Erika Haight: Capturing the Soul of the American West
In the vast expanses of Montana, where the plains meet the sky, fine art photographer Erika Haight has made her mark capturing the essence of the American West. Based in Roundup, Montana, Haight has gained recognition for her captivating black-and-white images, particularly her decade-long documentation of the Crow Nation. Her work stands as a testament to human resilience, family bonds, and the rich cultural heritage of Native American life.
A Lens into Native American Life
For over a decade, Haight has devoted herself to documenting and spending time with her adopted Crow family. Her photographs offer a window into the Crow Nation's traditions, both those that have faded and those that endure. Through her lens, viewers witness intimate moments of children at play, the weathered faces of elders, and the day-to-day life on the reservation.
Haight's Photographic Style
Haight's work is characterized by its traditional black-and-white imagery, which she believes allows viewers to look beyond surface appearances and into the soul of her subjects. Haight explains:
I believe that black-and-white images remove distraction, forcing the viewer to look past outward appearances and into the soul of the subject.
Her style is marked by:
Bold and clean perspectives
Thoughtful use of negative space and framing
An ability to evoke strong emotional responses
These elements combine to create images that are at once modern and timeless, carrying historical significance in the context of our times.
Most Popular Pieces of Western Art
Among Haight's most memorable photographic experiences is the Hells A-Roarin' Horse Drive in Jardine, Montana.
Despite challenging weather conditions, this event provided her with some of her best images. Haight recalls,
The scenery is beyond beautiful, and the Western subject matter is endless.
The harsh conditions added a layer of drama to her photographs, with wavy horsehair from the sleet and rain, and heavy air creating layered skies folding over the terrain.
However, it's her Native American portraits that hold a special place in her heart. "Apsaalooke Beauty," a portrait of a young Crow girl in fair regalia, marks the beginning of her Native American portrait series and remains one of her favorite works. The image captures a moment of profound connection, with the young girl's wise gaze meeting the camera lens in an extraordinary exchange.
Crow Nation Photography
Haight has devoted much of the past decade to documenting her adopted Crow family, capturing intimate moments of reservation life. This body of work seems to be among her most recognized, offering rare insights into contemporary Native American culture.
Apsaalooke Beauty
This portrait of a young Crow girl in traditional regalia is highlighted by Haight herself as possibly her favorite photo. She describes it as "the beautiful start to my Native American portrait series," noting the wisdom visible in the child's eyes.
Hells A-Roarin' Horse Drive
Haight cites her photos from this annual Montana event as some of her best work outside of her Native American series. She captured dramatic images of horses and riders in challenging weather conditions, creating visually striking scenes.
Themes and Style
Haight's work is characterized by:
Black-and-white imagery, which she believes "removes distraction" and allows viewers to look deeper into the subject.
A focus on human resilience, family, and cultural heritage.
Capturing both traditional elements and contemporary life in Native American communities.
Use of negative space and framing to evoke strong emotional responses.
While specific pieces aren't named, her photographs of children at play, elder portraits, and scenes of reservation life are mentioned as significant parts of her portfolio. Haight's work has been featured in numerous publications and has won multiple photography competitions, indicating broad appeal and recognition in the Western art world.
Inspirations and Influences
Haight draws inspiration from renowned photographers who came before her, particularly those who documented Native American life. She cites Edward Curtis and Richard Throssel as significant influences:
Edward Curtis: Known for his extensive studies of Native American culture and locations
Richard Throssel: Admired for his intimate relationship with the Crow
Haight marvels at their mastery of photography during a time when the technology was relatively new and equipment was cumbersome. "I can spend hours flipping through their books and images," she says, highlighting the enduring impact of their work on her own artistic vision.
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Haight's unique perspective and skillful execution have earned her numerous accolades. She has won several photography competitions and her work has been featured in various publications. Her images are recognized as both modern and historically significant, bridging past and present in powerful visual narratives.
Looking to the future, Haight has set her sights on new photographic frontiers. Top of her bucket list is Sable Island off the coast of Nova Scotia, known for its wild horses and rich history. She also dreams of capturing the Escaramuza charra in Mexico, a female equestrian event that aligns with her interest in Western and equestrian themes.
Advice for Aspiring Photographers
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Haight offers straightforward advice: "The best advice I could give other photographers is to shoot what they are passionate about. Focus on what you love to capture." She encourages aspiring photographers to travel extensively, emphasizing the importance of broadening one's experiences and perspectives.
Conclusion
Erika Haight's work stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the American West and the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities. Through her black-and-white imagery, she invites viewers to look beyond the surface and connect with the soul of her subjects.
As she continues to document the lives and traditions of the Crow Nation and explore new frontiers, Haight's photography serves as a bridge between past and present, preserving moments of beauty, resilience, and cultural significance for generations to come.
To explore more of Erika Haight's evocative photography, visit her website at erikahaightphotography.com.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.