Cooking on the Range — Texas Ranch Life

Cooking on the Range — Texas Chuckwagon Tradition

A Glimpse of Western Heritage

This photograph was made during a full day spent at a ranch south of Houston, documenting a chuckwagon cook-off team preparing for competition.

Until that assignment, I had never encountered chuckwagon cook-offs. But the moment I stepped onto the grounds, it felt like stepping into another century—cast iron cookware, canvas tents, and wood smoke drifting through the air.

Events like these honor the legacy of the cattle drives, where chuckwagons served as mobile kitchens feeding crews working long days on the trail.

Capturing Tradition on Film

Wanting the photograph to reflect that sense of history, I made the image on 2¼ film with my Hasselblad, using the square format to frame the cook and his wagon.

The smoke rising from the fire, the weathered wood, and the quiet focus of the cook all came together in a single moment—part history, part present day.

Sometimes the best way to photograph tradition is with a timeless medium.

Limited Edition

Issued in a total edition of 15, with 2 Artist Proofs.

The edition applies across all sizes.

Once the edition is complete, no further prints will be produced.

Signed and numbered by the artist.

Authentication

All works are signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Fine art paper prints include matched hologram verification.
Acrylic and aluminum presentations include a signed aluminum authentication plate affixed to the reverse.