American Horse Publications announced the winners of the annual photography contest, and my image “Shipping Ridge” is a finalist! Once in a while, circumstances align to create the perfect photograph. This was one of those moments. Here’s how it went down…
The Sun Ranch crew was gathering cattle for shipping last Fall. It was dawn, and freezing cold. The shipping corrals are located on Route 287, at the base of this bluff. That’s where I waited for them to appear atop the ridgeline, hoping the sun would crest the mountains in time. It did, just as the gather arrived. The cattle did me a favor by kicking up dust to catch in the light, and the Madison Mountains gave geometric contrast to the ridgeline of cattle and horsemen. It was so cold out that you can even see the steam coming off the horses’ bodies and the puffs of their breath.
I can recognize my buddies James (left) and Justin (right). Their horseback posture is a fingerprint, recognizeable from far away. Guys: this photo and the award are in your honor. Thanks for all the times that you let me stick a camera in your face. — RTB
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