Art of the Cowgirl 2021

This blog is a throwback to last summer, when I attended my first photography workshop at Art of the Cowgirl in Bozeman, Montana. Art of the Cowgirl’s mission is to preserve and promote the cowgirl lifestyle by supporting all forms of western art, from silversmithing to saddle making. The workshop helped me connect with other photographers, provided opportunities to learn and try new skills, and filled my inspiration bucket.

My instructors at the workshop were Kim Beer and Phyllis Burchett. Before signing up for the workshop, I was on the fence about the investment, but after I reviewed Kim & Phyllis’s portfolios, I was convinced. Kim and Phyllis complement each other well, and they make a fantastic team. If you are interested in equine photography, I’d highly recommend their workshops.

Besides my instructors, the workshop provided a collaborative environment with other photographers. Some of those relationships have continued long after we traveled back home and continued our photography. Currently, Jessica Hurst (Jessica Elizabeth Photo) and I are participating in a mentorship with Cara Taylor Swift (Fast Horse Photography). We met in Bozeman, where Cara was promoting The Business Animal Podcast and Jessica was also a workshop participant. I’m so grateful that the friendships formed in Bozeman have continued to grow.

Besides my newly-formed photographer’s community, I learned new skills, like black background photos, and was reminded of photography techniques that I haven’t used in years, such as panning. Kim and Phyllis also provided some business coaching over lunch and between photoshoots.

In case the workshop instruction hadn’t provided enough creative fuel, renowned Montana photographer Barbara Van Cleve shared her photos and discussed photography techniques in a seminar. Her black and white photography documents ranch life with a style that shows the grace and grit of western families.

Art of the Cowgirl’s photography workshop not only rejuvenated my excitement for equine photography, but it also helped me build a mindset to let learning continue to feed my passion. 

P.S. If you're interested in a summer photo session, please reach out soon! My calendar is filling fast!! Either reply to this email or reach out through my contact form here.