Studio
Home of the Roaming Sessions
Scroll down or click to see How To Book, our Locations, FAQs for Photographers and Clients, and our Rates.
West 12 Ranch Studio consists of over a dozen scenes and locations spread across a functioning horse ranch. When you book, the entire studio is your location with indoor and outdoor scenes and props all-inclusive… Don’t forget to bring your own photographer!
How to Book
Step 1: Review this Page
Please review the locations, rates and FAQs below before you text. This helps us continue to provide personalized service.
Step 2: Book Your Tour (Text Barb)
For the safety and success of all guests, at least one person in your group must complete a guided tour before the first session. You can book the tour and your first session together or separately.
Step 3: Book Your Session (Text Barb)
The tour activates booking access. If your photographer is the one who took the tour, let Barb know their name when you text to book the session.
Take a Look Around
Looking for a specific location or special request item? Take a peek through the galleries below to see more of the favorite places throughout the ranch.
Aspen Room - Left
Aspen Room - Right
Birch Room - Left
Birch Room - Right
Bonanza Room
Photo Tour
Ranch scenes are subject to change with the season and as we find new props. For the latest, follow us on the socials. To confirm a specific prop, set-up, or flowers in bloom, please text Barb a screenshot.
Click To Open Location, Then Scroll Through Photos
Stallion Barn
Bonanza Room
Grape Arbor
Pepper Tree Pasture
Studio Barn and Frontier Scene
Aspen Room
Birch Room
Redwood Lawn
Hay Barn and Lawn
The Lanes
By Special Request
Peacock Chair
Floral Wreath Swing
Mini-pony, Unicorn
Horse
(Not so) Hidden Gems
FAQs for Photographers
Click + sign to see each section
Types of Sessions
WHAT IS A SINGLE SESSION?
A single session permits you to roam the ranch with ONE client or client family/couple for up to 60 minutes. The rate is per client, even if you don’t use the time. For instance, if you spend 30 minutes photographing a senior, then 30 minutes on a maternity shoot, those are two unique single sessions – unless they’re in the same family.
WHAT IS A MINI-SESSION?
Mini-sessions are in one reserved location on the ranch, paid by the hour (two hour minimum), with up to three client sessions each hour. We will make a sign to direct clients to your chosen area and we can arrange special parking for distant locations like the hay barn.
Booking
HOW DO I BOOK?
Text Barb at 209-479-3220 after reading through the FAQs. It is helpful to start the text by letting her know you read through the FAQs and rate sheet. Somebody in your group, either you or the person taking your photos, has to have and pay for the official tour. This is like a onetime membership fee. If you are using a photographer who’s already had the official tour, their name will be in her contact list. Let Barb know that name since the responsible person for your session will be that photographer.
Note, people may have shot here before, but it does not mean they have paid for the membership to use the facility. Their client may have paid for their own membership, so it was that client who was the official contact, not the photographer. That photographer still needs the official tour/pay for membership so they can book their own session, or it can be you.
CAN I BOOK MORE THAN THREE CLIENTS PER HOUR FOR MY MINIS?
No. After several years experience, we have learned that 20 minutes is the optimal number for client overlap, allowing everyone to flow smoothly in and out of the ranch, and get the most from their session.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
Generally, weekend sessions book up one week in advance. The months before Christmas and Easter fill quickly – three to four weeks in advance. However, we do accept same day appointments if we have availability. Most weekdays, it’s easy to book within a few days (or hours) of your session – it never hurts to ask!
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We have several locations that are indoors or otherwise sheltered from wind and weather. However, sometimes these locations have been already reserved. Check with Barb for availability. Because we understand that many people come to West 12 Ranch specifically for the outdoor vistas and natural light, there is no charge to cancel your session due to inclement weather.
Props
DO I HAVE TO PAY SEPARATELY FOR THE PROPS?
No, with some exceptions. Most props are included in your session. We must charge separately for the lemonade stand and carriage, to move a truck, and for our unicorn and horse sessions. Click here to see Rates, below on this page.
WOULD YOU EVER TRADE SESSIONS FOR PROPS?
Absolutely!
CAN I RESERVE PROPS?
Yes, within reason. Please tell Barb when you book if you’re interested in specific props for your shoot. We just ask that you use the reserved props first during your session, so that they can be made available again for other photographers as soon as possible.
DO I NEED TO RESERVE THE TRUCKS? WHERE ARE THE TRUCKS?
Typically, yes. If you stumble upon a truck (or any other vehicle) that is not in use, you are welcome to use it in your photo. If you would like to reserve a truck in a specific location, please let us know when you book you session, or before you arrive. Click here to see Rates, below on this page.
CAN I BRING MY OWN PROPS?
Absolutely! But please remember to take them all with you when you go. We don’t have a formal lost and found, so stray props get added to the collection.
CAN I USE CONFETTI/GLITTER/ETC?
PLEASE DON’T!!! It is dangerous to our animals and impossible to clean – even if you take precautions.
Animals
CAN I SIT ON OR RIDE A HORSE OR UNICORN?
No. Our insurance company will not cover that.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
Yes! Please let us know when you schedule your session, so we can put our ranch dog in the house. Pets must be on leash at all times, and you must PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET!!! Please bring your own baggies, and there are trash cans all over the ranch. If this continues to be an issue we may have to change to a no-pet policy, and that would be sad!
I HEARD YOU HAVE A UNICORN…
Yes, we have seen unicorns roaming around the property – reclusive but friendly. Just ask Barb if you’re interested and she can check their schedule. Do be aware that they are unavailable during the rainy season though, as they love to take full advantage of the mud baths. Click here to see Rates, below on this page.
Specialty Photography
CAN I DO A BOUDOIR SHOOT?
No. While we’ve seen some very tastefully done boudoir shots, at this time we choose not to host those on the ranch. However, a man with his shirt off (but pants zipped AND buttoned) and/or a pregnant woman showing her belly are okay.
WHAT ABOUT A BREASTFEEDING SESSION?
Yes. Please let us know so we can alert any other photographers on property at the same time. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected during their session at West 12 Ranch Studio.
DO YOU HAVE A PRIVATE OUTDOOR SPACE FOR AN UNVEILING PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION?
Yes. Please ask Barb about which locations work well for this, and to confirm availability.
WHAT ABOUT A FAMILY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
We love helping families create special memories, and the Studio can be a great fit for special needs families. With both indoor and outdoor spaces in one location, we can often offer helpful flexibility and collaboration. Please ask Barb if your client may need specific accommodations.
Payment and Cancelation
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, Venmo or checks made out to West 12 Ranch, Inc. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.
Scroll down to see Rates, below on this page.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance, or due to inclement weather. If you cancel 48 hours or less before your appointment date with expected good weather, you are responsible for the full charge for that cancelled session/mini-session hour.
For Mini sessions during the months of Oct-Dec, you need to give a 14- day notice prior to session date for cancellation, or you will need to pay for half of the booked session time.
FAQs for Clients
Click + sign to see each section
Communication
DO I NEED TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes. Direct your photographer to our website or Facebook Page.
WILL YOU PROVIDE A PHOTOGRAPHER IF I NEED ONE?
No. We are a photography location and do not specifically contract with or endorse any specific photographers. If you are new to the area and looking for a local photographer, you are welcome to browse our Facebook Page – we attempt to post and share photos from a wide variety of our photographers. CLICK HERE FOR OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
CAN I JUST COME TAKE PICTURES ON MY OWN?
Yes. We welcome all professional and amateur photographers. However, you must follow the same process as all other photographers to do so.
Props, Animals, Trucks, and Special Requests
DO I HAVE TO MAKE ANY ARRANGEMENTS TO USE PROPS?
Have your photographer coordinate with Barb for any props, animals, trucks, etc you would like to use. Click here to see Rates, below on this page.
CAN I BRING MY OWN PROPS?
Absolutely! But please remember to take them all with you when you go. We don’t have a formal lost and found, so stray props get added to the collection.
CAN I USE CONFETTI/GLITTER/ETC?
PLEASE DON’T!!! It is dangerous to our animals and impossible to clean – even if you take precautions.
CAN I DO A BOUDOIR SHOOT?
No. While we’ve seen some very tastefully done boudoir shots, at this time we choose not to host those on the ranch. However, a man with his shirt off (but pants zipped AND buttoned) and/or a pregnant woman showing her belly are okay.
WHAT ABOUT A BREASTFEEDING SESSION?
Yes. Please let us know so we can alert any other photographers on property at the same time. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected during their session at West 12 Ranch Studio.
Things to Bring
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For colors and styles and coordinating a family, talk to your photographer – they can tell you what will be flattering on camera. That said, our location is largely outdoors and the inside locations are not heated/air-conditioned. If you wear sleeveless in November, or scarves in July, don’t say you weren’t warned.
The ground is NOT level, and the grasses are left tall so they look pretty in pictures but can be an adventure in heels. One of the barns has concrete floors, but the others and the lanes are straw, dirt, and/or gravel. There will be mud and wet grass after rain, and it’s not uncommon to have a breeze come up at any time. Any of these can add a lovely effect to your photo – if you dress for success!
CAN I CHANGE MY CLOTHES?
Yes, we have two or three areas on the ranch where you can change your clothes.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We have several locations that are indoors or otherwise sheltered from wind and weather. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy for the walk from your car. However, indoor locations are sometimes already reserved. Because we understand that many people come to West 12 Ranch specifically for the outdoor vistas and natural light, there is no charge to cancel your session due to inclement weather.
Payment and Cancellation
HOW DO I PAY?
Coordinate with your photographer. You can view our current rates below.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO CANCEL?
There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance, or due to inclement weather. If you cancel 48 hours or less before your appointment date with expected good weather, you are responsible for the full charge for that cancelled time.
2026 Studio Rates
Reminder: no Boudoir sessions
Tour: $50
A tour is required for one person in each group, usually it’s the photographer. That person is responsible for that session. They can then use the studio in the future by texting Barb since their contact will be in her phone.
Jan-Feb: $40 Mon-Thurs or $60 Fri-Sun.
March – Sept: $50 Mon-Thurs or $60 Fri-Sun
Oct – Dec: $80 per hour Mon-Thurs $90 Fri-Sun
Single Session up to 60 minutes of time. Can book longer session for a client paying for additional time.
This rate is PER CLIENT or PER small family group (2-generation, ie: Mom, Dad, kids that live under same roof) even if you choose not to use your full allotted time. For instance, if you have aunts/uncles/cousins represented, please pay separately for each family. If you wish to book a longer session time, please check with Barbara when making an appointment.
If more than 6 people in the session, please discuss with Barb
Mini-sessions (2 Hour Minimum): JAN-SEPT: $120 per hour. Oct-Dec $150 per hour
Photographers set up at one reserved area or room on the ranch for at least TWO HOURS. We set out signs to direct clients to the photographer who can offer up to three “mini-sessions” per hour (roughly every 20 minutes).
Cancellation Policy
There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance, or due to inclement weather. If you cancel 48 hours or less before your appointment date with expected good weather, you are responsible for the full charge for that cancelled session.
For Mini sessions during the months of Oct-Dec, you need to give a 14- day notice prior to session date for cancellation, or you will need to pay for half of the booked session time.
Special Requests
** Please let us know your special request at the time of booking. We will attempt to fulfill same-day requests, but cannot guarantee availability.
Move a Truck: $30
Floral Wreath Swing: $60 for session / $70 for mini – We hang, decorate, and take down after regular session with additional 20 minutes of time if needed.
West 12 Staff Assistance to Stage a Horse Photo: $80 for up to 20 minutes – one location. Insurance does not allow guests to sit on horses. This time is added onto the session time if needed.
Big Unicorn: $90 for up to 20 minutes – one location. Insurance does not allow guests to sit on unicorns. This time is added onto the session time if needed.
Little Pony: $60 for up to 20 minutes– one location. Insurance does not allow guests to sit on horses. This time is added onto the session time if needed.
Little Unicorn: $70 for up to 20 minutes– one location. Insurance does not allow guests to sit on unicorns. This time is added onto the session time if needed.
Peacock Chair: $50.00 for session / $80 for mini – White or Natural option. We carry it to one area or room and remove when done. Approximately up to 20 minutes of use in a roaming session.
Additional Services
We are glad to welcome individuals and families of all abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request and are provided in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us in advance so we can discuss your specific needs and determine how best to support your visit.
Private space for Unveilings may also be arranged by request, subject to availability. We’re happy to discuss options to help make your event meaningful and memorable.