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Words from our former senior editor for photography

Tarver’s insights into his work

Biography

Calf-roper Charles Wilson pauses for a second while attending a rodeo in Corsicana, Texas. “Roping calves isn’t easy,” says Tarver. “Calves weigh 200 to 350 pounds (91 to 159 kilograms)! The cowboy on horseback ropes the calf, dismounts, throws the calf on its side, and ties three of its legs together. Meanwhile the horse pulls back to keep the rope taut so the calf doesn’t bolt. Then, the cowboy remounts and gives the calf a chance to struggle free. If the tie holds, the cowboy is in the running.”