D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 6
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ere aren't a many places where a person can witness
real authentic cowboy culture. Even the most authentic
working ranches have succumbed to modern influences.
Gone are the days when cowboys heated their branding
irons in a large fire made of nothing more than firewood,
kindling, and a match. No, today propane fires and
even electric branding irons have replaced some of the
methods of the past. ey call this "progress." On other
modern ranches four-wheelers (a.k.a. Japanese quarter
horses) are replacing horses, branding tables are replacing
the art of roping, and ball caps are replacing cowboy
hats on the heads of young boys and girls who will one
day take the reins of the ranches from their parents.
So although the cowboy spirit continues to live on in
the hearts of even the most modern Montana rancher,
the symbols of cowboy culture are beginning to vanish.
is is another reason why I photograph real working
cowboys and cowgirls.
I hope you enjoy looking at just some of photographs I have made on Montana ranches here in the pages of
Distinctly Montana magazine. And if you thoroughly enjoy them, pick up the phone and see if you have a relative
or friend in Montana who ranches the good old-fashioned way. You never know, it may be the last time you have a
chance to experience that way of life first hand.
