Rodeo Queen to Photographer: 40 Years Full Circle

Thank you to the Sawtooth Rangers for the hospitality, chaps, horse and fun, this made my year!

In 1985, I entered the Hailey Rodeo Queen competition on a dare. A ski bum with a camera and a plan to move to New York, I ended up with a crown, a sash, and a new identity—Miss Days of the Old West, Hailey Rodeo.

Forty years later, I couldn’t resist the chance to saddle up again. This summer, I returned to the same dusty arena in Hailey, Idaho, for a quick celebratory lap—just one ride, one wave, one full-circle moment. The crowd cheered, the lights glowed, and for a few golden minutes, it felt like no time had passed at all.

What began as a spontaneous challenge in ’85 became a pivotal chapter in my life. That unexpected title lit a spark that shaped my photographic journey. The grit, beauty, and character of the West—from rodeo arenas to forgotten motels—have informed my lens ever since.

This story, and everything it set into motion, will be part of my next coffee table book: a visual memoir that traces my journey from rodeo queen to photographic artist, told through images and essays collected over four decades.

Stay tuned. This ride is far from over.

1985 Miss Days of the Old West, Hailey Rodeo Queen