Kodi Dickeson | '25 EMDP Ambassador | Bedford, IA

Meet Kodi – 2025 EMDukat Photography Ambassador

Southwest Iowa | Ranch Mama | Quiet Badass with a Big Heart

There’s a line in the gravel that splits states—and just beyond it, you’ll find someone who wears grit and grace equally well. This year’s session with Kodi took place right on that border of Iowa and Missouri, on her family land where ranch life, motherhood, and horsepower (of the four-legged kind) all come together.

This marks Kodi’s second year as an EMDukat Photography Ambassador, and it’s been a joy to watch her confidently glow in front of the camera every session together. Her session this year brought a perfect mix of elegance and edge—with fringe, rhinestones, and a classic cowboy hat paired with the kind of quiet strength you can’t fake. This year’s look showcases both her bold personality and the heart she pours into everything she does—from the saddle to the ranch to raising her two beautiful kids.

Judee, her trusty mare and barrel racing partner, of course made an appearance—as did her daughter Kansas, who’s already tearing up the PeeWee ranks. (Watch out, world.) Their connection is one of my favorite things to photograph. It’s so genuine—just like Kodi. She’s a proud Farm Bureau and AQHA member, a fierce advocate for agriculture, and a woman who will show up to calve out a cow before sunrise and still make time for a family movie night by sunset. Ranch midwife and mama—she wears both titles well.

But beyond all the titles and responsibilities, Kodi is a joy to be around. What started as a photographer-ambassador connection quickly turned into a real friendship. Our sessions are always filled with laughter, real talk, and a little bit of chaos (the best kind). I look forward to seeing her and her crew—husband TJ, daughter Kansas, and son Jaxxon—every time. And yes, our girls may be a little different in age, but watching them click instantly reminds me how horses and heartland roots can build bridges that last.

This year, Kodi and her family are expanding their cattle operation—something I’ll be sharing more of in a future post with images from a special family session we did just for that. But for now, I hope these portraits give you a glimpse of the strength, softness, and spark she carries.

Kodi, thank you for trusting me again this year. You’re the kind of woman who makes other women feel brave just by being yourself.

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Would you love a session that reflects your story, style, and strength—just like Kodi's? Whether you're in the arena, the pasture, or somewhere in between, I’d love to create portraits that feel like you. Let’s talk about what a custom session might look like.

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