Cattle Ranch in Chico Basin Ranch
Stephen Smith lives in a tin cabin on a 90,000-acre cattle ranch in southern Colorado. On his Instagram feed, Stephen posts beautiful photos of the people and animals he encounters everyday. Follow him at @iamstephensmith for shots of gorgeous scenery, galloping horses, and weathered ranchers.
Place you live: Chico Basin Ranch, CO
Place your Instagrams were taken? Chico Basin Ranch is near Colorado Springs. But with 90,000 acres, it is its own “republic.”
What is a perfect day in Chico Basin Ranch? Riding out on horseback as the sun rises for a branding or main herd cattle move. Feeling the way my horse communicates with and reacts to the cattle is an incredibly unique experience for me. On days like this we are on horseback for most of the day.
How long have you been using Instagram? About two years.
Do you shoot with your phone or other cameras or both? Almost all iPhone, with the occasional film image.
What is your editing process? I typically edit with Instagram, although I use VSCO and Whitagram at times.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? I shoot with my DSLR and 35mm film camera occasionally for clients and personal exploration.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? Yes, it allows me to tell a story. Shooting with an iPhone has made it so convenient to capture moments quickly.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? Shoot what you love, tell a story, and be authentic.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers? @deustemple, @nicole_franzen, and @alibeletic.
Iamstephensmith.com
instagram.com/iamstephensmith
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Name:Stephen Smith
City:Chico Basin Ranch, Colorado
Best place to eat:
My grill, The Kitchen, and Pizzeria Basta.
Best place to drink:
Bitter Bar, Frasca, and The Kitchen Upstairs.
Best outdoor activity:
Riding two-wheelers.
Must do:
Local tip:
Drink lots of good beer.