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.

A Beautiful Family and Pet Portrait Session | The Novotny Family | Julie Cordero Photography

I got to travel to the British Isles recently for a photo session— or so it seemed! The locale was still Lubbock, Texas but I pretended we were in Scotland or Ireland! The wind was blowing hard this evening but how lovely are the images captured of this beautiful and incredibly sweet couple and their dogs.

Side note: The husband here has great gift taste— he gave his wife a gift certificate to Julie Cordero Photography for a wedding present!

A Canine Companions Family | Julie Cordero Photography | Lubbock, TX

This beautiful family is made up of Chelsey with her pack of three dogs:

• Cinco, her 2.5-year-old Lab/Golden-cross current Canine Companions partner

• Pablo, her 10-year-old retired partner

• Capi, a 14-year-old one-eyed Cocker Spaniel who is blind and deaf but still as precious and adorable as ever

As you see, two of her dogs are part of the Canine Companions family. This organization, founded in 1975, works to allow its clients to lead lives with greater independence through the ownership of highly trained service dogs. Dogs are provided to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities at no cost. As well, facility dogs are provided to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.

This is why I love my job – getting to meet great humans and great animals while celebrating their relationships in printed art. I’m so looking forward to seeing the albums we have created and ordered this week full of lovely images from their recent photo session.

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from my friends and followers.

Big hugs~

Julie

Paso Fino Horse Portraits | Julie Cordero Photography | Ocala, Florida

One of my greatest joys as a photographer is the opportunity to capture breeds of horses or dogs that I’ve never had in front of my camera. It is a privilege to learn about what makes the breed unique and special and to get to photograph those characteristics.

On a recent trip to Ocala, Florida- “Horse Capital of the World” - I was invited to photograph a group of six absolutely lovely Paso Fino mares and stallions owned by @ariaspasofino farm and Dr. Edward Mills.

While there, I also got to RIDE one of the mares! What a fun experience! In the video taken, I’m giggling at both the smoothness of the gait as well as the staccato sound of it. If you ever are given the chance to ride one of these unique horses, just say ‘yes!’ These horses execute a natural four-beat lateral ambling gait. This gait is natural to the horse, without the aid of training devices. It’s quite unique.

Enjoy the photos!

Julie

Paso Fino Stallion - Julie Cordero Photography - Ocala, Florida

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.

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.

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

Adley, a Cavalier King Charles momma, and her puppies in studio | Julie Cordero Photography in Lubbock, Texas

Puppy sessions qualify for the most difficult photo sessions I undertake! But they are also the most rewarding. Two hours of wrangling little balls of fluff who are yawning and wiggling and sleeping, and just looking adorable. And who can resist two hours of puppy breath!

Momma Adley came by my studio recently with her unbelievably adorable two-week-old puppies for photos. The resulting images about make me cry every time I look at them!

Prior to the family’s arrival, all hard surfaces that they could come in contact with were sterilized with veterinary grade sanitizer. New background paper was used that’s never been touched by another dog. Everything is done to protect these precious lives. Of course, lots of assistants help protect them as well. We had four adults working to make these images happen!

Great images not only commemorate a very precious time in their young lives but helps them find great new forever homes.

If you are interested in a puppy session, give me a call. Generally from 2-6 weeks is the best time to photograph babies. I’d be happy to chat about capturing the lives of your sweet new litter.

xx julie

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

Debby Thomas Workshop at Zephyr Farm in Spotsylvania, Virginia

Prepare to drool. You are about to stare at some unbelievably gorgeous horses with serious mane GOALS!

Recently, I traveled to Virginia to visit with my daughter (she attends college back in my home state) and participate in the Debby Thomas Workshop at Zephyr Farm. Zephyr Farm is a small family-owned Gypsy Cob stud service operation. This truly lovely place was the backdrop for a recent photographers workshop hosted by the talented Debby Thomas. I was gifted with the joy of having ten amazing horses in front of my camera that day. Horses that not only blessed my soul with joy but gave me the opportunity to strengthen my skills photographing horses in their natural environment in both action and portraiture.

Thanks in abundance to everyone who assisted with this adventure, including Debbie, Carolyn, and Leslie. You three were so fun to meet and a privilege to work with.

Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit

The Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit currently consists of ten officers, with four in training. Within this group are a sergeant and a captain. 

This Mounted Unit provides police patrol, assisting with crime prevention in our city. Officers regularly cover the downtown and depot areas, especially during events such as First Friday Art Trail. The unit also conducts neighborhood deployments. During the Zoe Campos investigation, they participated in area searches. This unit obviously plays a strong role in the protection of our city and I am grateful.

Another aspect of their valuable work is participation in numerous events throughout the community — including National Night Out, Foster Kids Birthday Bash, ABC Pro Rodeo, and Challenger Little League. 

Officers in the Mounted Unit volunteer for this assignment as an ancillary duty and all hold other full-time positions within the department. Each Mounted Officer owns his or her own horse and takes 100% percent responsibility for the daily care of the horse. Through donations made to the Lubbock Police Foundation on behalf of the Mounted Unit the Foundation assists officers in offsetting some costs of feeding the horses.  

This past year, solely due to the community support through the Lubbock Police Foundation five Mounted Officers and their horses attended the 11th Basic Mounted Patrol School in Midland. Six Mounted Officers attended the TEEX Large Animal Rescue School jointly hosted here in Lubbock with the Lubbock Fire Department Search and Rescue Team members this past October.

It was my honor to photograph this excellent group of Mounted Officers and their horses this past week. Enjoy a selection of images from their photo session.

Members of the Lubbock Police Department Mounted Unit

Post Stampede Rodeo in Post, Texas | Western Lifestyle Photography | Julie Cordero Photography

My immediate family relocated to Texas about 20 years ago. I grew up in Virginia, showing hunter and jumper horses and my mother rode American Saddlebreds, so I had a strong knowledge of the English disciplines of the horse industry. My western riding experience and knowledge — not so much. I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years! Rodeo is one example of a western sport that I’ve had to learn the associated nuances of it such as the events that make up a rodeo and its unique terminology. I remember being quite surprised when we moved to Texas learning that rodeo is a high school sport here!

For a while now I have wanted to photograph a rodeo. I reached out to a well-known West Texas sports photographer, Paul Roberts of Paul Roberts Photography, asking for assistance. This guy is a fantastic high-action sports photographer and knows his stuff! Paul is a media photographer for Townsquare Media and Dave Campbell, covering the Texas Tech University Athletics Department as well as other area schools and sports teams. He has been photographing rodeos for years and has the skill, experience, and equipment to produce fantastic images – he even comes to a rodeo with the same 300 mm, 15-pound camera lens that he uses for football! Paul agreed to allow me to train under him, for which I am incredibly grateful! I’d suggest you go check out his work and even purchase some prints from him. You’ll be impressed.

This past Thursday night I headed out to the Post Stampede Rodeo in Post, Texas, a great local event celebrating its 80th year in 2020! The night was quite tiring but incredibly fun and I learned a ton. I had an excellent teacher. I definitely realized that I need to up my game in terms of the equipment I have to photograph outdoor high-speed action at night. For example, I need to invest in a couple of high-powered strobes. The one strobe light I brought didn’t cut it, so I ended up just turning it off and using my camera and ambient light only. That recipe guarantees grainy photos. Live and learn.

The Title Sponsor for this year‘s event was GermBlast, a great company that employs a number of friends including members of the Underwood family. They were there selling T-shirts and giving back the proceeds to the rodeo. Of course, I bought one! TNT Rodeo brought a great team with them for a great event. New attendance records were made each night this year.

I can’t wait to get ready for the next great rodeo, a great western life tradition.

---

In 2020, the Post Stampede Rodeo in Post, Texas celebrated 80 years of rodeo.

“Life isn’t always rodeos, cowboys, & horses. But it should be.”

— #horsesandheels

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.

Breathtaking Boho Chic Girls Graduation Party | Julie Cordero Photography | Lubbock, TX

Occasionally, I get talked into photographing a family or an event that doesn’t have anything to do with pet photography. For the right friends, I will happily say “yes!”

For example, the high school graduation party for two young women who have been dear friends since they were little. These two are gorgeous in every way—their personalities, their values, their ethics, their souls. And, of course, their external beauty as well! Their mommas are dear friends of mine and it was my honor to offer to photograph this truly stunning party.

These pictures speak for themselves: a dreamy, fairytale party with crazy attention to the smallest detail!

Event Location: The Willows Event Center

Invitations: Barque

Balloon Bouquet: Laughing Goat Design

Cookies: McKenzie McKay

Photography: Julie Cordero Photography

Entrance Name Sign: Macie Lilley

Flower Crowns: Barbara Mandry

“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”

— Kahlil Gibran

Boho Chic Graduation Party | Lubbock, TX | Julie Cordero Photography

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

Time Well Spent with Dena Kirkpatrick, Professional Horse Trainer and World Renowned Clinician →

I am truly honored to be able to spend time with any member of the Kirkpatrick family.

This past week, I had the privilege of photographing the world’s cutest little cowboy — a newer member of the Kirkpatrick family— with his mother, Sarah, and grandmother, Dena.

Sarah lives in Ft. Worth with her family and is the Director of Marketing at Anzea Textiles.

Dena Kirkpatrick is a professional horse trainer, world-renowned clinician, and wife to calf-roping horse trainer and rancher, Cliff Kirkpatrick.

Dena's accomplishments are huge in the horse industry. She holds the record as the only rider and horse pair to win all Go Rounds of the BFA World Championship Futurity. For 10 years in a row, Dena held a place in the Top 10 Futurity Trainers list. She is also the trainer of the Calgary Stampede Champion Canadian World Champ, Lady Perks, aka “Beauty.” Dena also trained WPRA World Champion AHA Horse of the Year Sugar Moon Express, aka “Martha.” As well, Dena has been West Texas Futurity/Derby Champion, San Antonio Livestock Show Rodeo Champion, BFA World Championship Futurity and Futurity Reserve Champion, Elite Futurity Champion, AHA World Champion, Speedhorse Gold Cup Futurity Reserve Champion, Old Fort Days Futurity Reserve Champion, Harlequin Farms Futurity Champion. Dena is sponsored by several companies, including Medivet Equine, Renew Gold, MedVet Pharm, Multi Radiance Veterinary, and Martin Saddlery.

Impressive.

Thanks for having me out, Dena!

The Kirkpatrick family with Magnum, an American Quarter Horse.

Dena Kirkpatrick and Liquid Courage 72