Riding on the CA
From left, Dan Noyes, Lyle Jordan, Marc Brogger and Roland Moore.
We’ve received many comments on the January feature “Cowhands of the CA.” The story is about four day-workers who have kept the historic CA Ranch in operation for the past 15 years. They work hard for cheap pay, and their skills as cowboys and stockmen are a great benefit to this Montana outfit.
Photographing and interviewing these men (Marc Brogger, Lyle Jordan, Roland Moore and Dan Noyes) was a great experience for me. These cowboys love what they do and are willing to sacrifice their time and many comforts in order to help preserve a piece of the West they believe in.
I watched them sort cows all day in the cold, snow and mud. The following day, I rode along as they gathered cattle in the mountains. Brogger talked a lot about how he enjoys working alongside his friends and working for Frank Anderson, who manages with a laid-back style and works just as hard as any man he hires.
It’s cliche to say that men like this are a dying breed. But I will say this: they’re getting harder to find. And I think it’s up to you and me to fill their shoes.
Steve,
I photographed Richard Caldwell for the March cover late in the evening, as the sun was about to go below the horizon. We had rain clouds to the east, so the sky was a dark blue. You’re correct: I used a 100-400mm/F-5.6 Canon lens. I shot this at F-5.6, with a focal length of about 350mm.
-Ross