My Inspiration

Born and raised in Wyoming, and living for the past 30 years in the quad-state area of Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, has allowed me the great fortune of experiencing first-hand the incredible sceneries and rich history of Western Americana. Living around the ranching and rodeo lifestyles, and being surrounded by Native American cultures has allowed me a deep appreciation and love for the legacy of the American West.

For the past 15 years of my photography journey, I have been afforded some amazing connections. Many of which I have been able to curate into one place, this one time, to celebrate and share with YOU! The JodieB Experience is the centerpiece of all the elements that inspire me.  The planned set categories will be represented by timeless symbols of the Americana west, featuring Cowboy/Cowgirl, Native American, Fashion, and Equine Action.  A diverse, prolific palate presented to inspire! (Say that 3 times fast.)

My affinity for 19th century history rests in many of the concepts I have previously produced.  In kind, I’ve planned for this workshop to contain some timeless and vintage inspired sets that will have tons of western cowboy character, and Victorian era portrait basics. These vintage sets will carry over into timeless modern sets and portraiture. Being mindful to document “living history”, that will be valuable to future generations.

The First Nations’ culture survives and maintains its many beautiful, rich, colorful timeless traditions; captivating people from all around the world. I am so thrilled and honored to be able to incorporate many traditional elements of the Apsáalooke and Oglala Lakota Native American Tribes into this workshop. My concept of “vintage and modern” sets, is also applied to all of the Native American sets that we have planned. This will be done with traditional regalia sets, and merge into modern day Indigenous Couture fashion.

It is a true honor to spotlight Choke Cherry Creek Fashion by Designer Angela Howe-Parrish. She will be coming back from Cannes, France Fashion Week, right into New York Fashion Week, then will stop by our workshop! …

Angela Howe-Parrish of Choke Cherry Creek is a phenomenal beadwork artist, sewist, fashion designer and business owner. She is an enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation and a descendent of the Pikuni (Blackfeet) Nation of Montana. Her Apsáalooke name is Ikūalasaash which means “Persistence” given by her grandmother for her ability to work hard, reach her educational goals and pursue success. She is a member of the Whistling Water Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. She infuses designs, colors and florals that her Indigenous relatives used. Her role as a wife and mother are of the utmost importance to her. She also strives to be a positive role model for all generations by empowering and uplifting her community. By creating contemporary Indigenous fashion, her goal is to utilize the platform of fashion design to occupy spaces where there is a need for representation of Indigenous people. Choke Cherry Creek’s mission is to inspire the world to see that Indigenous people are beautiful, resilient, rich in culture and are still carrying on their traditions today. Each piece is designed thoughtfully and can be worn by everyone. Angela has been invited to showcase her array of clothing in various places including RES 2022 Las Vegas, New York Fashion Week, the Runway Cultural Series in Denver and Cannes Indigenous Fashion Week.

Being that there’s nothing better than seeing beautiful horses in motion, as well as when their peaceful spirits are at leisure, we will have the opportunity to shoot some equine scenes. Always a highlight to be able to add to any American Western portfolio.

So, in a nutshell, (if you are still reading this far, thank you), hoping I was able to translate to you how this experience will be nothing short of epic on many levels. You will never again see all of these elements in one place, at one time!

All sets are incorporated to be progressive, to evolve for variety. All main sets will have several subsets that will allow everybody unique variations.  I look forward to seeing what each of you will capture, and the joy that is created in your hearts!