Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the Cowgirls Historical Foundation in action at the Payson PRCA Rodeo. These talented cowgirls travel all over the country performing in rodeos, parades and fairs, as well as educating the public about our western heritage. Their 'official photographer,' Patricia Gomez, just happens to be one of my lifelong photography inspirations. She captures human interest portraits like nobody else I have ever seen, and has been the official photographer of the CHF for years. As timing would have it, however, she would find herself committed to an important family obligation in California the same weekend as the Payson Rodeo, where I just happened to be in town. It was such an honor to be asked to 'fill in' for Patti and capture all of the excitement these cowgirls provide when they perform at the rodeo. They are so incredibly talented and, given my own western background, I strongly support their mission of preserving and promoting our western heritage. To view the entire gallery of photos of the CHF from the Payson Rodeo, click here.