Saved by the Lens #8

Vaqueros and Rodeos

For some time now I have been writing and researching a new personal project on Vaqueros. Now, I’m not a cowboy, or was raised in a farm, but the idea of being connected to the land, the animals, and culture, has always fascinated me. Especially in the ways these hard-working men and women find the time to entertain themselves through extreme conditions and sports. These athletes are amazing!

Where I live, there are plenty of horse ranches around me, and I wake up to the smell of horse manure every day. Until recently, I was reluctant to approach the local Vaqueros because my Spanish is very limited. But after attending this rodeo in Norco, CA, I cannot help but immerse myself into the culture.

These are the first photographs taken for this project, which will take 7 years to complete, and another 2 years for production. The photography will have me travel across The United States, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, and Argentina. I’m also considering Paraguay and Uruguay.

It will be a documentary on the Vaqueros culture - it’s challenges and influences on the global level. My plans are to immerse myself deep into the lifestyle, traveling and working alongside with them as it is important for me to fully be integrated in the experience. In other words, this city slicker needs to earn his wings.

Along the way, there will be stories of the effects of global warming, the rising global inflations, and the affects governments have on their survival.

It is a broad and daunting subject to cover, I know!! But one I am very much looking forward to sharing with you all.

Are you looking to get in touch with an experienced commercial photographer in Los Angeles or New York? Contact Daniel Acuña today. Acuña is accomplished in several types of commercial photography, including corporate, documentary, lifestyle and portraiture. For more information, call (818) 900-5940 or send an email to info@danielacuna.com.