Join Cowgirls with Cameras for Exciting Western Photography Adventures!

Western and Equine Photography Retreats

The Western lifestyle has a unique magic. Capturing that magic in images while immersed in the culture of the equestrian and ranch lifestyle is the domain of Cowgirls with Cameras. Formed in 2019, this partnership of three photographers: Kimberly Beer, Phyllis Burchett, and Cara Taylor Swift offers photographers and artists the opportunity to photograph real working cowboys and cowgirls amidst some of the most beautiful and pristine scenery on the planet.

“All of our events are designed to give our attendees a chance to both photograph and experience the Western lifestyle,” says co-founder Kimberly Beer. “We like to provide immersive adventures that inspire, educate, and build community.”

Cowgirls with Cameras offers a variety of experiences for photographers from beginner to advanced. “We strive to help amateur and professional photographers master their craft with creativity and style. Our workshops, retreats, and classes are open, inviting environments by design, so you can feel free to explore fresh perspectives, acquire new skills, and have fun doing it!” says co-founder Cara Taylor Swift.

Join Cowgirls with Cameras on a Spectacular Photography Adventure

Cowgirls with Cameras operates their experiences to include Nine Key Focus Points that they feel embody their mission to provide attendees with what they want most when attending workshops; seeking growth or expertise; working with a mentor; or accessing a supportive community. These points are:

• Collaboration over competition.

• Open gates to knowledge.

• Empowerment of women photographers.

• Expansion of technical expertise and creativity.

• A safe environment in which to learn and create.

• Community.

• Real world business skills.

• Support to overcome barriers and obstacles.

• The ability to use the images you make during the event.

“It doesn’t matter if you just picked up your first camera today or you’re a seasoned pro — we have an immersive experience awaiting you,” says Phyllis Burchett.

Trapper's Lake Lodge Adventure

C Lazy U Ranch Granby, CO

C Lazy U Ranch Granby, CO

Capture great images

Gorgeous Autumn Foliage

Rustic Western Settings

There are several opportunities for you to join the Cowgirls with Cameras at a Western and Equine Photography Retreat in 2024 and 2025.

Cottonwood Guest Ranch

August 22-27, 2024, Wells, Nevada | $3950

This learning intensive experience is set against the rugged backdrop of the Nevada high country which is unique and beautiful. The Cottonwood Guest Ranch is a multi-generational working horse and cattle ranch that offers an authentic look at the ranching lifestyle. This experience is a perfect mix of shooting, education, and relaxation time. Accommodations are in a cozy lodge and the home cooked food will soothe both your hunger and your soul. “The Cottonwood Ranch Immersive Photography Experience was an unforgettable experience that provided the perfect balance of learning, relaxation, and adventure. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is passionate about ranch/equine photography and looking to improve their skills in a beautiful and inspiring setting,” says former attendee Jackie Harris.

Learn how to photograph western life at Cottonwood Ranch in Wells, Nevada

You can expect image opportunities to include: horses, both loose in a herd and under saddle at work on the ranch; working dogs; cattle; mountain, corral, and open pasture back drops; action and portrait set-ups; both adults and children as models.

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Trapper’s Lake Lodge Photographer’s Adventure

September 29-October 2, Meeker, Colorado | $2500

Gorgeous autumn foliage, horses, and so much more to capture during a photography retreat.

If you have a heart seeking adventure, this experience is for you. The setting is autumn in the breathtaking Flat Top Wilderness of Colorado during peak fall color season. The host facility for this event is the historic Trapper’s Lake Lodge which offers shared cabin accommodations. Meals are provided. This event also includes several shooting locations on working family ranches in the area. “From the moment I arrived on my scouting trip to this location, I was mesmerized by the beauty of the area,” says Kimberly Beer.

Image opportunities at this event include: horses and riders in rugged mountain scenery; working cowboys and cowgirls with a herd of horses and cattle; cowboy and cowgirl portraits; adults and kids as models; working dogs; and magical fall color.

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Horses in the Snow Photographer’s Getaway at C Lazy U Ranch

February 26-March 2, 2025, Granby, Colorado | $4500

Join Cowgirls with Cameras at C Lazy U Ranch

“We had been seeking a fantastic winter location for a long time and we found it at C Lazy U!” says Cara Taylor Swift. The host location for this Getaway is a five star resort complete with cozy cabin accommodations, winter activities, horseback riding, and chef prepared meals included.

“The resort was very comfortable, and the level of service was like none other I have EVER experienced. The dining experiences – no, they were not just meals – were truly first rate!! I got images I will treasure forever, made friends that will last forever and will consider Cowgirls with Cameras in my future plans. I’d also like to point out that as a man on a “Cowgirls” event – I was made to feel welcome and just another participant – everyone was very friendly and nice. It was the experience I was after – horses in snow are so special to me. If you are a photographer with an interest in fascinating and challenging photography – I would say this is the ticket!” says Tim Gillespie who attended this event in February, 2024.

At this experience you can expect: a large herd of loose horses in the snow; riding in the snow; cowgirls and cowboys; portraits and action setups; plus the daily jingle of over 200 head of horses both in and out of the pasture.

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You can find out more information on these and other Cowgirls with Cameras events on their website at CowgirlswithCameras.com. The trio also hosts a podcast called Cowgirls with Cameras which is available on most major podcast networks including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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Please read EquuStyle Art & Travel's Disclaimer https://www.equustyle.com/disclaimer 

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Kimberly Beer, Co-Founder Cowgirls with Cameras for writing an excellent article and the sharing photographs from Phyllis Burchett, Kimberly Beer, and Cara Taylor Swilft.

All images Copyright Cowgirls with Cameras -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Cowgirls with Cameras.

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Capturing the Majesty: Mastering the Art of Photographing Horses

New Zealand Horse Photography Workshop with fine art equine photographer Tony Stromberg

Imagine traveling to an exotic location like New Zealand with one of the world's top ten fine art equine photographers, Tony Stromberg to photograph horses. Or, traveling to Central California during April to learn tips about photographing wild horses.

Mastering the art of photographing horses is a transformational experience for many horse enthusiasts. Add traveling to a unique location or witnessing wild horses in a sanctuary make the adventure even more special.

New Zealand is exotic and the landscape is wildly variable from volcanic terrain to glaciers. Traveling to Christchurch, New Zealand during the summer of 1985, we encountered vast, pastoral beauty and saw countless stars blanketed by a pitch-black night sky. Each day traveling through the countryside was magical and the people were very friendly.

For many people an opportunity to travel to New Zealand may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a treasured memory for me and I do hope to return. Huka Falls is a particularly picturesque location on the South Island with one of the highest flowing waterfalls in the world. New Zealand has a lot to see and absorb with whatever amount of time you spend in this pristine country.

Traveling to New Zealand to photograph horses and visit the area will be a memorable experience for anyone who loves to travel. Learn more today at https://tonystromberg.com/product/equine-photography-in-new-zealand/

"Mustang Mood" by fine art equine photographer Lori Sorvino

Or, why not take a 3-day workshop and learn how to photograph rescued mustangs on a 2,000 acre sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, California, April 23-24-25, 2024? Return to Freedom photo safaris are fundraisers for the nonprofit organization Return to Freedom.org which is a national wild horse conservation organization focused on sanctuary, conservation, advocacy, and education.

Return to Freedom Photo Safaris are offered by fine art equine photographer Lori Sortino. For more information and to register visit http://essencecaptured.com/workshops/return-to-freedom-photo-safari/

Not only will you discover how to take incredible images of wild mustangs with Lori Sortino and her associates, but you will be supporting a very worthy nonprofit that works to protect America's wild horses and burros.

Lori describes "Mustang Mood" with these words. "I love creating these dramatic back or side lit images during what we call the 'golden hour' near sunset when the light is so beautiful!" This image is currently available printed on canvas at the H. Chaval Coffee and Gifts in Paso Robles, California, (805) 221-5170.

To learn a little about Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation, watch this short video:

"Robert Redford Stands with America's Wild Horses"

Please read EquuStyle Art & Travel's Disclaimer https://www.equustyle.com/disclaimer 

#wildhorses #equinephotography #horsephotography #newzealand #returntofreedom #horsephotographyworkshops #mustangsbefree #wildmustangs #wildhorseadvocacy #tonystrombergphotography #essenceapturedphotography #horses #burros #rescuehorses #rescueburros #wildhorsesanctuary #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Tony Stromberg: On Light and Fine Art Equine Photography

A rare interview with one of the world's top fine art equine photographers.

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Unicorn

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I grew up all over the west. My dad was a geologist for an oil company, and we moved constantly. 18 homes by the time I was 18. Very nomadic lifestyle, which is probably why I relate so well to the American wild horses… nomadic by nature. Because of all the moving, I became a loner at a pretty

early age. I am sure this has affected my work in many ways. I work best alone. In fact, when I was doing advertising photography, I would go back into the studio after everyone went home at night, and that’s usually when I did my best work. I get distracted when other people are watching and expecting me to perform, to the point where I can’t really focus.

3 Brothers

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

That’s a hard one. There are not specific artists or photographers that I get inspiration from. Rather, I think it is an accumulation of everything I have seen, read, or heard throughout my life that has informed my artistic sensibilities. I also get a lot of inspiration from nature, and being

immersed in nature. I think all good art imitates nature in some way. We live in a very technical world and spend an inordinate amount of time in front of a computer screen or a phone. I think all the technology dampens creativity, and sometimes the best way to connect with our creative self is to unplug from all the technology and sit in silence so we can actually hear ourselves.

3 Stallions

How has your style changed over time?

It’s always a process. When I started doing advertising work, I was all over the map. I did fashion, food, technology, architecture, still life, catalog work, special effects, landscapes, because I didn’t really know who I was and had not defined my creative voice yet. I experimented a lot. I am completely self-trained in photography, and never went to school. I tried by doing, and by making a lot of mistakes, and learning what NOT to do. Over time, my personal style developed, but it took 20 years to find that. I spent years emulating the popular photographers, only to realize this was not me, and it was not coming from within. What I ultimately came to learn was that I had a deep appreciation for lighting.

Luminous

When I teach workshops, I tell people that they are not photographing a horse, they are photographing the light falling onto the horse. It takes a fundamental shift in understanding to really grasp that concept, but it is all about lighting. Photographers start with a black canvas, and we add light. We literally “paint” with light. After 20 years of studio photography, I learned how to “see” light. I am always looking for the light, so to speak. After I shifted my focus to horses, I realized I could take 20 years of experience in lighting and apply it to something I truly loved.

When is your favorite time of day to photograph horses?

Late afternoon, for sure. Magic hour. The last hour of sunlight is the best. In fact, in that late afternoon light, it is hard to take a “bad” photograph.

What motivates you to continue photographing horses?

I just love horses. I was burned out after 20 years of advertising work. I had lost myself after trying to be so many things and trying to please so many people. It’s a long story for another time, but when I started spending time with horses, they showed me a way back to my authentic self, and that was a huge gift to me. My work, I believe, continues to be an “homage: to the horse". I showed my true self to the horses, and in return, they shared with me their true essence, and that is what I try to convey through my work.

How do you define success as a fine art equine photographer?

When I was doing commercial work, it was constant marketing and it always felt like pushing a boulder uphill. When I started working with horses and started building a body of work with my equine photography, doors would open in front of me without much effort. The sense of struggle was gone. The 4 books I have published all came with little effort. When I started teaching workshops, I created them and people signed up, and it’s been going strong even efter 20 years of doing them. I think “success” is being able to do what you love and also make a living at it, without having to commercialize it or change it to fit someone else’s desire. I have a dream job. I travel the world photographing some of the world’s most beautiful horses, in some very beautiful places, and I get paid for it !!!

What have critics and collectors said about your work?

That’s an odd question. People that collect my work do so because it speaks to them on some level, and they love the work. I don’t think I have any critics, and if I do, I don’t really care what they think. At one point in my life, I would do whatever I could to please them, but not anymore. I know who I am, and I know my work has value. If someone does not like it, they do not have to look at it!

Why do you offer workshops and how do you benefit or find meaning from sharing your artistic mastery with other aspiring equine photographers?

After my first book was published, along with calendars, people started to ask me if I would do

workshops, so I thought “why not”. I started doing a few in my hometown of Santa Fe, and it just grew from there. I am happy to share my photographic experience. It gives me joy to see people learning what I have to offer them, and I love to watch them grow artistically, and to find their own voice with their equine photography. They come to me because we all have a shared love of horses and photography and want to share our vision with the world. What’s not to like?

Click on the button to see more of Tony Stromberg's equine images

along with his stories behind these gorgeous photographs.

Gallery of Images

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All images Copyright Tony Stromberg Photography -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Tony Stromberg Photography.

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