Stepping Into Western Photography
If you’ve followed my work for a while, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for natural, earthy images—sunsets, tall grass, open skies. But lately, I’ve felt a stronger pull to photograph something that’s been part of my life since before I ever picked up a camera: the western way of life.
I grew up in rural Kansas, surrounded by pastures, gravel roads, cattle in the fields, and skies that put on a new show every night. It’s a world that’s both rugged and beautiful, with moments that are as fleeting as they are unforgettable. Even though I’ve always lived in it, I never fully brought it into my photography… until now.
Western photography isn’t just about cowboy hats and boots—though I’ll never complain about those making an appearance. It’s about grit and grace, heritage and hard work. It’s the dust swirling in the air during a cattle drive. It’s the quiet pause at the end of a long day, leaning against a fence post with the sun dipping low. It’s the way a weathered saddle feels under your hand, or the creases in a well-loved pair of boots.
When I step behind the camera in these spaces, my goal is the same as it’s always been: to capture moments that feel real, raw, and true to life. My style—true to color, earthy, and natural—fits seamlessly with the western lifestyle because neither one tries to be anything it’s not. Both are grounded in authenticity.
These branding photos you see here mark the beginning of this chapter. They were taken in the kind of setting that inspires me most—out in the pasture, with cattle grazing nearby, golden light spilling over the horizon, and just enough breeze to remind you you’re alive. Holding my cameras in that space felt like I was exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’m excited to explore this niche further, meet more people whose stories are tied to the land, and document the kind of everyday beauty that too often goes unnoticed. Whether it’s a working ranch, a western-themed wedding, or simply the lifestyle that comes from living close to the land, I want to preserve it in a way that feels both honest and timeless.
So here’s to chasing the golden hour across open fields. To muddy boots and worn leather. To moments that are unposed but unforgettable. And to a new season in my photography—one that feels like coming home.
*** Photos taken by Brooke Margaret Photography by Brooke Long + edited by me (:
