Choosing the perfect name for my business was a contemplative moment in my photography business journey. Should I take the traditional route most photographers take with my first and middle name? Or embrace the rich western heritage tied to my maiden name? In the end, Westlake Ranch Photography felt like the perfect fit. Inspired by the legacy of my family’s ranching roots, the name represents more than just my passion for photography. It reflects the timeless traditions, rugged beauty, and authenticity of life on the ranch. It’s a name that honors my heritage while perfectly aligning with the spirit of my work.
Honoring My Family Name
Choosing to use my maiden name, Westlake, as the foundation of my photography business was a deeply personal decision. It was one I revisited many times trying to figure out if it was the right move to make. Early on, several photography mentors encouraged me to rebrand with my first and middle name. This was to avoid future challenges such as rebranding after marriage one day. While I understood their perspective, this option never felt right for me. My first and middle name, while lovely, are incredibly common (thanks for that, Mom and Dad). I also craved something more unique and meaningful.
On top of that I’ve always loved my last name. From the way it sounds, its simplicity, and the subtle western flair it carries. It’s a name that’s easy to remember and pronounce, but more importantly, it represents a part of who I am. For me, Westlake isn’t just a name; it’s a nod to my roots, my values, and my love for all things western. Incorporating it into my business felt like the perfect way to honor my heritage. All while creating a brand that’s authentic, timeless, and uniquely mine.
A Legacy Rooted in the Westlake Ranch
The story of original Westlake Ranch began in the late 1960s when my grandfather laid the groundwork for my family’s Northern California’s agricultural venture. Starting with land acquisitions and range cattle, he built his herd up to 1,000 head of cattle. During the 1970s and mid-80s, he adapted to market demands by running pasture cow-calf operations for others during the winter months instead of running his own cattle. By the mid-80s, my grandfather returned to purchasing cattle again, with my father stepping in to manage the ranch until the early 90s. During this time they ran 3,500 head of cattle until my grandfather decided to retire.
Eventually, my father’s passion for livestock led him to raise registered paint horses when he married my mother. The call of cattle ranching was too strong to resist and cattle made a triumphant comeback to the family ranch in the more recent years. I often get to the ranch and play cowboy on my horse, Stitch. I love help out on the ranch doctoring, herding cattle, and checking fences with my family. My families ranching legacy has deeply inspired me. It’s a history I’m proud to honor and carry forward through my own work, blending the timeless traditions of ranch life with the art of photography.
Merging Heritage & Legacy
As I searched for a name that seamlessly blended my identity and heritage with the artistry of photography, the answer became clear—Westlake Ranch Photography. This name serves as a bridge between the timeless stories of my family’s western roots and my passion for capturing life’s fleeting moments. Drawing further inspiration from our legacy, I designed my logo using the original WR cattle brand as inspiration. Just as the WR brand symbolized my grandfather’s legacy on the ranch, my logo represents the fusion of family history and artistry in my photography.
Continuing the Legacy
In a world of fleeting trends, Westlake Ranch Photography stands as a testament to the enduring power of identity and heritage. Every click of the shutter is a tribute to the deep roots of my family’s legacy and a celebration of life’s most meaningful moments.
Westlake Ranch Photography is not just a business—it’s a narrative. It’s a celebration of identity, a tribute to heritage, and a commitment to excellence. Join me on this visual journey as we capture your legacy moments, elevated with a touch of western flair. Together, we’ll create timeless stories that honor the past while embracing the present.
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