Texas Cowboys

Life is short, y'all. A cowboy I know passed away doing what he loved. He was 26. The work is hard and the pay is not nearly worth the work, but these country boys choose the lives they lead out of love. It’s a love affair with the land, the people, the animals, the culture, and the work. I don’t understand it, but I do respect it.

In tribute, here are some shots I took circa 2009 when helping out on the ranch when I was visiting home in West Texas. These cowboys were camera-shy and apprehensive as to why I was documenting their work, unknowing of how admirable and fascinating they are to so many people. They are novelties--the hats, the boots, the accents--all of it. They are exactly what people, who are not from Texas, think about Texas. 

I love the details on their "uniforms"

Holding the hot iron to brand the cattle

Aren't my work boots pretty?

Details on the chaps

Lone ranger on the pasture

"W Rail" brand on the spur

Notice the ostrich feather on his hat

Details on the saddle

Many see the city, know the city, and love the city. Less see the ranch, know the ranch, and love the ranch. Only a select few get to do both. I feel incredibly blessed to be one of the few.