This photo series shows cowboys and cowgirls at the Don Donnelly Ranch in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
The images show my idealized view of western life.
I made these images over a three day period. I was up before dawn and “worked” through sunset, just like the cowboys and cowgirls. There was no running water nor electricity at the ranch.
I admired the cowboys for the physical effort and stamina that they demonstrated in their daily life. Their strong relationship with their animals is apparent. It is not an easy way to live, but it seems that they wouldn't have it any other way.
Karen I. Hirsch is an award-winning commercial, editorial photographer and fine art photographer based in Chicago. Her photos have been published in Communication Arts, Graphis, Architectural Digest, Forbes and many other publications.
In 2003, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council sponsored her one-woman exhibit, "My Chicago," - featuring more than 200 images
Hirsch served as in-house photographer and editor of internal publications at FCB Advertising.
In 2007, Hirsch was one of ten ASMP photographers invited by China to photograph the city of Rizhao.
Awards Honorable Mentions -PX3 and Black & White Spider Awards, Nominees - International Color Awards and Refocus Awards, 2 grants from the Illinois Arts Council, 2 grants from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, First Place - Alteration of Reality Award - Fort Dearborn Chicago Photo Forum International Competition, First Place ASMP Photo Competition, Grand Prize - Kodak Daily News Competition
