Dryhead Ranch Photographers Retreat | Julie Cordero Photography | Montana | 2023

Welcome to cowboy country!

We all need to retreat at times. To get away and recharge. This summer, my recharge came with a week getaway to the most amazing place- The Dryhead Ranch, a four-generation working cattle, horse, and guest ranch located way out in the middle of nowhere Montana.

This photography retreat was hosted by @cowgirls with cameras, made up of a dynamic trio of three Western adventure photographers who want to help equine photographers succeed in fun and creative environments.  Cowgirls with Cameras heads to The Dryhead Ranch each July for a week of serious fun.

The Dryhead Ranch has a rich ranching heritage, which starts in 1898. Today, the same Bassett family run close to 1,000 head of cattle and about 150 beautiful ranch-raised horses on 33,000 acres of deeded and leased land nestled in the Pryor Mountains. Guests come in from all over the world to experience an authentic working environment on horseback, which can range from moving and doctoring cattle to managing mare bands and their foals.

Enjoy just a small token of the MANY photos I was honored to capture.

Texas Tech University Senior Guy with His Very Large Dog | Julie Cordero Photography | Lubbock, Texas

Drew Webb and his dog, Larry, showed up BIG for Drew’s graduating senior session— they were ready with big smiles and big fun. Drew recently graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock and is now working for the Texas Rangers.

Congratulations, Drew! I was honored to be your senior photographer.

Two Adored Dogs with Their Human Family | Julie Cordero Photography | Lubbock, Texas

I’m not sure I’ve experienced a family more lovingly and happily obsessed with their dogs! I so loved this family session, as each member was so interested in making sure we got great images of their beloved pets— no matter how long it took! This kind of family just makes my job FUN.

During the course of the day, we did two portrait sessions, one in the studio and one outdoors. Together, they have since chosen to order a gorgeous fine art linen-covered album full of favorite images from their day, as well as five wall portraits. This beautiful family will have tangible expressions of their love for their pets for years to come.

Dogs in Action 4.0 Workshop with Claudio Piccoli | Purina Mills Farm | Gray Summit, MO

In the book, Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell he introduces the 10,000 hour rule. The rule goes like this: it takes 10,000 hours of intensive, deliberate practice to achieve mastery of complex skills in a field. I’m not there yet, as this requires practicing a specific task, such as photography, for 20 hours of work a week for 10 years.

In the meantime, I keep studying my craft and working to be the most proficient pet and equine photographer available for my clients. Attending workshops, such as the Dogs in Action 4.0 workshop held recently in Missouri with the phenomenal high-action dog photographer, Claudio Piccoli, pushes me forward and toward my goal. For several days, I was challenged and encouraged and simply made much more passionate about the art of high-action dog photography! These animals are incredible athletes and their trainers are fantastic. The event was organized by Sarah Brueske, a professional dog trainer and dog sport photographer. She worked hard to bring together a wide variety of dog breeds and skill levels for the attendees to practice on, and provided a beautifully orchestrated couple of days. The event was hosted by Purina Mills Farms, which gave the attendees lovely grounds to enjoy, food on site, a pool for dock diving, a course for photographing agility, and even deep woods for photographing dogs in action leaping over logs.

What an opportunity to grow as a photographer while having a blast!

Disc dog, also known as Frisbee Dog, is a dog sport in which dogs and their humans compete in events such as distance catching and somewhat choreographed freestyle catching.

The Nava Family Photo Session | Texas Family and Pet Photographer | Julie Cordero Photography

This beautiful family was my very last session of 2020. What a gorgeous way to end the year! I love celebrating families with their cherished pets.

We began our time together with a Pre-consultation Session; a time to dream aloud about what final art the family is desiring. It was quickly clear that the primary goal was to capture a family image that could be enlarged, printed, framed, and hung over the fireplace. Mom desired at least one piece, if not several, that could be arranged in a grouping. We discussed the personalities of the participants, attire, location for the session, and even answered questions they had. My goal with this session is for clients to leave comfortable and with a true sense of excitement about what is to come!

On Photosession Day, everyone arrived with smiles and ready for fun work. It was a busy (almost) two hours of photographing the family as a unit, as well as individual images that could be used as framed art or in an album. We even got some quick individual images of the dogs themselves. It was a whirlwind of action and fun!

About ten days or so later, images were revealed to the family. They loved what they saw and made selections. I have the ability to digitally show clients what their images will look like on their own walls, to aid in the decision process- especially as it pertains to what sizes to order. Mom texted me a phone photo of her fireplace and the wall above it. This image was input into my software. I was then able to show her several grouping options at various sizes. In the end, five metal prints were ordered in two sizes to be placed over the fireplace. They also ordered several other tabletop items, such as mini albums. I can’t wait to deliver their products soon!

What a joy it is to serve my clients and provide art they can love for generations to come.

xoxo

julie

Teen Guy and His Dog | People and Their Pets | Pet Photographer | Lubbock, TX

I could write a long list of the many reasons that pet ownership is highly beneficial to young persons.

Dogs keep people active, teach responsibility, offer protection, show unconditional love and even help build healthy immune systems. But the one that tops the list is the deep bond that our dogs develop with their humans; a bond that both warms and enlarges the heart! Dogs are such precious members of our family! I’m so honored be a person who gets to tell their stories in such a tangible and beautiful way as photography.

Enjoy these images of a thoughtful, respectful, and kind young man and his sweet old girl. I can’t wait to deliver their album this week full of these images, the quote, and so much more.

If you want to chat about my business or have questions needing answered, feel free to fill out the contact form: www.juliecordero.com/contact.

Have a blessed and fabulous week ~

Julie

“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen. ”

— Orhan Pamuk

Julie Cordero Photography 2020 - Lubbock, Texas

Senior Guy and His Dog | Julie Cordero Photography | Lubbock, Texas

I get giddy excited when a client says, “Are you willing to drive a ways to this ranch I know?” or “I know this really cool spot out of town.” It’s so fun to follow them to that new site and experience that special locale in person.

Well, that’s what happened one night recently for a photo session of a high school senior, Christian, and his gorgeous silver lab mix dog, Bear. Three vehicles headed out of Lubbock and drove out to a private ranch near Slaton, Texas. Here, Angus and Charolais cattle roam the thousands of acres and working windmills dot the land. It was truly beautiful— especially the sunset that could be seen for countless miles.

The sun was still high so we chose to head first to the barn and start our photo session where we could find shade. Upon walking up the beautiful old red barn, I looked up and immediately locked in on the hayloft above. I asked, “Can we go up there?” I was told “yes”, so I headed up to open the door and check out the area. No snakes were found, so we were good to go! These images were a great start to a great evening of photographing a handsome young man and his sweet companion.

It is my true joy to photograph senior guys who cherish their time with their dogs.

Enjoy the pictures!

xoxo

Julie

Christian + Bear

THE JCP FURRY-FRIENDS GIVEAWAY!

THE JULIE CORDERO PHOTOGRAPHY

FURRY-FRIENDS GIVEAWAY!

You made it over to the blog, so you must be entering the FURRY FRIENDS Giveaway.

If you’ve got pets and you live in Lubbock, you NEED to enter this! I want you ALL to win but we’ll have two winners (be on the watch for other giveaways coming soon)! Double your odds of winning.

The rules and regs. There’s some important stuff here so read on, friends!  

RULES AND OTHER INFO YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW--

Make sure you engage with our Instagram posts between now and January 31, 2020.  

Pro tip: We use a random winner generator app so the more you engage (likes, comments, sharing, and tagging), the higher your chance is to win. 

The contest ends @ 11:59 p.m. CT on Friday, January 31, 2020. Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified within 24h of the giveaway closing. The two winners will be announced on Saturday, February 1, 2020!

Julie Cordero Photography: A Julie Cordero Photography Photo Session is for 1-2 animals and 1 optional human. The normal Session Fee, which acts as a retainer, is $300, which includes a $100 Print Credit. All additional purchases of products and digital files above the $100 Print Credit are sold separately. Additional animals or humans are $50 each. Photo sessions will take place in Lubbock, Texas unless travel expenses are paid in full.

The $150 gift certificate to Julie Cordero Photography, being awarded to the second winner, covers a Session Fee/retainer for one session only at a discounted rate of $150. It does not include cost of products or digital files.

Hub City Veterinary Clinic: The $166 value Canine Annual Wellness Package includes the following items: Annual Comprehensive Physical Examination, Rabies 1yr, Bordetella Oral Vaccine, DHPP 1 Year Vaccine, Heartworm Occult Test.

Urban Pets Market & Boutique: GC not redeemable for cash; expires June 30, 2020.

Truvida Pets: Winner can use all of their cards at once or one at a time at checkout. Enter the code provided on the back of each card and $25 will be deducted from their total each time a card is used. 

K9 Oasis: Winner receives a free seven-week Intro to Obedience Course, along with a puzzle toy, and bag of treats! Total Value is $150. Dog must be 12 weeks or older. Additional information will be on the certificate.

These are all LUBBOCK-based businesses, so keep that in mind when trying to win their gift certificates. Shipping costs may be incurred as well for some items.

Entrants must be 18+ years of age. Open to U.S. residents only.

Entrants release Instagram and Facebook and all brands of all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s and Facebook’s terms of use. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion isn’t sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or any other social media used throughout the contest.

I can’t wait to see who wins these FABULOUS packages!

PUPPY KISSES ~

julie

Five Fabulous and Easy-To-Make Homemade Dog Treats

When photography my clients’ pets, I make sure to provide healthy and wholesome, organic treats. A favorite of the dogs I’ve had in my studio is freeze dried liver!

As often as possible, I have taken to making homemade treats. It’s not as convenient as popping into the local pet food store, but it allows me to avoid any allergens and make them as yummy and healthy as possible.

EDIT: By the way, check out this article: https://yourdogadvisor.com/best-peanut-butter-for-dogs/ for some information on selecting a safe peanut butter for your dog.

You, too, can make your own homemade doggie snacks! Here are five recipes to try:

1.         Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Donuts

Yes, donuts for dogs! Fido will not be able to resist these—they have yogurt frosting and bacon sprinkles!! These fun treats use just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. 

Life is awesome.

https://www.sunnydayfamily.com/2017/01/dog-donuts.html

If you need a donut pan, you can easily find one on Amazon (and it will be at your front door in no time!).

2.         Spinach, Carrot, and Zucchini Dog Treats

Here’s a treat packed with veggies, so your pups can embrace their nutrition!

https://damndelicious.net/2015/06/10/spinach-carrot-and-zucchini-dog-treats/

3.         Peanut Butter and Bacon Glazed Bones

How could any pup resist bacon glaze? This makes a beautiful treat, and it makes a LOT of them; like 30 or so large dog treats. Have fun baking!

https://pinchofyum.com/homemade-dog-treats

Do you need a bone cookie cutter set? Try this one: Fox Run 3683 Dog Bone Cookie Cutter Set, Stainless Steel, 3-Piece

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-3683-Stainless-3-Piece/dp/B0000VLP5S/ref=sr_1_4?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1548362046&sr=1-4&keywords=dog+bone+cookie+cutter

4.        Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Today just happens to be National Peanut Butter Day, and pups love peanut butter! This is a super simple recipe and only takes about thirty minutes to make. The recipe yields about 120 mini bones.

https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/homemade-peanut-butter-dog-treats-recipe/

5.         Paw-Print Dog Treats

These are adorable! Check out the recipe, and Martha Stewart is going to tell you how to imprint them with a paw-print! This recipe that makes about 24 bones.

https://www.marthastewart.com/336454/paw-print-dog-treats

If you make any of these, I’d love to see your results!