We just got back from an exciting and successful photo shoot at a working cattle ranch in Wyoming. It was spring roundup and we wanted to be in on all the action. About 400 head had to be rounded up and separated for branding. It is an amazingly choreographed operation with friends and family coming from far and wide to help out. Some 123 wranglers and young soon-to-be wranglers were on hand.
Ranch life starts early. We had to be there by 5:30am to catch saddle up of the horses. From there it was straight out to the pastures to gather up the herd and bring them all into the branding area. The calves have to be separated out and herded into a pen area where they are individually roped and brought to branding and inoculation. The one thing that really stood out was the thunderous sound of all of the cattle mooing. Naturally all this action is a big change for the cows and their calves after grazing peacefully in the beautiful Wyoming plains.
The ranch we were on is very traditional. Rather than an industrial machine with ATVs and helicopters this ranch, like so many others in Wyoming, use horses for most of the work. With years of practice, everyone knows their job . It took only the better part of the morning to get all the branding done. Hard work is just an ordinary day on the ranch but when the work is done, a hardy lunch and lots of beer is always waiting on the other side.
The camaraderie and the family ties were obvious. We were outsiders but there was never a moment where we did not feel completely welcome. Everyone was busy and had a job to do but they were always happy to chat and help us get the right shots. We ran three cameras that day and captured over 4000 images. We can only express our sincerest gratitude for welcoming us with open arms. Perhaps more so, we really need to thank these ranchers and so many others that put food on our tables.
