Set beneath the endless skies and sun-scorched plains of New Mexico, this self-directed photo series by Cadence Hooks captures the raw, untamed spirit of the modern cowgirl—where grit meets grace and the desert becomes both backdrop and character. Production assistance by Penny Riley Williams, William Riley of lame horse productions.
“This photo series set against the vast desert landscapes of New Mexico, is a collection of self-portraits inspired by the Western wrangler girl—tough, independent, and fearless in her world. Drawing inspiration after heading to my aunt’s wild mustang horse rescue — I went west to help tame the wild horses to be rideable — these images tell the story of the real cowgirl—ready to wrangle cattle, lift hay bales, and drive her pickup across the desert. Styled with vintage pieces from my aunt’s personal collection, including a 1950s dress paired with modern leather pieces from Alyson Eastman’s collection, the series is captured on 35mm film to maintain the authenticity of the Western spirit. Abandoned roads stretch for miles, a girl and her pony, living off-grid with flip phones—this is the true essence of the wrangler girl. Wrangler women stand as a symbol of grit—uncomplicated, unapologetic, and entirely at home in the unforgiving terrain she calls home.”
model Cadence Hooks @thebushwitch
directed by Cadence Hooks@thebushwitch
production assistance Penny Riley Williams, William Riley – lame horse productions
