In the sprawling foothills of Eastern Madera County, the echoes of history blend with the click of a camera shutter at The Lonesome E Cattle Company. Here, the spirit of Black cowboys, whose stories are woven into the very fabric of the American West, comes alive. On these grounds, under the expansive skies of Raymond, California, I had the honor of documenting the present-day guardians of a legacy that runs as deep as the roots of the mighty oak.

The legacy of Black cowboys, integral to the narrative of the Old West yet often sidelined in mainstream history, is one of resilience, skill, and profound connection to the land. These men and women carved out a life in the face of adversity, mastering the art of ranching and rodeo that became synonymous with the American frontier.

The legacy of Black cowboys, integral to the narrative of the Old West yet often sidelined in mainstream history, is one of resilience, skill, and profound connection to the land. These men and women carved out a life in the face of adversity, mastering the art of ranching and rodeo that became synonymous with the American frontier.

Armed with my Nikon Z9 and flanked by 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses, I set out to capture the modern iteration of this rich history. Guided by the vision of Edward E. Campbell, Jr., known affectionately as Beau, the round-up was a showcase of skill and a celebration of community—a tapestry of shared history and collective future. The Godox AD600 Pro strobe cast dramatic light upon each cowboy and cowgirl as they demonstrated their expertise, a dance of light mirroring the complex history these figures embody.

Supporting my gear was the robust Benro Mammoth TMTH34C Carbon Fiber Tripod and Benro GX25 Lowprofile Ballhead, ensuring that each moment was captured with the reverence it deserved. Through this lens, the essence of each participant was immortalized, from the concentration etched on their faces to the fluid grace of their movements.

The Black cowboys of today stand tall, much like the redwoods planted in honor of past generations at The Lonesome E Cattle Company. They are the living continuation of a narrative that began with trailblazers like Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and Mary Fields. Their legacy is courage, excellence in their craft, and an unwavering love for the cowboy way of life.

As these images go from my camera to the broader world, they carry the weight and wonder of history with them. They are a visual chronicle of a day that exemplified the enduring legacy of The Lonesome E Cattle Company and the indomitable spirit of the Black cowboy. This spirit remains as vital and vibrant as ever in the fabric of American culture.