"WESTERN WINTER"

One of my favorite evenings while exploring these harsh winter conditions on the western side of the Teton range in Idaho. During a light snowfall and an exhausting hike through four feet of fresh snow, I placed my hat on this old fence post to capture this photo. The heavy fog danced through the trees and would every once in a while give way to the sun, lighting up the snow in a golden hue. The barbed wire was already stripped down to the bottom of the post and was covered in about a foot of snow. The old wood was splintering at the base and could barely hold itself up due to the weight of many winters in which it had endured. Large flakes blew in faster with every gust of wind and found their resting place on my hat. I stood there up to my waist in snow, my toes frozen, and my face covered in frost. After about ten minutes in the cold, I was stunned by the image that had created itself before me. A simple yet powerful composition that describes my vision of the west. A vision that turns into a passion for capturing authentic moments in efforts to preserve this way of life. For those who have come and gone and to those who are keepin' on. My hat is off to you.

"TRADITIONS"

Sometimes photos don’t need a full story. Sometimes it’s just simple moments like this that tell it all. The details in the stirrups all the way up to the cracks and blood-stained chaps are enough. To me, this photo simplifies and sums up what it’s like to be a cowboy. To work seven days a week under the hot sun or in below-freezing temperatures. To wear and represent gear that is specific to you and serves a purpose for every single thing you do. To me, this photo shares the untold story of many men and women who live this lifestyle and the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it.

 This artwork was created while visiting some friends of mine in Montana on a ranch not far from Yellowstone. This day was full of heavy winds and light snowfall. After capturing various photos of a few cowboys working horses in these brutal conditions, I was fascinated with how this photo came to mind. The snow was sticking all over this cowboy, from his hat all the way down to his boots in the stirrups. It completely caught me off guard and I immediately focused my attention on just his boots and captured this detailed artwork that shows the ruggedness and passion that goes into this lifestyle. Passed down from one generation to the next, preserving these family traditions.

"REGAL"

Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by horses. It took me up until my mid-twenties to start riding and getting to understand the mindset of these animals. How to work with them and the proper steps to earn their trust without applying too much pressure. Each horse has its own personality, disposition, and characteristics. When I was working on a ranch back in 2020, I was out working with a few guys throwing flakes of hay off of the feed truck out in the pasture just before sunset. Soon after we finished, I was walking through the field and noticed this unique pattern on this horse. The horse, completely covered in white, had this one black spot just behind his neck and two more along the right side of his belly. The gentle breeze that evening was blowing through his mane and it created such a unique composition for this photograph. Still to this day, I’m filled with a gentle and joyful feeling when I look at this artwork.

"THE FOUR SIXES"

Arguably one of the most famous and largest ranches in Texas, the Four Sixes covers 266,255-plus acres of land along the western region of the state. It has been featured in multiple documentaries including the hit television series, Yellowstone. Aside from all of the fame this ranch has amassed over the past 150-plus years, it is also a place where some of the best cowboys in the country call their home. 

 One of those cowboys happens to be a friend of mine named Brewster Guin. I met Brew one afternoon outside of his home in Guthrie, TX, and immediately connected with him. A man with calloused hands and a smile that never faded. He and his wife offered me a place to stay with them and their newborn daughter for a few days while I captured photos of their life on the Four Sixes ranch. From feeding cows in the morning and counting stars in the evening, we never ran into a dull moment. Nights spent sharing stories along with a cold beer in our hands, these are the moments I will forever cherish.

"THE WORLD NEEDS MORE COWBOYS"

After working on a cattle ranch all day in west Texas, I gathered a few cowboys that I had been spending the past few days with and drove into the town of Alpine where this photo was created. I’ve had this vision for a while now and was waiting to find the perfect moment. This photo was taken just outside of a little bar in town about an hour shy of sunset. I walked in and spoke with the owner and asked if we could change the letters around on the old marquee sign out front. Without hesitation, he said absolutely and even shared some stories with us outside as we got everything set up. 

 Growing up fascinated by cowboys and the western lifestyle, I looked up to these men and women who represented this culture. A culture dedicated to taking care of the land and its livestock no matter what. Caring for one another, enjoying a slower pace lifestyle with God and family at the forefront. Hard work, sacrifice, and humility are hard to come by. Putting everything above themselves in order to maintain a healthier life for others. A way of living we could all benefit from. In times like these, the world needs more cowboys.

"SLEEPING GIANT"

The ever so popular Mormon Row barns. This is a place I have photographed over and over again. In the spring and in the fall. Year after year. However, this was my first time visiting this historical place in the heart of winter. During the winter the road that most people travel on is completely snowed over. It’s just under a mile of a hike out to this barn but the difficult thing is navigating from where you park and how much snow you’ll have to hike through. This was a morning consisting of -15F temperatures, light snowfall, and one very motivated photographer. With multiple layers on, two sets of gloves, toe warmers in my boots, and a ski mask to keep my face as warm as possible, I started my hike around 5:00 am. After hiking through about three feet of snow, I arrived just before sunrise. My face was covered in frost, I knew that having a camera out in these conditions wouldn’t last long. I could feel the stiffness in my hands, the frost freezing my eyelids together, and knew that I may only have about five minutes to capture this photo. Hurrying to set up the perfect composition, I was racing against not only sunrise but now the frost that had formed on my camera. I have never seen this place so covered in snow. Besides this rare moment that I was able to capture, I also came home with minor frostbite on my left hand. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

"A DAY IN TEXAS"

The crew took a break under the high Texas sun while sharing laughs and stories about past times. I captured this photo just before we headed back to headquarters for a quick lunch break before working the calves again for the second part of the day. Covered in dirt, sweat, and blood, this photo captures the bond these men share while working in these tough conditions. The winters can be brutal and the heat of the summers can kill a man if he isn’t prepared. No matter what the day calls for, there is work to get done and I can promise you, it takes a lot more than the heat to kill these men. 

 Texas just does things differently from the rest of the world. It’s a place where hospitality is celebrated and generosity is in your blood. A place where legends are born. Most importantly, it’s a place where people have taught me a lot about myself. I always count down the days to once again return to this beautiful state. Until then, I’ll just reminisce on moments like this.

"VALLEY OF DUST"

The sun had just stuck its nose out from behind the horizon, warming up the cold desert morning in rich golden light. After checking on the cows and taking a routine head count, this photo was captured shortly before loading up the horses in the trailer. The simplicity in this photo creates balance while also allowing you to engage in the finer details. The weathered leggings covered in dust, the sweat all over the horse, its mane blowing in the breeze, and the lariat rope set back into position after a long morning of work. During the winter months, all of the vegetation dries up, giving way to a valley of dust. Days were spent often alone with nothing but the sounds of lowing from distant cows and spurs singing along to each step from the horse. A life not many can endure but for the ones that can, I salute you. This photo is dedicated to the men and women who represent this lifestyle and live it to the fullest.