.S.~ Jackson Hole
Wyoming and San Diego ,California.  I found my
connection to animals at a very early age preferring
horseback riding over surfing or skiing.  My childhood
summers and holidays were spent watching the moose and
deer eat in my grandparents front yard and the eagles fly
over their house.  The rest of the year was spent  living
near the ocean and watching the dolphins and whales
swim as I  played on the beach. These experiences may be
the reason I find seeing animals in a contained
environment unsettling.  

My love for animals in their own environment continues to
this day and I believe it has encouraged me to pursue my
photography in a more unique manner.

I was fortunate enough to have family that understood,
supported, and encouraged my childhood love of animals.
They presented me with every opportunity possible to
enhance that connection. Trips & classes to
San Diego
Zoo and its zoo school, trips to the Wild Animal Park,Sea
World, Marina De Rey Aquarium, Living Desert
Breathtaking canoe rides and picnics in the
Grand Teton
National Park.  All  encouraged and supported my love of
animals and the beauty that surrounds them. It was here
my passion  fir capturing these experiences on film, began.

As life progressed a move to Austin,Texas brought horses
into the center of my world. I began studying their ability
to connect with us and my desire to be able to capture
that connection on film began to increase. High school
brought the beginning of my formal training in
photography. While my  Bachelors degree is in  Animal
Science my photography courses were far more fascinating.
Professors were both challenging and encouraging.
Questioning weather of not I would be able to keep up
with the class due to a lack of equipment. (a college
student budget hardly provided for food much less
elaborate camera equipment)  I compensated for the lack
of equipment by shear passion,determination and an
artist's eye. The same artistic approach I learned from my
grandfather, sculptor Virgil Goodman.  Summers spent in
his studio in Jackson gave me an inherent understanding
of balance, creativity and design. I hope my work stands
as a tribute to his love and guidance.  AND yes my
professors were surprised and gracious enough to
encourage my career  as a photographer.

Time spent in Europe surrounded by amazing architecture
and art enhanced my desire to create through photography.

NOW  you probably know more about me than you
wanted to but I hope this helps you understand when I
come into your home or barn I begin with a realization of
how much you love your pet and how connected they are
to you.
Capturing that special bond is my greatest focus.   
Monte Roberts & I at the end
of  seminar training
Court yard in Europe
My Grandparents
front yard
Gary Whitting
and  I
This is just part of her herd.
Associations
I Have  Been Happy to  Donate Time &
Energy

Guide Dogs of the Desert ~ Palm Springs Ca
F.A.I.R   Tucson, AZ
P.A.C..C.   Tucson, AZ
Save the Whales ~ San Diego, Ca
( Adopt a whale program)
Horseman's Association ~ U of A
(President  2003)
Southern Arizona Blood Bank  for Animals
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
No More Homeless Animals Concert
Articles and Letters
Written By Kris

Equus Magazine ~ March 2003
I will be  freelancing for the  Desert  Dog
News
Watch for my articles in coming issues.
Training at Sea World
in San Diego
Just part of my
"Herd"