Abstract

This collection consists of 40 framed photographs by William Shepley, depicting various aspects of Western life from 1990-2003. Included are captions by the photographer to describe each image.

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Bronc riding, Salinas Rodeo Salinas, California, 1994 Photographer's Caption: "The lensmen of my era had to be masters of light, action and emotion. With a Pentax 67, I pre-focused and set the exposure to freeze the action, then waited for the rider to come into my range. I tracked the rhythm of the bucking, anticipated the maximum buck, and pressed the shutter a split second before. "

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Barn interior at daybreak TS Ranch, Elko, Nevada, 2003 Photographer's Caption: "Cowboys at the TS Ranch are preparing to move the herd."

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Contestants, Salinas Rodeo Salinas, California, 1994 Photographer's Caption: "From the top of a flight of steps going to the announcer’s booth I could look down into the bronc and bull rider bullpen."

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Cow boss Doug Groves TS Ranch, Elko, Nevada, 2003 Photographer's Caption: "Groves is parting out the horses that will be used that day to move herd. With masterful use of the lasso, he selectively ropes the horses lined up along the corral perimeter. The image was difficult to create because of low light in pre-sunrise conditions."

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Branding 1 Three Creek Ranch, Idaho Photographer's Caption: "Most ranches are quiet, peaceful places, but brandings are filled with action. I am looking for the epic branding shot. The result was this photo."

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Cowboy silver 1991

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Kansas Carridine Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 2003 Photographer's Caption: "Kansas Carridine is the daughter of actor David Carridine. She performed with the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls during the period when I photographed them from 1993 to 2009. The many adventures of this equestrian master include four years in Cavalier and a dozen years training prize horses."

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Charro Guadalajara Mexico, 1994 Photographer's Caption: "I had a memorable location shoot with the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls in Mexico. They performed in Guadalajara, Tecnoman and Colima. At a private gig in an old hacienda, the wealthy folk who attended brought their personal horse trainers, called charros. The ancient, crumbling walls of the place made a great backdrop, and when I saw this rider, I asked him to rear his horse back. The result was this shot."

Scope and Contents Working horses Three Creek Ranch, Idaho, 1996 Photographer's Caption: "A cowboy at the Three Creek Ranch let me know they were herding the horses in for afternoon work. I could see the horses out in the pasture about a quarter mile away. After pre-adjusting my camera, I hid behind a fence post, as horses will not run toward strangers. I could hear the rumble of their hooves as they approached. I composed the shot and framed out the fence line to give the impression of wide-open range. ...