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.

Handsome Andalusian Stallion Modeling on the Campus of Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Texas | Julie Cordero Photography

As a photographer in Lubbock, it can be difficult to find truly lovely locations for photo shoots. Especially when you’re bringing an animal as big as a horse. But the Texas Tech University campus definitely works!

Texas Tech is known as one of the loveliest university campuses in the country, thanks to the vision of the master builders who, in 1923, made a Spanish Renaissance style of architecture the blueprint for almost every building on campus. The intent was to represent the southwestern history of the region. Much of the beauty is found in the ornate columns, decorative window structures, archways, and pilasters that look as though they came from some of the great architects of Spain.

Having lived in Spain myself, I have a heart and passion for the design of these buildings and have wanted to showcase them in a photo session. My desire was to utilize a horse of a breed from Spain. Enter Fresco, a stunning Andalusian stallion who fits the bill. His owner, Ashleigh, wore a full-length black tulle skirt, which highlighted his grey coloring. She bravely rode him through the arched walkways, with the architecture behind.

A separate human model, Miranda, was brought in as well for a creative spin. Miranda actively rides horses, so she was ready to handle Fresco with finesse and skill, despite tight clothing and high heels! This cowgirl shined in her job.

Enjoy these images. I am incredibly proud of them.

Amazing Morningstar Ranch Styled Equine Shoot | Julie Cordero Photography | Horse and Rider

Imagine being in a gorgeous space where everywhere you turned were stunning horse and rider combinations to photograph. That’s what this styled shoot was. A photographer’s dreamland. A place and time to learn from others, practice new skills, build your portfolio and, well, just have a killer time! What an absolute joy to have the honor of participating in this incredible evening.

This photoshoot was held May 15, 2021 at the lovely Morningstar Ranch in Pilot Point, Texas. This place has it all: a beach, woods, lakes, a swing, open fields….so much eye candy!! The shoot was envisioned and brought to life by three phenomenal equine photographers: Terri Cage, Caitlin Demura, and Lynn Schwab. Go check out their work.

Below is just a taste of the images I took that evening. There are so many more! Enjoy the gallery and let me know your thoughts! I welcome hearing from my friends and followers. Of course, I’m open to schedule a fantasy shoot with you and YOUR horse.

Shallow Creek’s Garrett, AKA ‘Valor’, a cremello Morgan horse, with model Kat Brewer. Bridle by Weaver Leather.

Can you imagine a prom session with your horse? What a perfect reuse of your prom dress.

Horse: The Prize of Cashmire, AKA ‘T-Rex’, a chestnut Quarter Horse. Model: The gorgeous Caitlin Deisler. Dress by Sherrihill.

For the very best in unimaginably stunning couture clothing, Coffman Couture is the place to visit. Check out this skirt!

Horse and rider: Sjabbe MF, a black Friesian owned by Marvel Jeffcoat and Dan Kessler of Medallion Friesians. He is ridden by Clare Morrow, who handled him so beautifully.

A Victorian princess and her black steed.

Sweet Angel, a bay roan Quarter Horse, is ridden and loved and owned by Haley Wright.

Valor, showing off his amazing tack from The Baroque Horse Store and handled by Kat Brewer. How lovely is this pair?

What a warrior QUEEN!

Black background images are a perfect way to showcase your horse.

Now this is the way to go to prom? Prom queens didn’t look like this when I was in high school! So stunning.

#tlcgotstyle21

Adorable Siblings and Their Horse | Julie Cordero Photography | Pet and Equine Photography | Lubbock, Texas

I keep staring at these photos and just melt E V E R Y time! Not only are these kids and their patient horse-friend absolutely adorable, but these two sweet kids are growing up learning to love and respect animals. What a powerful and important lesson. Children who are taught to be kind to animals grow up kind to humans as well.

This beautiful black Polish Arabian, Czecher, is 24-years-young and is owned by the mother of these two young riders. Czecher is a fabulous kid sitter! The kids love and trust him totally— they can as he’s quite trustworthy. I was definitely concerned about Miles’ fingers while this sweet boy was feeding Czecher a carrot (aren’t carrots with the green tops still on them the BEST!) from our local Market Street, but this horse took great care of his little charge. Czecher, when not babysitting, is a very talented dressage horse. For the last several years, he has been used primarily as a lesson horse and has taught numerous children to ride.

The mother of Molly and Miles, Renee, has owned Czecher since the day he was born. He captured the heart of his owner immediately. And what’s really special— the kids’ grandmother owned Czecher’s dam! This story is all in the family. What a wonderful legacy of love.

Molly is seven and is already taking dressage riding lessons on Czecher at Premier Park Equestrian Center. I love watching her ride! She has begun showing him in Intro Level dressage shows and has a great riding future ahead of her.

What a special treat to photograph this trio. I am blessed with amazing clients who become my friends.

_________________________________

Models: Molly and Miles

Equine Model: Czecher, a registered Arabian gelding

Location: Premier Park Equestrian Center | Lubbock, Texas

Flowers: Tucker Floral | Lubbock Texas

Red Dress: Joyfolie

Cowgirl Boots: Macie Bean

Mid-century Side Chair: Joss & Main

“We have almost forgotten how strange a thing it is that so huge and powerful and intelligent an animal as a horse should allow another, and far more feeble animal to ride upon its back.”

— Peter Gray

There's no better way to grow up than on a horse.

It is my sincere privilege to help families create tangible expressions of their love for each other through the art of photography and print. To chat about your own horse and rider session, head to www.juliecordero.com/contact and fill out the form. I’ll be in touch soon.