About The JodieB Experience…

In a welcoming and encouraging environment, inspiration abounds in the exceptional settings, authentic styling, and stunning professional models provided to you.   This distinctive experience is full of personal touches and attention to detail; all intended to encourage your creative eye and allow for your artistic spirit to step forward with confidence and joy.

Bring your photography to a new level as JodieB shares with you the elements that motivate and inspire her.  Learn from all the artistic and detailed approaches she takes through planning, setup, styling, posing, lighting, camera/lens combinations, settings, action, and post processing.  You will be guided through this teaching event aimed at honing and strengthening your individual photography skills.

All workshop photography opportunities are presented and perfected to offer a wide variety of original American Western Heritage sets; guaranteed that all photographer levels will capture exciting and emotional images to be proud of.  This investment into yourself assures that your confidence and skills, as well as your portfolio, will grow.

September 21-24, 2023

This one time, once in a lifetime, momentous creative effort is limited to 12-18 attendees.  When the workshop is full, you can email Jodie Baxendale at [email protected] and ask her to put you on the Waitlist.  If a spot becomes available, Jodie will contact you as soon as possible to offer you the spot in the workshop.

Historic Ranch A Lodge in Beulah, WY

This all-inclusive photography event to be held at the historic Ranch A lodge south of Beulah, Wyoming.  This workshop is based out of a professionally staged, 1932 Wyoming hand-hewn log lodge by architect Ray Ewing. Our base of operations for class gatherings, meals, and lodging.

You can expect to share a spacious, comfortable room and bathroom.  Attendees will go up a set of crafted wood spiral staircases to the guest rooms located on the second floor of the rustic lodge.  Staff will be available to assist in carrying luggage up and down the stairs.  Each large room, surrounded by hand-hewn log walls, has three bunk beds and a shared modern bathroom.  Rooms will accommodate 2-3 individuals.  Bedding, towels and wash cloths are provided.  The second floor also has a fireplace and two seating areas on the open balcony. 

You’ll be fully immersed in the experience with rustic and western designed furnishings and décor by legendary Thomas Molesworth. The surrounding picturesque locations along the winding stream and rock rimmed Sand Creek Canyon property offer a variety of magnificent sets. (Wi-Fi available)

All meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages and water are provided.  We are able to accommodate a range of dietary needs, if informed of them in advance.  We will do everything we can, within reason, to make you comfortable and cared for.  Click here to view Daily Menu

Workshop Details

Designed for photographers from novice to advanced. The main theme of this memorable creative weekend is the Heritage of the American West. I have curated my favorite models to share with you! Professional and authentic Cowboy/Cowgirl, Native American, and Fashion models will be featured throughout various equine action and portrait scenes, within rustic and modern styled sets.  All the intricate details in place utilizing professional styling, wardrobe, hair and make-up, and props. Together with my multitalented and trusted team, we plan nothing short of giving you the most extraordinary, treasured, and amazing experience. The goal for everyone apart of this event, from each attendee to everyone behind the scenes, is that we all walk away enriched, improved, and blessed; enthusiastically regaling joyful tales of this JodieB Experience!

What's Included

An immersive, hands-on American Western Heritage experience, 4 days/3 nights lodging, meals, snacks, drinks, professional model fees, personal instruction by premier portraitist Jodie Baxendale, classroom presentations, guest speaker, 6-10 various guided concept shoot sets, studio lighting instruction, general post production, take home information and PDFs, constructive photo critiques and feedback, model releases, and a ridiculous amount of timeless, epic photos added to your personal portfolio! I am sharing everything I love with you!  *“Model Fees” are included; however, tipping models is at your discretion during each photoshoot set.

Meet your Instructor:  Jodie Baxendale

Professional Photographer & Premier Portraitist

Jodie Baxendale, is a widely published professional photographer based in the Black Hills of western South Dakota. Vintage and romantic concepts are revealed throughout her unique style.  Inspired by the love & grace of Jesus Christ, along with an upbringing and deep roots in Wyoming.   Her natural eye and talented artistic approach grabbed the attention of many fans from all around the world.  As a trailblazer in western lifestyle & fashion portraiture, she is an expert in posing, studio lighting and commercial photography.

Jodie was named “Modern Day Shadow Catcher” by Tex G. Hall “Ihbudah Hishi” “Red Tipped Arrow” (Tribal Chairman 1998-2006, 2010) of the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation) and President of the National Congress of American Indians in 2001/2003. Jodie is well known for her Premier Portraiture, Western Fine Art, Rodeo Action, Rustic Fine Art, and the ability to express emotion in each of her images. With a fervent love of art, history, ranch life, rodeo, and western style, Jodie creatively captures traditional and timeless images to be treasured for the generations to come.

JodieB Photography by Jodie Baxendale™ was established in 2010 in western South Dakota; primarily serving the five-state areas of South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, and beyond with artistic captures of the American West and Fine Portraiture.

Her client listing hails from 36 states, with commercial work featured for:
American Dakota Textiles, Crown Royal, Red Horse Design Company, K Bar J Leather, Century 21 Realty, Hooey, Busted K Beadwork, De-Tye Vet Supply, PRS World Finals, Food Network Chef Grady Spears, Landstrom’s Black Hills Gold, Colorado Championship Ranch Rodeo, Women’s Ranch Rodeo World Finals, Ameriprise Financial, Mayberry Rugs, Nebraska State Fair, State of Wyoming, Jesse Kaufman Engraving, Rojo Leather, The Sparkling Spur, Financial Benefits, Inc., Pendleton, Tapadero Annie’s, etc.

JodieB Photography is Featured in the Following:

…and more.

Tradition, heritage, & legacy are all strong and everlasting components to each of us.  The generations before and those that follow will be connected through the preservation of memories.  When I look through the camera to make a photograph, I see a moment of value; that will only grow in its true worth over time.  My passion is to photo-document in an artistic & story telling capacity, that anyone can relate or connect to.  When a single photo can share a story and resonate with intricate details to each viewer, that is what I love! Painting with light, preserving stories, and reminiscing are the gifts from God that I am ever thankful for.

Jodie Baxendale

JodieB Photography

Experience Level

Beginner – Advanced

This workshop is geared to offer challenging opportunities to all photography levels.  Sets will be arranged to meet the needs for those seeking guidance, and also for those looking to add to their existing portfolio.  Sign up if: you are looking to improve your photo skills, you want to fine-tune specific areas, add to your photo portfolio, you want to see the behind the scenes of how JodieB puts her productions together, you have a passion for authentic western subject matter, or if you just want a true western adventure, and the hospitality of a once-in-a-lifetime experience guided by JodieB, then THIS is the workshop for you!

*Basic camera knowledge is highly recommended; as is a general understanding about camera settings.

Endurance

Easy – Mild

Attendees should be in good health and able to comfortably walk over uneven terrain.  We will have periods of standing for extended amounts of time.  Some sets might require a short hike to the shoot locations, it would be wise to prepare by bringing hiking boots or closed toe shoes.  In northeastern Wyoming, the weather can be variable day to day, be sure to pack layers to accommodate your comfort level for both warm and cool temperatures.  Also, rain and wind is possible.  You must be able to pack your own gear and be prepared for long days (sunrise to sunset activities).   If set locations are away from the lodge area, we’ll transport attendees, most other sets will be within walking distance. 

* Please communicate if you have any limitations.  If you have a medical condition or allergy that requires insulin, epi pens or other medical apparatus or monitoring, please let JodieB know prior to the start of the workshop.

Curriculum

Styled Sets & Classroom

We will be out photographing various scenes from pre-dawn to dark, with intermittent classroom times, meals and breaks.  We have a busy schedule, packed full of inspiring content.  * (See workshop tentative schedule outline.)

Group Size

12-18 people max

The various sets are structured to ensure that each person will have ample time for capturing a variety of images and receive individual instruction as needed.  This photography workshop is limited to 12-18 people.

Planning Your Trip

Transportation

The nearest airports are Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City, SD and Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport in Gillette, WY. Keep in mind the need for a rental car to drive to the Ranch A lodge. (see map) Ranch A is located in Northeast Wyoming just south of Beulah, 60 miles west of Rapid City, SD, on I-90. Take the Beulah exit, which is the first exit into Wyoming (Exit 205). Proceed 5 miles on gravel and Ranch A will on your right-hand side. From Gillette, Wyoming travel east 76 miles on I-90 and once again take Exit 205 and travel south as mentioned.

Click for Map

Coordinate with Other Attendees

Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for all transportation (ground and air) to and from the workshop.  After registration is complete you will receive an email with additional information.  There will be a Facebook group for attendees to gather and introduce each other.  If there are several flying in at the same time and interested in carpooling, coordinating travel plans can be arranged.  During workshop we will carpool and/or arrange rides in and around the lodge for photo sets while most personal vehicles remain parked at the Ranch A lodge.

Area Attractions

Keep in mind this workshop destination is set right in the center of a rich historic Tri-State area (Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming) with a bucket list places to visit! If planning an extended trip, and interested in adding days before or after your JodieB Experience, consider adding time to visit: Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse Monument, Badlands National Park, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, Sturgis, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Vore Buffalo Jump, Custer Battlefield, Wounded Knee, Center of the Nation, & numerous caves, museums, hiking trails, etc.  Click the state icon links below to learn more about attractions in each.