10/02/2026
๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ช๐ฆ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ฆ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ง ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ช๐๐๐ฅ๐
Some opportunities teach you a skill. Others quietly change the direction of your life. For Lauren Summers , the Art of the Cowgirl Fellowship became the latter. Lauren, an Indiana native, was the 2019 Photography Fellowship recipient, studying under Master Constance Jaeggi. What began as an opportunity to grow behind the camera became a turning point, introducing her to new ways of creating, new connections, and eventually, a place behind the lens of Art of the Cowgirl itself.
One memory still stands out: stepping back into the darkroom and developing film for the first time since college. โWhen so much effort goes into creating a single tangible photograph, you consider your lighting and composition differently the next time you pick up your camera. There is more at stake when shooting with film, which makes the experience and the final product more precious.โ It was a lesson in slowing down, being intentional, and seeing things differently.
Since completing her fellowship, Lauren has photographed Art of the Cowgirlโs flagship event in Arizona for several years, capturing moments that have come to visually define the event. Today, she is also part of the Art of the Cowgirl marketing team, and if you follow us here or visit our website, chances are youโve seen her incredible work. Those connections have also helped Lauren build a niche photographing and designing within the horse and Western industries while building a business that allows her to raise her three young children.
Looking back, Lauren says the fellowship was intimidating, but that became part of its lasting impact. โIt proved to be a turning point in my career, and I now crave those kinds of experiences, the uncomfortable ones that make you grow.โ
Seven years later, Laurenโs journey has come beautifully full circle. From a Fellowship recipient learning beside a Master to the woman behind so many images that now help tell the story of Art of the Cowgirl, we feel pretty lucky that her story continues to be woven into ours.
๐ธ - Lauren Summers Design & Photography, LLC
