empire Ranch 2024 Cowboy Festival
The Festival showcases Bureau of Land Management and Empire Ranch Foundation’s efforts to preserve the Empire Ranch for future generations. Each year more than 3,000 visitors come to the ranch to enjoy Western heritage demonstrations, arena and livestock exhibits, cowboy cooking and Western entertainment.
NOVEMBER 2024
PORTRAITS OF THE OLD WEST
I had an opportunity to photograph at this year’s event. The adobe ranch house provided great lighting and volunteers dressed in old western attire made for great inpromtu photography sessions. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love to photograph people, put them in their own movie… as the protagonist of course! Even got to meet Joel Grimes, whose work I have followed and admired since I started learning photography. The images below of a few samples from those two days.
ABOUT EMPIRE RANCH
Empire Ranch, located in southeastern Arizona, has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Established in the 1870s, it was initially a cattle ranch and played a significant role in the local ranching industry. The ranch quickly became known for its productive land and favorable climate, which attracted diverse activities, from cattle ranching to horseback riding.
The site holds historical significance beyond its agricultural roots; it also served as a vibrant community hub. In the early 1900s, the Empire Ranch was home to notable figures such as the famous cowboy actor, Hopalong Cassidy, and has been featured in numerous films, adding to its cultural legacy. The ranch was eventually sold to various owners until it was bought by the Nature Conservancy in the late 1990s, ensuring its preservation and access to the public.
Today, Empire Ranch remains a beloved spot for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. With sprawling landscapes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert, it provides an ideal backdrop for anyone looking to capture the essence of the wild west. The combination of historical buildings, open fields, and the majestic Sierra de Santa Rita mountains makes it an inviting destination for hiking, horseback riding, and exploring.
