Cowgirl Up!

This famous Arizona cowgirl was featured in an A-1 beer painting titled "the Dude" by Lon Megargee.

Cowgirl Up! Collecting Cowgirl Images

There are rodeo queens and....

working cowgirls.....

Cowgirls are good at multitasking.....

but you better not make 'em mad.....

Cowgirl images just keep going up in value as the early images become harder to find. Actual photographs of cowgirls working are very hard to find. Photographs prior to World War I are largely studio photographs, with an artificial backdrop painted on canvas so that a traveling photographer could take it with him from town to town. These studio photos are collected because of the outrageous clothing and accessories that were sometimes used as props. Sometimes the props, like wooly chaps or a Winchester rifle enhance the value of the image.

Few early ranch women wore fringed suede divided skirts and embroidered shirts while working. Early on, cowgirls actually wore men’s clothing, because it was practical and durable and available. Of course, the fabulously embellished Western wear of the 1930s-1950s movie stars make a prettier photograph. It is often true that the Hollywood romanticized version of the American West is more popular than the true history of the West.

As rodeos and Wild West shows traveled the World, photographs and postcards of Rodeo performers were sold as souvenirs. Today, action shots of rodeo performers, particularly women, are collected. Rodeo postcards, posters and photographs become even more desirable when the cowgirl is identified. Many of these early cowgirl daredevils are members of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame.

Early photographs are sometimes tintypes, or cabinet cards. These often have the name and location of the photographer affixed, adding regional interest to the image. There are some rodeo stereoviews, but very few depict cowgirls. Photographs affixed to postcards are very collectible. A real photo postcard of Ruth Roach, a cowgirl with the 101 Ranch, recently sold for $270.00.

Vintage and contemporary cowgirl photographs are often found at estate sales, paper shows and, of course, the internet. Remember to be cautious when buying vintage photographs. Old style photo papers are being reproduced, and computer generated copies are common. Photo quality can be tampered with. If you are not an expert, buy from a reputable dealer.