Cattle Call Cowgirl Cuties

Cattle Call season isn't just the first two weeks in November, it actually starts way before then when the process begins for selecting the contestants for the Cattle Call queen competition! Monarch Iconography Studio was honored to once again be involved in the behind-the-scenes preparations of getting these young girls ready to be seen!

On the afternoon of September 14, we opened our studio doors to all 10 contestants to be photographed for promotional flyers and such and for the portraits that will be seen by the judges as they compete. 

Let me tell you...these girls know how to pack their bags with essentials too! They came haulin' in make-up bags, hair styling tools, cowboy hats and silver-studded cowgirl wear! Our studio was transformed into one big beauty salon where the girls started at one station, then moved to the next until they finally were ready for their photo session. Their moms were on hand to help primp and fill them in on the beauty secrets that only true cowgirls know and dads were just as patient as ever while all this "girly" stuff went down! It's a good thing that Dana Mendoza, president of the Brawley Cattle Call Queen Royalty Association and a former Cattle Call queen herself, brought snacks and water for the girls knowing that this photo session would probably go way past dark! She was right too! 

After photographing each contestant individually, we took several group shots and finished the evening with each of the girls signing the famous Monarch Iconic Wall of Fame! 

So before we know it, the weather will be cooler, the aromatic spices of simmering chili will fill the air and there will be a noticeable buzz around town as the city perks up for the yearly Cattle Call season. Personally, it's one of my favorite times of the year that reminds us why, after a long and hot summer, we live in our little hometown of Brawley nestled in the Imperial Valley desert. 

Don't forget to keep an eye out for the official Cattle Call program where our Monarch Iconography Studio images will be used to feature each contestant!