_RedShoesGirl_'s photostream  

i am still working on images from the shoot i did about 6 weeks ago of ranchers branding their cattle. these chaps are not for looks.

this is an oldie from the archives, from 2007. i thought it was on my stream but evidently not. i was reminded of this photo by a similer one from shadowplay.

www.flickr.com/photos/shadowplay/6743032409/in/contacts/

his scene shows a really cleaned up place. i guess i haven't really been past this location in quite a while. gone is the old trailer, gone is the junk. i have to go back to lenwood.

the owner of the calves being branded - shown further down in my stream - winds his rope. somethin' about a man in a cowboy hat.

only a few riders can be up at any one time, so the rest of the crew watch the roping and wait for the calves to be dragged in for tagging and branding. there was some good natured ribbing from the crowd when a rope missed its mark. all the cowboys took turns doing the roping. i think that looks like a lot more fun than wrestlin' a calf to the ground.

i have misplaced my notes, so i am hoping i have the name spelled right. this is the kind lady that was so helpful while i was shooting. she is also a rancher and is part native american with deep roots to this area. all the women were good ropers - as good as the men. i can't imagine riding a horse without holding on, much less throwing a rope and maneuvering the horse at the same time.

yes, i went beyond the normal "documentary" look here. call it photographic license.

i recommend hitting L for large viewing.