Western Photography Workshop at the Cottonwood Ranch with Cowgirls with Cameras

Golden light spilling over the hills, the perfect start to each day.

Our 2025 Western Photography Workshop at the Cottonwood Ranch once again was unforgettable. With breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and the incredible community of Cowgirls with Cameras, we came together to share creativity, capture the spirit of the West, and make memories that feel like home.

Silhouettes, big skies, and the kind of views that take your breath away.

We were fortunate to welcome another incredible group of photographers for this Cowgirls with Cameras event. They came ready to learn, create, and share—and what a joy it was to watch! Each participant brought their own unique perspective, and together they built a supportive, collaborative community.

Each day at the ranch is packed with learning and creativity—two scheduled photo shoots, plus classroom sessions covering everything from the exposure triangle and histograms to composition, storytelling, and techniques for bringing out the best in both equine and human subjects (and so much more!).

How fun to welcome the Sagebrush Gals this year, Sage, Sophie and Saylor!

These girls definitely brought their only special swag to the event for our photographers to see the true Buckaroo style of horsemanship. They are quite the entrepeneurs too! Sage has her own company, Sage’s Shirts, creating one of a kind pearl snap shirts in the high desert of Nevada, she even has her own line of short sleeve Hawaiian shirts too!

“A little style never hurt anyone Woodrow” – Lonesome Dove

The energy was inspiring: everyone jumped in with enthusiasm, worked hard, and encouraged one another. By the end of the week, we left not only with stunning images but also with new friendships and fresh ideas to carry forward.

Never a dull moment when Jerod’s around!

We can’t thank McKenzie, Jason and the staff at the Cottonwood Ranch, along with Kyle, Piper, Jerod, Jennifer and the Sagebrush Gals, enough for making our time there so special, and to every photographer who joined us—you truly made this event one for the books. Special thanks to Joe for keeping us well fed!

Mckenzie has turned into a first class photography location scout, each year she pulls out another amazing location for us to shoot at with stunning 360 degree views. Jason was busy with the Ranch Hunting Services offering fully guided hunts into the Jarbidge Wilderness and surrounding areas.

Piper and Jerod haul in from Wyoming and bring their horses AND dogs too!

Jennifer was back again too and we’re so happy to have her and Charm make the drive down from Idaho!

Last but certainly not least, we’re so happy that Kyle was able to join us again this year as he’s been working at a neighboring ranch, so thanks to Jessica and Wyatt!

So thankful for the stellar skies we had this year, they brought some much needed rain to the ranch!

We’ll be back at Cottonwood Ranch again next year, if you’d like to join us for the next Cowgirls with Cameras adventure 2026 dates are August 14-19. Be sure you’re signed up for my newsletter and as soon as we have all the details confirmed I’ll post a link for registration!

Until next time, keep shooting, keep learning, and keep telling your stories through the lens.

All the best, Phyllis