On November 1st, 2016, I published my very first blog post. I had no idea then how this space would evolve — how much it would come to reflect not just my photography, but my values, my voice, and my vision for Exposure One Studios.
This blog has followed me through seasons of change: artistic growth, personal reinvention, victories and rejections, burnout and bold new beginnings. It’s witnessed quiet moments behind the lens and the spectacular sunrises at sea. It’s been a journal, a portfolio, a space to process, and sometimes, just a place to breathe.
Nine years in, here’s what I know:
Consistency isn’t always about posting weekly — it’s about returning. Even when life pulls me away, I always find my way back to this space. And every time I do, I’m reminded why I started.
There’s power in storytelling. The photos I take are more than still images; they’re moments layered in history, culture, emotion, and legacy. Writing about them has deepened my connection to the work — and hopefully to you, the reader.
Vulnerability builds legacy. Sharing not only what works but what doesn’t — the missed deadlines, the near-quits, the overwhelming “what now?”s — has helped me grow a more authentic, enduring body of work. I don’t just want to document horses and the people who love them — I want to document the truth of creating while healing, striving, and learning.
So here’s to nine years of showing up.
Whether you’ve been following me from the beginning or you just discovered Exposure One Studios last week, thank you. Every view, comment, message, and share has helped me keep going. Your support — silent or spoken — means more than I can ever fully explain.
What’s next?
More equestrian fine art, more essays, more passion projects tied to Appalachian and Ohio Valley culture, and yes — more blog posts. Because this space is mine to shape, and I’m not done telling the stories that matter.
With gratitude,
Tiffany Bumgardner
Photographer, Writer, & Founder of Exposure One Studios