Cooking on the Range: Film Photography of Chuck Wagon Life
This image takes me back to a full day spent at a ranch south of Houston, documenting a chuckwagon cook-off team during their dress rehearsal for an upcoming competition. I had no idea what a chuckwagon cook-off even was until I was commissioned for this assignment—but it quickly became one of the most fascinating shoots I've done.
Preserving Western Heritage Through Competition
According to the American Chuck Wagon Association, these events aim to preserve an important part of Western heritage. Teams set up fully restored or replicated chuckwagons, cook meals using authentic tools and ingredients true to the Old West, and are judged on both taste and historical accuracy.
Authentic Details Captured on Film
I did my best to mirror that authenticity in every frame. The cast iron cookware, the period clothing, the canvas tents—it all felt like stepping back in time.
This particular image, with its square format, was shot on film using my Hasselblad 2¼ camera. There's something special about capturing a timeless scene with a timeless medium.
Timeless Medium for Timeless Scenes
A little smoke, a little sizzle, and a whole lot of history—cooking on the range never looked so good.
Limited Edition Details
Available in a Limited Edition of 15, with 2 Artist Proofs
