Real Brands. Real Stories. Told Right.


Creative direction and photography shaped by the Western spirit.

01- My Mission

Crafting Prestige: Your Vision, My Expertise.

At Markus Van Meter Creative, I partner with brands that carry weight — not just in what they sell, but in who they are.

I work with boutique and heritage-minded companies to shape stories that stick. Not through gimmicks or flash, but through grounded, authentic storytelling and smart, long-haul brand strategy. If you’re building something with legacy in mind — a lifestyle brand, a product with soul, or a business that stands for more — I’ll help bring that vision into focus.

This isn’t just marketing. I take time to understand your roots, your values, and the people you’re trying to reach. From there, I craft visual campaigns, produce premium photo and video content, and guide full-scale branding or rebranding efforts — all tailored to feel handcrafted, intentional, and real.

Whether you’re just starting out or already riding at the front of the herd, I’ll help you shape a brand presence that earns trust, holds attention, and carries weight in a crowded market.

If that sounds like the kind of work you want to do, let’s talk about what’s next.

“Content marketing is the gap between what brands produce and what consumers actually want”.

02 - Brand Strategy

Campaign Development

I work with brands that live close to the land — the ones outfitting cowboys, guiding hunters, building durable gear, or welcoming folks to the kind of places they’ll never forget. And when it comes to campaign development, I bring the same mindset you'd take to a branding iron: deliberate, grounded, and built to last.

Whether you’re launching a new product line, marketing an outfitting business, or inviting travelers into your lodge, ranch, or mountain town — I help shape a message that feels like it belongs. That means knowing your audience, speaking their language, and showing up with imagery and copy that resonates.

I partner with you to clarify your story, map out campaign strategy, and create visuals that hit harder than a fast-talking ad ever could. Every detail — from the visuals to the voice — is built around authenticity, tradition, and the kind of pride that’s earned, not claimed.

So whether you're in the business of boots, bolt-actions, or booking stays under big skies, I’ll help you run a campaign that rings true — and gets noticed by the right kind of folks.

Channel Strategy

Every platform’s got its own terrain — and just like you wouldn’t ride the high country in town boots, you don’t show up on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube with the same exact message.

I help brands speak the right language for each channel — without losing their voice in the process. Whether it’s the story-forward style of Instagram, the raw punch of a short-form reel, or the clean professionalism of LinkedIn, I’ll tailor the visuals and messaging to fit the lay of the land.

It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about showing up with intention — clear, consistent, and built to connect with the folks you're trying to reach. Whether you’re focused on one platform or building a cross-channel presence, I’ll help you craft a brand rhythm that feels cohesive, true to your roots, and ready to grow.

Let’s make sure your brand speaks fluently — no matter where it shows up.

Brainstorm Workshops

Sometimes the best ideas start with a loose sketch on a napkin or a conversation around a campfire. That’s the spirit I bring to every workshop — open, creative, and dead set on turning big ideas into real momentum.

I lead brand workshops that break down walls, spark new thinking, and help teams see things in a fresh light. Whether you’re stuck on a campaign, reworking your messaging, or dreaming up something bold and new, I’ll help guide the process and shape it into something you can actually act on.

No egos. No over-complication. Just focused collaboration, clear strategy, and a few good ideas worth chasing.

If you’re ready to shake loose a better way forward, let’s put something on the calendar and get to work.

03 - Production

Commercial + Social Photography

I don’t just take pictures — I tell the kind of stories that leave a mark.

When I work with a brand, I’m looking for the grit, the soul, and the real-life moments that show folks what you're made of. It’s not about posed perfection — it’s about capturing truth: a hand on a saddle horn, a firelit glance, dust rising off a back road.

My approach blends documentary-style photography with commercial purpose — built for campaigns, websites, and social platforms alike. Whether you're launching a product, outfitting a team, or welcoming guests to your slice of the West, I’ll help you show it the way it’s meant to be seen.

The end result? A library of true-to-you images that connect on a deeper level — built for reels, ads, feeds, and anything in between. Not just good photos. Brand assets with backbone.

Let’s tell your story right — and make sure it gets seen.

Campaign Production

When I take on a campaign, I treat it like I’m part of the crew — not just someone behind the camera. I embed with your team, get to know your story, and bring it to life with a documentary eye and a boots-on-the-ground work ethic.

I scout locations that feel true to your brand — wide open ranches, weathered barns, mountain backdrops, or wherever your story lives. I cast real people, not actors, because there’s no substitute for folks who actually live the life. From there, we shoot with intention — capturing the raw, unscripted moments that make your brand human.

Every detail, from planning to post-production, is handled with care and clarity. I build each project around your core values and campaign goals, crafting content that doesn’t just look good — it means something.

You’ve got enough to focus on already. Let me handle the story work, so you can keep building what matters.

04-Web & SEO

Your Brand's Digital Foundation

These days, your website is more than a digital storefront — it’s your handshake, your first impression, and your campfire all rolled into one.

I build websites that guide folks through your story with clarity and purpose. No fluff, no fuss — just clean design, strong copy, and a layout that puts your brand’s best foot forward. Whether you're selling custom gear, booking ranch stays, or showcasing high-end apparel, I make sure your site feels like you: sharp, welcoming, and built to convert.

And it doesn’t stop with design. I make sure your site’s working behind the scenes too — with solid SEO that helps the right people find you when they need you most. Because a great brand doesn’t just speak well — it gets seen.

So whether you’re building from scratch or giving your digital presence a much-needed overhaul, I’ll help you craft a site that tells your story, draws people in, and earns their trust.

Let’s make your online home as strong and memorable as the brand behind it.

05-Campaign Images

Visual Storytelling Power

In marketing, a picture isn't just worth a thousand words; it's an invaluable tool that can transform how your brand connects with its audience. High-quality, captivating visuals can stop a scrolling thumb, ignite curiosity, and weave a narrative that resonates deeply with potential customers.

Imagine a single image that encapsulates the spirit of your brand, evokes the emotions you want associated with your products or services, and leaves an enduring mark on the viewer's memory. That's the power of visual storytelling.

Whether showcasing the craftsmanship of your handmade goods, the joy experienced by your customers, or the breathtaking landscapes where your adventures unfold, compelling imagery can forge a powerful bond between your brand and your target audience. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about fostering an emotional connection that translates into brand loyalty and increased sales.

Invest in high-quality visuals that tell your unique story, and watch as your brand's message comes to life in a way that words alone cannot achieve.

My Services

  • Cinematic, story-driven photography grounded in Western lifestyle and outdoor culture.

    • Commercial brand shoots

    • Lifestyle and product photography

    • On-location ranch, outdoor, and adventure shoots

    • Fine art commissions

  • I help brands refine their identity and craft campaign visuals that align with who they are — and where they’re headed.

    • Brand storytelling strategy

    • Visual tone + mood development

    • Seasonal campaign planning

    • Legacy branding for lifestyle and apparel

  • Modern marketing for brands built on tradition. Get practical guidance and custom strategy across platforms.

    • Marketing audits and campaign planning

    • Audience growth strategies

    • E-commerce and conversion consultation

    • Shopify and Squarespace strategy

  • From field to final cut — I offer video production for brands who want to tell richer stories.

    • Brand films and on-location videos

    • Short-form content for Reels, TikTok, and YouTube

    • Cinematic editing and motion graphics

    • Long-form content for YouTube and campaigns

  • I manage social presence with content that feels authentic — and converts.

    • Monthly content calendars

    • Caption writing + scheduling

    • Short-form video editing

    • Platform growth strategy

  • Design that speaks to your brand's story — online and in print.

    • Website design (Squarespace, Shopify, WordPress)

    • Graphics for web, print, and social

    • Digital asset creation and design support

  • Every great brand needs a voice. I help you write like you mean it.

    • Website copy & product storytelling

    • Email campaigns & newsletters

    • Ghostwriting & long-form content

Brands & Organizations I’ve Worked With

Ouray Riverside Resort | JeepOuray | The Smokehouse | City of Ouray | Colorado Tourism Office | Ouray Brewery | America’s Forests- U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Project | Choose Outdoors | KJ Wood Distillers | U.S. Forest Service | Gold Mountain Ranch

Additional client references available upon request.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

If you're ready to elevate your brand with story-driven content and Western-rooted strategy — let’s talk.