Creating the Cosmic Cowgirl

By Kyle Blackwell, Cosmic Photographer

Hello fellow sci-fi lovers and photography enthusiasts! Today, I invite you to embark on a cosmic journey that will take you to the far reaches of the galaxy, where Space and the Wild West collide. In this article, I will share my experience and insights into a space cowgirl-themed photoshoot. Hold on to your hats as we ride through the starry plains and capture the spirit of the Cosmic Cowgirl.

The Birth of an Out-of-This-World Idea

Every photoshoot begins with an idea, and this one was the perfect blend of two classic worlds that are dear to my heart, cowboys and aliens. The concept was born from my fascination with retro sci-fi films and old westerns. I loved the rugged charm of the Wild West and the of infinite color scheme of the universe. The vision was to create the simple scene of an old school cowgirl living a ranchers life on an alien planet in a far off galaxy.

Choosing the Cosmic Canvas

Selecting the right location was paramount to bring our space cowgirl vision to life. We chose a flat open field landscape under a setting sun. The barren terrain served as the perfect cosmic frontier, and the crisp night air added an air of mystery to the shoot. Additionally, we had a tree lined perimeter around the open field which served as a secondary shooting location.

Crafting Space Cowgirl Attire

The model (and yoga instructor legend), Michele, fearless and adventurous, embraced her role as space cowgirl with great enthusiasm. She donned attire that blended the rustic charm of the Wild West with futuristic sci-fi elements. From holographic goggles to six shooter pistols, her outfits perfectly captured the essence of the Cosmic Cowgirl. Shout out to Sarah Johnson for supplying such a rad wardrobe, and to Markita Pollard for the galactic makeup!

Capturing the Spirit of this Galactic Rodeo

As the photographer, my mission was to capture the spirit of this sci-fi western. We began our photoshoot as the sun dipped below the horizon, giving way to a canvas of warm hues and brilliant natural light. Our Cosmic Cowgirl posed with a blend of country confidence and a celestial whimsy, her cigarettes, hat, and laser guns ready for anything this universe could throw at her. The orange sky became our backdrop for the beginning of the shoot, but once night fell, we fired up the led lights and got real spacey. The spotty flowers and dead trees in the colorful glow of our lights created an eerie yet beautiful ambiance.

Incorporating Cosmic Elements

To infuse a touch of the cosmos into our shoot, we incorporated props like digital glasses, led wrapped rifle, silver gloves, and reflective colorful fabrics and accessories. These elements added a unique and sci-fi flair to the images, further emphasizing the fusion of the Wild West and Outer Space.

Conclusion: Riding off into the Sunset

In the world of photography, this Cosmic Cowgirl photoshoot was an exhilarating journey into uncharted territory. It was a reminder that creativity knows no bounds and that the merging of seemingly disparate themes can yield stunning and imaginative results. Our images captured not just the spirit of adventure but also the spirit of simple cosmic exploration.

As photographers, we have the privilege of capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Off with the old notions of conventional photoshoots, and in with the boundless possibilities of exploring new frontiers through the lens. In every frame, we discovered that the cosmic frontier is as wild and untamed as the Wild West, waiting to be explored by those with an adventurous spirit and a creative vision.

Contributors

Michele Monaghan, @michele.monaghan || Sarah Johnson, @sarahjohnson.music || Markita Pollard, @markitabeauty