About Mel

A qualified graphic designer by trade, I have had a love for horses as long as I can remember.

My first horse was a 14hh black pony named Prancer who I owned when I was 9. I have since moved on to a more coloured variety - Paint Horses.

I own a selection of Quarter Horses & Paints, they can be seen on my horses page.

In 2002 a trip to America saw me meet (in my opinion) the best Equine Photographer & Designer in the world - Gail Bates. Gail taught me some invaluable tips and tricks to be able to come back to Australia and use, and also showed me around California. Gail keeps asking me to come back and work for her, a very tempting invitation I can tell you (hey- we still have Disney Land to visit!).

When I was working with Gail I created my signature, a hand written 'Mel' with a copyright symbol. Gail's signature is also hand drawn and is the tell tale 'fingerprint' for her images. Mine has now become that for my business, with many people exclaiming "Oh you're THAT Mel" when they see me at a show and put a face to the signature. Previous to creating this logo I hand signed each photo with the same that I now use via the computer.

I am proud to say that I have some wonderful clients that has enabled me to grow Crazy Horse Designs into my own full time business. When I am not travelling around Australia photographing shows, or studs, I am at home working on adverts and websites.

I decided to become a photographer when I went to my first paint horse show and met Margaret Oakden. She is my 'mentor' and has taught me nearly everything I know about photographing horses and advert layout. I would have hoped that I have learnt something from her, I have been hanging off her shirt tails since I was 14! How she put up my me I will never know!

We have now joined forces to create MacoMedia, and we are onto our 5th edition of our publication- the 2008 Western Horse Breeders Annual. Full of great photos & horses, and some pretty good reading to boot!!!

I live in Brisbane Queensland, with my fiance who is more into 'horse power' than horses. As you can see the petrol fumes have gotten into my system, with the purchase of my new car- a 2008 XR6 Turbo Ute. Its stabled next to our 2007 Turbo Diesel Hilux Ute and our pride and joy- a 540 horse power 1970 Falcon Sedan. We live on our own little bit of acreage, with our cat, and staffordshire bullterriers which we breed as a hobby.

Thanks again for checking out my website! Don't forget to sign my guestbook!