Chris Petersen
Chris Petersen is a storyteller, creator, and cowboy at heart. Known as @diehardcowboy_ on social media, Chris has built a powerful online presence with over a half a million followers on Instagram alone. His ability to share the western way of life with authenticity and artistry has made him a key figure in the realm of western lifestyle.
For over 15 years, Chris worked as a professional photographer and videographer, and graphic designer, including several years filming a television show featured on the Outdoor Channel. His work has taken him across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, collaborating with iconic brands like Under Armour, Tony Lama Boots, Boot Barn, RAM Trucks, Mahindra Roxor, and many others. Chris has also hosts and teaches photography workshops, helping others master photo, video, and social media skills all while immersed in the best of western scenes.
Raised in a ranching community, Chris was drawn to the cowboy lifestyle from an early age. He got his first horse as a child and grew up participating in 4-H, FFA, rodeo, and ranch work. Today, he and his wife McKensie raise their family, cattle, and quarter horses in Southern Utah. McKensie plays a vital role in their business, managing many of its operations. According to Chris, “she is the one who makes our world spin.”
Chris is also an accomplished country singer and songwriter. His 2019 album, Cowboy Coming Home, debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Heatseekers chart across all genres.
His 2023 song, Horse People, has amassed tens of millions of views across social media and music platforms. He has performed on prominent stages, including Season 15 of America’s Got Talent, sharing his voice and stories with audiences far and wide.
Chris Petersen’s passion for preserving the cowboy way of life and sharing it with the world has shaped everything he does. Whether behind the camera, on stage, or in the saddle, Chris is dedicated to keeping the spirit of the West alive.
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Guest Instructor
BEAU SIMMONS
Beau Simmons has been a professional photographer since 2009. Initially known for his work as a fashion photographer, collaborating with renowned brands like Marc Jacobs, Guess Jeans, and Converse, he became a sought-after photographer for top modeling agencies like Elite Models, IMG, and Ford Models.
However, Beau’s heart lies in the Western lifestyle and the beauty of the American landscape. Transitioning away from fashion, he now focuses on capturing the essence of this culture through medium and large-format film photography. He has worked on some of the largest ranches in the United States, both on and off horseback, documenting the lives of cowboys across diverse landscapes. Inspired by masters like Richard Avedon, Slim Aarons, and Steven Shore, his work evokes nostalgia and emotion, preserving authentic moments from a forgotten era.
