About

Creative Powerhouse

Dee Yates embodies the epitome of California cool with an extraordinary gift for capturing life's most radiant moments. A native Californian through and through, she radiates the warmth and vibrancy of her home state in everything she creates. More than just a photographer, Dee is a multifaceted gem – a devoted mother, loving wife, caring daughter, timeless artist, publisher, writer, storyteller, savvy entrepreneur, dedicated gardener, regenerative farmer, and passionate advocate for wellness and tradition.

Opening her first studio in 2000, Dee embarked on a visual odyssey documenting life's most precious moments. From weddings to the intimate boudoir, from vibrant food styling to breathtaking landscapes, her camera became her passport to beauty.

Over her 25-year career photographing women, Dee developed a rare and extraordinary talent: the ability to uncover the authentic narrative beneath each woman's exterior. Her sessions evolved into transformative experiences where women rediscovered their inherent beauty beyond society's narrow definitions. Her studio became a sanctuary for self-love education, with Dee reflecting back to women their inner beauty and teaching them that true beauty resonates from within.

When life presented challenges, Dee responded with creative innovation. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to develop a thriving short-term rental business, transforming properties into sought-after destinations. She applied the same artistic eye that made her photography exceptional to these spaces.

Simultaneously, Dee embraced regenerative farming at her ranch, cultivating a deep connection to the land and traditional homesteading practices.

The Publishing Evolution

In 2012, Dee's remarkable talent caught the discerning eye of the Editor-in-Chief at HERLIFE Magazine. What began as a professional collaboration blossomed into a profound friendship that would alter the trajectory of her career. This relationship paved the way for Dee to eventually take the helm as owner and editor-in-chief, transforming the publication into a platform for authentic storytelling.

Running the magazine pushed Dee to expand her creative repertoire, discovering that her distinctive voice resonated deeply with readers. Her Publisher's Notes became reader favorites, reflecting her unique blend of wisdom, authenticity, and practical insight.

After several successful years with HERLIFE, Dee made the necessary decision to return to her creative roots. This transition allowed her to complete her passion project – "Cowgirl Culture, California," a book documenting the life and style of contemporary cowgirls that had been gestating since 2016.

The Cowgirl Culture Legacy

Driven by her Western roots and passion for preserving heritage, Dee immersed herself completely in the world of cowgirls, capturing not just their images but their stories, families, relationships with their horses, and most importantly, their distinctive STYLE – that ineffable quality where function meets expression in the Western tradition.

This labor of love culminated in her first published book, "Cowgirl Culture, California" – a vibrant collection that offers readers an intimate glimpse into this powerful feminine heritage. Building on this success, Dee is currently creating her second book, "Cowgirl Culture, Arizona," expanding her documentation of American Western Heritage .

Roper Sports News: Honoring Tradition While Embracing Innovation

In her most recent entrepreneurial venture, Dee became the owner and publisher of Roper Sports News Magazine, acquiring Bob Feist's 57-year-old cornerstone of Western sports media. Under her visionary leadership, she's transforming this traditional newspaper into a glossy magazine while honoring its rich heritage and the community it serves.

Now five issues deep, Dee is simultaneously developing the Western Elders Series – capturing the raw, unfiltered stories of culture pioneers before they're lost to time. This natural extension of her work preserves the wisdom and experiences of those who shaped Western heritage for future generations.

The Essence of Dee Yates

What makes Dee Yates extraordinary isn't just her creative talent or business acumen – it's her authenticity. Through every success and setback, she's remained true to her core values: building confidence through self-love, creating something from nothing, chasing fear instead of running from it, recognizing opportunity when it appears, rising after falling, solving problems instead of dwelling on them, and walking in unwavering authenticity.

Dee Yates isn't just a publisher and photographer; she's a creative force whose work isn't just seen but felt. Her world is one where beauty knows no bounds, stories unfold endlessly, and every image opens a doorway to new adventure.

Welcome to the vibrant, spirited, and endlessly inspiring world of Dee Yates – where California cool meets Western grit, and every capture tells a story of authentic American spirit.