“We’re going.” I listened to the firm voice and nervously glanced around the dark barnyard that had been specifically designated and verbally reiterated, along with our exact meeting time, the night before for this early morning photo shoot. Cowboys in pressed shirts, working horses and cow dogs were congregated before me. We were quietly waiting for the one person that was delaying our departure, totally devoid of our critical time frame that was based on sunrise. I was anxious because this was our most important photograph designated on the predetermined shot list. It was imperative that the scene was as perfect as possible and it included many variables that we had little control over, mainly the weather and the cattle that were grazing in the massive pasture thirty minutes away. We jumped into the jeep loaded with his equipment, and the renowned photographer stepped into full control of the situation. I remember him taking the wheel as we left for our scouted location in pursuit of one perfect still shot. As if following the Pied Piper, everyone hustled into action, even our cowboy that had been M.I.A.
That morning, he exceeded everyones’ expectations and not only captured the requested photo (see below), but several others that eventually became well known. He managed to drive the mountain road and find the cattle, instruct the cowboys where to quietly move the herd and demand those involved to respect nature and time, all before sunrise. I am still in awe of the incredible beauty he was able to share from behind the lens, as my visual perspective was totally different. The man in charge and the acclaimed photographer was David R. Stoecklein, better known as “The Photographer of the West.”
"Sunrise at the Double R Ranch"
Image courtesy of Agri Beef Co.
Last month, David succumbed to a very private battle with cancer. Most of us were in shock after hearing the news. Along with his family, he had fought silently, working all the while and keeping his larger than life personality totally intact.
David R. Stoecklein- “Authentic”
The first time I worked with David, it was as if I was meeting my version of a celebrity. I had been introduced to his work a few years prior when I was given the book, “ The Performance Horse”, as a gift. 
image source: stoeckleinphotography.com
His imagers are well known internationally for both the commercial work he captured for major corporations (Jeep®, Marlboro® & Stetson®, to name a few), as well as his published collection of Western lifestyle books. When we picked him up with his gear at the airport, he met us in a ranch truck and his gregarious personality put all of us at ease. A consummate professional, when we were not working, he entertained us with fascinating real life experiences. When the natural light of sunrise and sunset were present, he was completely serious and on task. It became second nature to watch him drop to his back to capture the perfect shot from a unique angle and I believe he had an extraordinary gift that only he could see through a lens.
Images copyright David R. Stoecklein Photography
David was well respected outside of his professional career. He was known for his genuine personality, heart of gold and love for his family and animals. Kimberly Koch, a respected hunter/jumper horse trainer and the stepdaughter of famed dressage Olympian Debbie McDonald, described him as a mentor not only in photography, but also a “true horseman” and someone that was admired for his compassion throughout their shared community near Sun Valley, Idaho. When I would speak with David, typically his main topics of conversation included the family ranch in Mackay, his roping horses, his wife- Mary, and the adventures of their three sons. He was also very considerate to ask about my family and I even spotted him once spoiling our pair of border collie puppies with treats from the table.
David's photo of his close friend and fellow horseman, Lyle Lovett, earned the coveted cover of Digital Photo Magazine in August 2012
The Stoecklein’s – Photographers of the West
David’s resume reads as the who’s who of Western and outdoor photography, but his boys are developing equally impressive resumes. His two eldest boys, Drew and Taylor, inherited their father’s passion for staking a position behind the lens and they each expanded their technical skills at the renowned Brooks Institute. They also acquired practical experience in the fields of their preferred passions.
Drew is recognized for his expertise as a sponsored athlete in extreme snow sports, which transcends into his creative style. He has been commissioned for editorial and commercial work as both a cinematographer and photographer. Also an avid fly fisherman, his book, Seasons of the Steelhead, received the coveted Best Book of the Year Award from the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.
photos copyright Drew Stoecklein Photography
Taylor compliments his brother’s work with his own unique style that focuses on the American cowboy and is heavily influenced by his personal experience in competitive rodeo and growing up in the mountains of Idaho. Taylor's finite eye for color contrast is a component of his signature style that represents his interpretation of the American West.
photos copyright Taylor Stoecklein
Join the Stoeckleins at the Bar S Ranch- A photographer’s dream.
Several years ago, David and Mary initiated workshops at their personal ranch, the Bar S, in Mackay, Idaho to promote the skills of all levels photographers in a one-on-one environment. Mary explained that many participants are now repeat visitors and they arrive from across the country with all levels of expertise. Mary reminisced as she remembered one person that literally handed David a box with a brand new camera inside the packaging upon arrival for the weekend. From beginners to professionals, the Stoeckleins welcome all to the Bar S.
After spending several years enhancing and finiting their expertise and professional resumes, both Drew and Taylor each decided to join David and Mary and make the seminars a family affair. Mary is proud to explain that, “the boys think outside of the box.” No two seminars are alike and Drew and Taylor enjoy creating different sets for the participants. While weather may not be controlled, the boys have been known to create rain using a water truck and horses and models are almost always a part of the weekend’s activities. Additionally, Taylor is an expert in Lightroom5 and he teaches a specialized day course instructing others on how to use the program.
Photo source: StoeckleinPhotography.com
Now the most important part- the food and ambiance is fantastic! Mary Stoecklein can best be described as the warmest hostess and she serves authentic Western fare including juicy steaks, fresh salads and of course, Idaho potatoes. Participants sometimes bring their significant other’s just to enjoy a relaxing weekend at the Bar S Ranch.
2015 WORKSHOP DATES
FEBRUARY 6-8 (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
MARCH 6-8
MARCH 20-22
APRIL 17-19 SAUNDERS RANCH WEATHERFORD, TX
(SOLD OUT!)
MAY 15-17
JUNE 5-7
AUGUST 7-9
SEPTEMBER 11-13
OCTOBER 2-4
OCTOBER 16-18
NOVEMBER 6-8
For more detailed information online, CLICK HERE.
To reserve a spot, contact Brittany at brittany@drsphoto.net, or call 208-726-5191 ext. 19. Seminars are limited in size. Make sure to reserve your spot early to confirm a specific date.
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ONLINE STORE
For more information about Stoecklein Photography, including visiting the online store featuring books, canvases, stock photos, calendars and wholesale purchases, CLICK HERE.
FOUNDATION
The David R. Stoecklein Memorial Foundation- A Cowboy Legacy Lives on
“Our mission is to preserve and document the Western American way of life, as it once was, and still is today, through photography and philanthropy. From our ranches and farms, to the men and women who work them, we hope to maintain, with accuracy, the culture that is the great American West."
For more information and/or to contribute, CLICK HERE.
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