Gallery

Words from our former senior editor for photography

Tarver’s insights into his work

Biography

A calf struggles to break free during a roundup at James Cunningham’s ranch near Goliad, Texas. Cunningham relies on the help of family and friends to help him round up cattle. “The roundup is done much the same way it was done at the turn of the century,” says Tarver. “Cowboys wake at daybreak, and go out on horseback to herd cattle into stalls. Then the cattle are branded, sometimes castrated, vaccinated, and herded back to pasture. Wives and daughters prepare breakfast and lunch for the crew on open fires near the barn where branding takes place.”