Growing Up Western
Codi Western is the daughter of a cattle farmer. At 2 years old, Codi helps with what she can around the farm, from counting cows after calving season to picking up freshly cut tree limbs around the pasture. While Codi doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty from playing around the farm, she also makes sure her mom keeps them manicured by putting sparkly nail polish on her fingers and toes. I began this story believing I would photograph the life of a cattle farmer but, after looking through my final images, realized that the story captured was the childhood of a farmer's daughter.
Codi Western looks out of her father’s truck to help count the number of cows on their pasture after calving season on Nov. 11, 2023. “Look,” Codi said. “It’s a baby cow!”
Codi Western picks up freshly cut tree limbs that her father sawed on Nov. 11, 2023.
Codi Western shows her hands to her mother after playing with oiled fence post caps on Nov. 11, 2023.
Codi Western gets her nails painted by her mother Caitlin Western while watching "Finding Nemo" on Nov. 11, 2023. “Her daycare told us she kissed a boy at school the other day,” Caitlin said. “She’s growing up a little too fast."
Codi Western’s toy truck and cow stuffed animal lay against the back door of her home on Nov. 11, 2023.
Codi Western and her father Brian Western walk back home after counting cows on Nov. 11, 2023.
Codi Western’s boots lay on the floor of her family’s garage on Nov. 12, 2023.