64 Parishes

Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana

Teen Photographers Embrace Louisiana’s Equine Heritage

The photographs of the 3-C Cowgirls photography group are selected for display at the Paramount Room of Calcasieu Marine National Bank during the annual Spring Art Walk in Lake Charles

by Staff at the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana

Published: August 30, 2018
Last Updated: December 19, 2018

Teen Photographers Embrace Louisiana’s Equine Heritage

Courtesy of the photographer.

Caitlyn Dionne, Cow Horse Reminiscing, 2018.

Along with her sister Cathryn and good friend Claire Zaunbrecher, Caitlyn Dionne is a founding member of the 3-C Cowgirls (pronounced 3 bar C), formed when fifty of their pictures were selected for display at the Paramount Room of Calcasieu Marine National Bank during the annual Spring Art Walk in Lake Charles. The trio has its roots at the Calcasieu Cameron 4-H Horse Club. Six years ago, the club invited Pam Kaster, a professional photographer and author of the children’s book, Molly the Pony, to give a workshop on equine photography to encourage members who don’t own horses to stay active. Kaster became a mentor for Dionne, helping her develop skills shooting and editing photography.

Dionne believes the key to her success has been her own experience training and showing her own horses. “I love capturing the beauty of the relation between the horse and rider as well preserving the culture and heritage shared by all equestrians,” said Dionne. She has ties to Gray Ranch in Vinton, one of the oldest working ranches in Louisiana.  Dating back to the early 1800s, the ranch was the focus of the 3-C Cowgirls’ photography shows this past summer. The Cowgirls are planning to expand their Images of the Gray Ranch show with a fall 2019 show at the Brimstone Museum in Sulphur.

“Time stops for no one, but the ability to freeze it and share it with people is something I love doing,” said Dionne, whose photos were on display this year at the Art Associates Gallery in Lake Charles.

Visit the Captured by Caitlyn Facebook page to learn more.