collection overview
There’s been a magnifying lens on western culture in recent years. People want to know more about it: how we (cattlemen and women) do things and why we do them. Sure, movies, TV shows, and romance novels give the audience a taste of western life — but actually getting down and dirty, working with American ranchers, gives you the whole meal. This exhibit spotlights the intricate details of cattle branding, which I believe best exemplifies the good, the bad, and the ugly of cowboy culture.
mission statement
To preserve traditions and customs honored at cattle brandings in hopes to showcase the beauty, reality, and timelessness of ranch life through digital photography.
In other words, I hope these photos give you a fresh perspective on the agricultural industry; I hope they educate you in the practices associated with animal agriculture that often get a bad rep; and most importantly, I hope they make you appreciate the next steak you eat just a little bit more.
the rundown
This collection contains 43 photos taken at Montana cattle brandings with accompanying narratives throughout the exhibit. I think these photos would look best printed on metal in various sizes to fit your space. All photos were taken at multiple Spring Brandings from 2022-2024 in or near Sweet Grass County, Montana.
Swing, stretch, sizzle
The crisp breeze weaves through my hair like a hay field, just begging to be spun.
Through hazy eyes, I take it all in, for branding season has just begun.
The crystal blue mountains are capped with snow; the sun beams with shades of amber and copper.
The cattle are trailed over the hilltop, it’s a picturesque Montana morning — a real showstopper.
The sound of bawling calves fills the air, each longing to be at the right hoof of their mama.
We’ll sear their hides and let them loose, then they’ll quickly fall quiet, settling their drama.
The horses are hobbled, cattle corralled, breakfast is gone, no coffee left to pour;
Vaccines are mixed, the irons are hot, and it’s time to settle the “3 S” score.
“Swing. Stretch. Sizzle.” I whisper to myself, it’s a simple 3-step method by which we abide.
Swing your rope; stretch the calf; hear, smell, and see the sizzle of their hide.
The ropers climb atop their horses, hands at the ready, swinging their loops.
They soar across the branding pen like eagles: competent and confident aquiline cattlemen troops.
I’m locked and loaded with 7-way, finger on the trigger, ready to fire my vaccine pistol.
The eagles drag one out of the pen and the ground-pounders pounce at this dismissal.
The Drover flocks back to the fire, as the ties are undone his steel stinger is reignited.
The steer jumps up and moseys toward the snowy peaks. He and his mother will soon be reunited.
One by one we repeat this routine. The crew perseveres as the herd grows thinner.
In the blink of an eye, the calves are all worked. We release the cows and head in for a hearty dinner.
We say goodbye and thank the ropers and wrestlers, an honest day’s work was surely done.
They pack their trailers and fly on home; we’ll see them at the next one.
The mountains grow darker, the moon rises, the calves have all been branded.
The hornets settle back into their hives. The eagles all have landed.
“Swing. Stretch. Sizzle.” I murmur once more. This time, it’s spoken through a solemn grin.
The job is completed; the score is settled; opening day of branding season has come to an end.
"Swing, stretch, sizzle"
The crisp breeze weaves through my hair like a hay field, just begging to be spun.
Through hazy eyes, I take it all in, for branding season has just begun.
The crystal blue mountains are capped with snow; the sun beams with shades of amber and copper.
The cattle are trailed over the hilltop, it’s a picturesque Montana morning — a real showstopper.
The sound of bawling calves fills the air, each longing to be at the right hoof of their mama.
We’ll sear their hides and let them loose, then they’ll quickly fall quiet, settling their drama.
The horses are hobbled, cattle corralled, breakfast is gone, no coffee left to pour;
Vaccines are mixed, the irons are hot, and it’s time to settle the “3 S” score.
“Swing. Stretch. Sizzle.” I whisper to myself, it’s a simple 3-step method by which we abide.
Swing your rope; stretch the calf; hear, smell, and see the sizzle of their hide.
The ropers climb atop their horses, hands at the ready, swinging their loops.
They soar across the branding pen like eagles: competent and confident aquiline cattlemen troops.
I’m locked and loaded with 7-way, finger on the trigger, ready to fire my vaccine pistol.
The eagles drag one out of the pen and the ground-pounders pounce at this dismissal.
The Drover flocks back to the fire, as the ties are undone his steel stinger is reignited.
The steer jumps up and moseys toward the snowy peaks. He and his mother will soon be reunited.
One by one we repeat this routine. The crew perseveres as the herd grows thinner.
In the blink of an eye, the calves are all worked. We release the cows and head in for a hearty dinner.
We say goodbye and thank the ropers and wrestlers, an honest day’s work was surely done.
They pack their trailers and fly on home; we’ll see them at the next one.
The mountains grow darker, the moon rises, the calves have all been branded.
The hornets settle back into their hives. The eagles all have landed.
“Swing. Stretch. Sizzle.” I murmur once more. This time, it’s spoken through a solemn grin.
The job is completed; the score is settled; opening day of branding season has come to an end.
