You know you’re doing something right when work feels like play. And with some incredible talent, a dazzling ranch location, and a family of a crew, we were able to make some magic and have a darn great time doing it.
While the faces of our incredible models within the pages of our fall fashion spread look collected and calm, a photo shoot is anything but. Squinting in the blinding sun, protecting equipment from the elements, and sweating buckets in the mid-June heat were just a few hallmarks of the experience.
However, with a team as good as ours, we were able to create a spread that beautifully embodies our vision for Western Splendor.
With a vision as vast and colorful as this one, we knew we would need a group of models who knew how to embody the Western spirit in its entirety. That’s why we made the choice to use Western and Native influencers this time around. Native actor Jeremy Gauna, Western artist and barrel racer Chloé Burk, artist and cowgirl Zuzanna Isham and vintage collector husband Chad Isham, Native clothing designer Stephanie Crowchild, cowboy and TV personality Brian Doty, and rancher Darcy Douglas hopped on board to create a team full of unique skills.
Their distinct styles and personalities meant that we could tailor each look to complement them while embodying each of the five themes (Modern Luxe, Falling for Fringe, Cowboy Blues, Evolution of the Blanket, and Objects of Desire). We even got to borrow some of their personal pieces — Stephanie Crowchild wore clothing that she designed and made. So, did the influencers bring the pop of personality we were looking for? Well, I think the proof is in the pics.
As for our location, a gorgeous Texas ranch full of rolling hills, grassy meadows, and a front row view of the sunrise isn’t too bad. Our friends at TR9 Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, lent us their beautiful land, as well as some top-tier horses with which to pose and ride.
Shooting outside is normally a risky feat, what with battling the elements and all, but with a production crew led by the wonderful Chris Douglas as photographer and fed by Homer Robertson of Homer’s Chuck Wagon, work became play.
We could go on and on about the fun time we had (and we did), but the proof is in the pudding.
Check out this behind-the-scenes video to see the whole process for yourself. And be sure to check out our 2022 Fall Fashion spread if you haven’t already.
Featured song: "Pursuit of Happiness" by Miranda Lambert
As seen in our October 2022 issue
