Sep 11

Sep 11 The Alvord Desert Collab shot by Branded in Ink

Copper cuff by The South Fork Outfit, A lil Cold Backed Before Coffee mug by U Spur. — Copper cuff by The South Fork Outfit, *A lil Cold Backed Before Coffee* mug by U Spur.

I was driving through the pre-dawn morning, Chevy loaded to the brim, listening to a book on Keto and running a little behind. I had left the pavement, the sky starting to lighten with an array of color, and I could finally see it…the Alvord Desert. Miles away, I could see Morgan, friend and today’s model, coming down the hill. Not only would it be a beautiful location, but it also served as a great meeting spot!

What is fall without a beer and a flat bed?

50 Shades of Ranchy tee and koozie by U Spur. Cactus Fringe Cuff by JL Custom Leather and Beadwork. — *50 Shades of Ranchy* tee and koozie by U Spur. Cactus Fringe Cuff by JL Custom Leather and Beadwork.

I never had doubts that Morgan would be the right person to have on this project. If there had, they would have immediately melted away when I arrived to find a gal driving a flat bed, touching up her make up and ready to go! Throughout the shoot, her help was ill replaceable. Where else can you find a model that can give creative and technical input (she’s a photographer too!), can straighten out a bridle set up, and be willing to try any random idea? I don’t know, but she’s also the gal who can rock a 7am beer because, well, duty called!

Morgan and I mutually agreed that Ian Tyson is considered mood music for anything desert-related. Vintage sounds came from my pocket as I moved around with a camera, fussing over details and finding the best angles. Corb Lund’s Cows Around and Hair in My Eyes Like a Highland Steer also seemed fitting with U Spur’s cheeky designs.

We were so busy setting up and getting to work, I forgot all about the “behind the scenes” type photos. We did have a square, fold up table neatly organized with clothes and accessories, categorized by maker. By the time we finished, 3 hours later, the same table was piled two feet high in a western fashion explosion. Art is messy, right? (note to self: find intern before next shoot!)

Preparations are currently being made for an October shoot, but before we run off, let’s review the great businesses we had this month. I worked hard to include cowboy-based businesses and I hope you enjoy these as much as we did!

All the desert vibes on the Alvord with a girl, a little bead action and her dog.

Morgan is oh-so-classy in this vintage, half-button paisley shirt and Desert Boutique re-worked jacked. Look also includes Kimes Ranch Jeans, a Sunbody hat, and Justin boots.

Desert Wind Boutique- Burns, OR

Desert Wind is a brick-and-morter right in historic downtown. They carry vintage pieces, tack, and love to highlight other small businesses in her shop. Owner, Marilyn Weber, an amazing artisian herself, is often found bringing new life to the pieces she finds.

The South Fork Outfit- Post, OR

The silver from this shoot was built by Ty McNab of The South Fork Outfit. Branded in Ink has been with Ty and his wife, Caitlin, from the beginning of their re-brand. We were able to include their talents in silver, art and dog training to an upwardly mobile image with a website to match.

Copper earrings by The South Fork Outfit.

JL Custom Leather and Beadwork- Vale, OR

We were proud to feature leather and beadwork from husband/wife duo, Jay and Karlee Long! This ranching couple lives “just down the road” (well, in Oregon terms) and has just welcomed their first baby.

U Spur- Clarendon, TX

Owner Charity Saulsberry is just as quirky and honest as her designs! This ranch wife and beef agvocate uses her real-life experience to influence the tee shirt, koozie and coffee cup designs we enjoyed on set!

My Cake Truck Brings All the Girls to the Yard tee by U Spur. — *My Cake Truck Brings All the Girls to the Yard* tee by U Spur.

Model: Morgan Kromm- Fields, OR

Morgan is a cowboy’s wife, cowboy, maker, photographer, Cattlewomen’s officer…heck, the girl just does it all! I am so thankful for her help, creative input and technical advice. Make sure to check out her ranch images as well as family, engagement, wedding, etc!

Some of you may be asking yourself why we pulled all of this together.

1. Showcase cowboy businesses.

2. Expand the business networks of those involved (which has totally worked!)

3. Provide stylized photos and a collaboration with businesses that may not have otherwise been possible.

4. Help businesses as they gear up for the holiday season!

Want your business to be included in a similar mash up? We are currently accepting makers and boutiques for October, November and December. We currently have brands from Oklahoma and Texas locked in for our next shoot!