Down the Dirt Road: Goshen County photographer captures life where the pavement ends

What began as a simple hobby has blossomed into a fulfilling and inspiring career for Teresa Milner, the owner of Dirt Road Wife Photography.

“In junior high school, I received my first camera. I took it everywhere and loved taking pictures of all of my show animals,” Teresa shares.

A native of Cheyenne, Teresa grew up immersed in 4-H and FFA, showing livestock and cultivating a deep appreciation for the beauty of agricultural life. She has since dedicated herself to capturing special moments of the Goshen County community.

Teresa and her family moved to Goshen County over 10 years ago due to her husband’s job.

Her husband Ben is the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) bird farm coordinator for the Downer Bird Farm, where they live and raise their daughter Emily.

Before she embarked on her exciting journey as a photographer, which officially began in 2017, Teresa enjoyed her time working with the WGFD in public relations and natural resource management.

Multi-talented

Teresa describes herself as a wife, mom, photographer and part-time pheasant wrangler, with a passion for her family, friends and Wyoming. 

A graduate of the University of Wyoming, she earned a degree in agricultural communications in 1999 but is a self-taught photographer.

She honed her skills through a few college courses and several years of taking pictures, experimenting with wildlife photography and family portraits, always striving to capture the perfect shot. 

“I have explored a variety of styles and genres of photography, but I wanted to enhance my skills so I dove into every book and YouTube video I could find,” she explains. “Friends and family started asking me to take their pictures and even offered to pay me for them. Before I knew it, an opportunity arose, and I found myself with a viable business.”

Teresa has led her business by capturing memorable moments as a community and school photographer.

“I love the art form of photography and the connections I make with my subjects. It’s a wonderful way to meet people, and I enjoy getting out there and being creative while sharing it with them,” Teresa says.

Teresa has spent the past decade traveling down the dirt roads of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska. 

When she is not helping her husband raise pheasants or assisting her daughter with 4-H projects, she can be found at local schools, capturing photos of students and sporting events. 

Teresa specializes in senior portraits, county fairs, rodeo photography and school and club sports photos.

Event photography

Throughout her childhood, Teresa’s father played a vital role in various local organizations and made significant contributions to their community. 

“My dad announced slack at Cheyenne Frontier Days, and it has been an incredible honor to be among the pool of photographers this year,” she reflects. 

 “I was just a girl who loved horses and animals, and my passion for agriculture blossomed when I joined FFA and 4-H,” she adds.

Over the years, her dedication to FFA has only deepened, as she has taken on roles such as executive secretary, official organization photographer and public relations coordinator for Wyoming.

Teresa’s captivating photographs have been selected for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture’s Mediation Program annual calendar and are displayed in various government buildings and businesses throughout Goshen County. 

Her images beautifully capture the landscapes, farms and daily life of the region, and they have also been featured in several local magazines, showcasing her talent and the charm of the community.

For more information, visit dirtroadwifephotography.com or e-mail teresa@dirtroadwifephotography.com to schedule a personal appointment.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.