Step into the heart of the Western lifestyle and immerse yourself in a hands-on photography experience like no other. The West of East Workshop & Content Weekend is designed for photographers, creators, and brands looking to capture the essence of the modern West—where grit meets artistry, and tradition blends with contemporary storytelling.

This event isn't just about taking stunning photos; it's about building connections, refining your craft, and experiencing the authenticity of Western culture firsthand. Whether you're here to expand your portfolio, network with fellow creatives, or simply reignite your passion for Western photography, this weekend promises curated content scenes, real-life ranch settings, and inspiring subjects that bring the West to life.

West of East Photography Workshop & Content Weekend

Hosted by Open triangle & Mria 3 Photography

photographers

9 shoots

5 days

3 Workshop

1

Expect breathtaking locations, carefully styled setups, and engaging storytelling opportunities that highlight the raw beauty and hardworking spirit of the West. Plus, with a 8 other participants with the same goal and passion, you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded photographers, models, and Western brands in a relaxed, creative atmosphere.

authentic, artistic, and unforgettable.

Evening with the Buffalo
Creative Cowgirls
Western lifestyle
Cowboy camp
Double M Beadwork
Clay vigil

Our Shoots & Guests

The entire workshop will be held at Pyramid Ranch in Oakley, KS. These cowboys and cowgirls are blessed to call the beautiful Monument Rocks landmark home, and we’re excited to take you along to capture it and more. We are so thankful they have welcome us & our attendees for a once in a lifetime stay.

As a workshop attendee, you will be staying in either the barn bedroom (sleeps 2), barn office (sleeps 3), camper (sleeps 2), and horse trailer living quarters (sleeps 1). Additional spots will open up if attendees do not choose to stay on the ranch for the duration for the work shop.

Location & Accommodation - Pyramid ranch, Oakley, ks

We are so dang excited for the THIRD year of the West of East Workshop and Content Shoot. We already can’t wait to meet all the new participants, get some amazing western lifestyle content, and show you a little piece of what makes us who we are as humans & photographers!

A little bit of old and a little bit of new to come for 2025!

Registration will open January 13, 2025!

2025 West of East

Only 9 spots available - SOLD OUT!

More info please →

“I had the opportunity to attend the very first West of East workshop and I can not say enough good things about my experience or the ladies that put it on! Rachael and Justine are both amazing photographers and teachers and were great help to those of us that still have a lot to learn behind the lens, not to mention both of their friendly personalities make it that much more of a fun and relaxing experience. If my schedule allowed it, I’d attend every little workshop they both put on!"
- Clara Bond

“The West of East Workshop was one of my favorite trips from this past year. I was really just looking to learn a few new things in photography but what I came out with was far more than I anticipated. I left the retreat with a reignited passion for the western industry/western lifestyle, new friendships, and so much knowledge. This opportunity opened a door for me to really just submerge myself in the art of photography and forget about the world for a couple of days. Our group was made up of photographers from all walks of life, different perceptions, experience levels, and fortes - and yet I learned from every single person. Additionally, Rachael and Justine are two of the most welcoming people I have ever come across. They truly put a lot of thought into the experience and made it unforgettable. I deeply hope to be back in 2024!”
- Cassidy Gentry

Testimonials

Meet Your Hosts!!

I grew up in the Flint Hills of Kansas where my parents have a cow-calf ranch that has been in our family since the Homestead Act.

After college I got a job in Garden City, Kan., working for a newspaper, and have been out west since. I've shot photos my whole life, studied photojournalism in college, and took my photo career full time in 2022 after leaving a teaching job.

I currently live on the Kansas-Colorado border with my husband of 11 years and 9-year-old son.

I CANNOT WAIT to show you the beauty of western Kansas and the talent of the cowboys, cowgirls, and makers in the western industry. I keep horses and
best friends at the Pyramid Ranch at Monument Rocks--it's my favorite place to shoot. With this workshop you will get to go beyond the monument and shoot at other places featuring the badlands of Kansas. I love the neutral, desert-like colors here that provide that western feel in my work. I am looking forward to meeting all of you who share the passion of western art like Justine and I do!

About Rachael

Note from Rachael

I am originally a Nor Cal gal where I was born and raised on a Cow-Calf operation, but I moved out to Kansas in 2018 for grad school. I ended up falling in love with a the man of my dreams, starting my photography business from he ground up, and never wanting to leave KS sunsets so I settled and stayed!

My husband and I live in NC Kansas where he helps run his family farm and runs our cattle operation, and I work full time for K-State Extension as a Livestock Production agent. I fill the rest with of my time with a passion for photographing the western way of life, the cowboys and cowgirls that make it up, and the things that make our lifestyle so dang special.

I love telling the story of our culture and life, I just do it with a camera instead of my lips!

Rachael and I had no idea that our crazy idea for a western lifestyle workshop would turn into a yearly thing. However, it didn’t take us long to realize we loved every bit of what WOE was about and wanted to continue to share that with you guys every single year!

My own first workshop I attended was the turning point in my career and now I lie awake at night thinking of ways I can light that spark in other photographers! West of East is our way of introducing you to a little of why we have so much passion for this industry, why telling our
story is so important, and why we love this profession so much!

We hope you’ll join us!

About Justine

Note from Justine