Author, Emmy-winning makeup artist, and historian Michael F. Blake didn’t just write about the American West—he lived it. His deep connection with its sweeping landscapes, especially Arizona, shaped his career and personal story in unforgettable ways. I had the privilege of photographing Michael F. Blake on a sprawling ranch, capturing the essence of the man behind the pen. This editorial photoshoot wasn’t about staged portraits; it was about telling a story—his story—through my lens.
Each photo aimed to honor his love for horses, his relationship with the Western lifestyle, and the ways working on sets of legendary John Ford films etched an indelible mark on his path. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of this unforgettable editorial photoshoot and share what made this experience so extraordinary.

The Spirit of Michael Blake
When I first met Michael on the ranch, it was clear that his love for the West was more than a childhood fascination. It was in the way he moved, the ease with which he interacted with the horses, and the reverence in his voice as he spoke of the Arizona landscape. Everything about him—his demeanor, his expressions, his stories—exuded a raw authenticity that made my work as a photographer seamless yet deeply meaningful.
Blake isn’t just an observer of the West; he carries it in his soul. Having grown up surrounded by stories of John Ford, his father’s work on film sets, and the cinematic legacy of Monument Valley, he’s lived and breathed the full Western experience. This intimate connection was what I sought to capture. Not polished or posed but real—just as the West itself has always been.

Paying Homage to a Cinematic Legacy
One of the most evocative aspects of the shoot was learning how deeply Ford’s work had influenced Blake. His book, The Cavalry Trilogy, explores the intertwined artistic legacy of Ford, John Wayne, and Monument Valley. These filmmakers didn’t just portray the West—they defined it for generations of audiences, relying on its stark beauty and cultural depth to tell stories that went far beyond shootouts and saloons.
When Blake shared anecdotes about spending time on sets, you could feel his admiration for their precision and artistry. He wholeheartedly believed John Ford was the greatest director in American cinema—a notion made clear in his storytelling as well as my images of him. Even as I captured candid moments during our session, it resonated that this wasn’t just any photoshoot. It was an homage to a man who, like Ford, ensures that the past is never forgotten.

The Power of Black and White Photography
Among the series of images captured during the session, one stands out above the rest. It’s this black-and-white portrait of Blake standing in the AZ desert with the McDowell Mountains in the distance, gazing into my camera. The monochrome tones were a deliberate choice, a nod to the classic Western films that defined a generation of cinema.
Much like John Ford’s use of shadows and contrast to convey emotion, the black-and-white composition strips away distractions. All that’s left is the subject, the raw Arizona sky and mountains, and the story etched onto the lines of Blake’s face. His connection to the West was clear—not just in his gaze, but in his stance, his leather fringed jacket, and his posture that reflected decades of living the life he wrote about.

Horses and Heritage
Horses were another key feature of this session. Blake’s love for these majestic animals is well-documented, and they remained a constant presence throughout the shoot. To him, horses were more than just animals—they were characters, agents of the stories he loved to tell in his writing.
Including them in this arizona editorial photography felt essential. Watching Blake interact with the horses offered an authentic glimpse into his world. One moment, in particular, stays with me—a candid frame where Blake gently rested his hand on the muzzle of a chestnut mare while standing against a barn. It was a quiet, tender exchange, one that I believe encompassed the man himself—respectful of history, in tune with the present, and deeply empathetic toward the lives and stories of all living beings.


The Editorial Perspective
Photographing for editorial purposes calls for more than just capturing a technically sound image. It’s about bringing a narrative to life that translates beyond words, and it’s what I strive for in every session.
For this shoot, balancing Blake’s personal story with an artistic reflection of his environment was key. Editorial photography bridges fine art and storytelling, and this unique style made it possible to combine Blake’s history with the romance of Arizona’s landscapes.
The magazine-worthy frames that resulted—made it to the covers of all three Images Arizona Magazines that month. They’re more than photographs; they’re moments that capture a man living amidst the inspiration for his celebrated work.

An Ode to Arizona
This project wasn’t just about Michael Blake and his legacy but also about the environment that shaped it. Arizona’s landscapes have a timeless allure, one that has brought creatives like Blake, John Ford, and even myself as a Scottsdale editorial photographer, endless inspiration.
From the golden dirt paths stretching toward ridged mountains to the warm reds of dusty sunsets, it’s a state that embodies contrasts. Life thrives here despite the arid terrain, a beautiful metaphor for resilience, artistry, and self-expression—a message that resonates through both Blake’s life and work.
Honoring a Storyteller
This photoshoot with Michael Blake was, at its heart, a celebration of storytelling. Blake told his tales through words, I tell mine through images, and the Arizona sun witnesses it all like a silent custodian of history.
Looking back on that day, I realize that the real magic of editorial photography lies in our ability to preserve these fleeting glimpses. One photograph can capture not just a moment but also lifetimes of experience, passion, and character.
Blake’s connection to Arizona, horses, and the cinematic legacy of the West was far more than an aesthetic to photograph. It was a story of immeasurable depth—a story I feel honored to have been a part of capturing.
For art lovers, book enthusiasts, and Western lifestyle fans alike, Michael Blake remains an enduring figure, and I hope these images offer a fresh appreciation for his life’s work.
Share Your Visual Story
Are you ready to capture your story in a way that resonates with your audience? Whether you’re an artist, author, or entrepreneur, I can help tell your unique narrative through arizona editorial photography.
Get in touch today to work together and create a collection of visuals that tell your story. I’m always thrilled to bring inspiring Arizona tales to life one photograph at a time. Contact me today!