Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Munnerlyn.
Hi Hunter, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Hunter Munnerlyn, and I recently launched my own creative brand, Cowboy Creative Co., where I specialize in photography and social media video content creation. My journey with storytelling and photography began long before I even realized it. Growing up, I didn’t have a camera at home, but my aunt always brought one to family gatherings. I remember being fascinated by it, sneaking to take pictures when she’d set it down. Eventually, she let me capture family moments under her careful eye, sparking my passion for preserving memories.
I grew up in Scurry, Texas, in a family that valued hard work and grit, with walls and shelves covered in photos of family moments. These images told our story, and I loved how a single photo could hold so much. My love for photographs and storytelling also extended beyond my own family. On trips to antique stores, I’d search out baskets of old, forgotten photos and create stories for the people in them. I’d even buy the ones that moved me most, thinking of the lives and memories those pictures represented.
In high school, a happy accident placed me in the yearbook class with juniors and seniors. I barely knew anyone, but I quickly bonded with the teacher, Mrs. Walker, who encouraged me to learn photography. This was also the era of Instagram’s rise, and I loved seeing influencers sharing their stories through beautiful images. I wanted to capture moments like that, so with Mrs. Walker’s help, I started borrowing the school’s camera on weekends and convincing my friends to model for me. Soon, I was posting my photos online and getting noticed. By 17, I landed an internship with a creative team at a large church in Dallas, where I gained invaluable experience photographing events, concerts, and brand campaigns.
After high school, I pursued graphic design and photography at Dallas Baptist University. Although I eventually left due to some personal and institutional conflicts, the experience taught me resilience. My mother’s advice—“Remember who you are and where you came from”—helped me push forward. I soon found a marketing job, where I handled all the visual content and learned about creating with purpose.
But my dream of telling stories through photography never left. I’m grateful for the people and experiences that nurtured my growth, but my heart kept pulling me toward a new venture. That’s when Cowboy Creative Co. took shape—a brand inspired by my roots and fueled by my passion for capturing life’s authentic moments. Since launching in June, I’ve been thrilled by the trust people place in me to capture their stories, whether it’s couples, families, or businesses.
I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love. Each shoot reminds me of that 10-year-old who took his first photo on his aunt’s camera. Cowboy Creative Co. is more than a business—it’s a place where hard work, kindness, and passion meet. And this is just the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I’m grateful for every challenge because each one has shaped who I am and the brand I’m building. One of my first obstacles was in college. I was studying graphic design and photography at Dallas Baptist University on a scholarship, which was essential for covering tuition. When my personal beliefs clashed with some of the university’s strict guidelines, I lost that financial support. It felt like everything I’d worked for was slipping away, and it impacted my internship too, leaving me feeling isolated and defeated. But my mom’s advice to “stay true to who you are and where you come from” helped me find a new path forward. I took what I’d learned and poured it into a marketing job where I created all their visual content, gaining invaluable insights about the business side of creativity and crafting with purpose, not just aesthetics.
Growing up, I was raised to be kind, trusting, and hardworking, but as I stepped into the professional world, I realized that being kind doesn’t mean allowing others to take advantage of you. Early on, I struggled with people-pleasing, which sometimes made me too trusting and led to some painful lessons. I had to learn to value my work, to set boundaries, and to say “no” when necessary. It took some hard knocks and learning experiences, but over time, I grew stronger, learning to stand up for my vision and my worth without losing the kindness and passion that drive me.
Balancing my vision for Cowboy Creative Co. with the realities of running a business hasn’t been easy. There have been days (and late nights) of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning if I was truly cut out for this. But each hurdle has only deepened my commitment to building a brand that values hard work, respect, and authenticity. Every experience has made me more resilient, giving me a clearer vision of what I want for my life and my business.
Now, with Cowboy Creative Co., I focus on creating a space where people’s stories are told with heart and respect. I’m thankful for the obstacles and even for the people who made the journey tough because they clarified my purpose and strengthened my dedication to this work. It’s a constant learning process, but each challenge strengthens my appreciation for this journey and the opportunity to do what I love.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner and creative mind behind Cowboy Creative Co., where I specialize in photography and social media video content creation. I’m passionate about capturing life’s moments in a way that feels authentic and meaningful—whether it’s for couples, families, businesses, or individuals looking to tell their story visually. I offer a range of services, from portrait and event photography to branding content and social media storytelling. While I do a little of everything, I’m really finding my mark in couples portraits, weddings, family portraits, editorial/candid-style solo portraits, and branding photography.
What sets my work apart is a commitment to storytelling that honors each client’s unique personality or brand. I’m known for blending a cinematic style with a warm, candid feel that brings out the best of every moment and every subject. My clients trust me to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera and to capture their story in a way that feels genuine and memorable.
I’m especially proud of the connections I’ve built with my clients and how they continue to return and refer others to Cowboy Creative Co. Building trust and delivering photos that truly capture something meaningful is the most rewarding part of my work. For me, it’s about more than just taking a great picture—it’s about creating images that people will look back on with pride, joy, and nostalgia.
What makes Cowboy Creative Co. unique is my dedication to hard work, kindness, and passion for each project. I approach every session with the same level of excitement and commitment to capturing the story behind the people or brand. With my roots in storytelling and a heart for creating art that resonates, I believe Cowboy Creative Co. offers more than just photography—it offers a meaningful experience and a collection of memories people will treasure for a lifetime.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is growing up on our family farm, where life moved at a pace that let you appreciate the beauty in the small things. My dad rodeoed, and we’d spend countless evenings gathered around a campfire near the barn. Those nights were filled with stories—some from his rodeo days, some from his own childhood, tales from work, and even a few he’d make up on the spot. I loved listening to him, captivated by his way of storytelling, and those nights taught me the value of slowing down and finding magic in the little moments.
My love for photography may have started with that camera my aunt would bring to family gatherings, but I’d say it was also rooted in those quiet evenings on the farm, soaking in my dad’s stories. I’m so grateful to my parents for nurturing my creativity and love for life in ways I didn’t even realize at the time. Today, that sense of wonder and appreciation is what drives my work. I want to help people pause, notice, and hold onto the beauty in life’s fleeting moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cowboycreativeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowboycreativeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=61559122313075
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/102027321/admin/dashboard/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/cowboycreativeco/
