In a recent Facebook post, Wyman Meinzer, the official State Photographer of Texas, recently shared some amazing drone footage capturing life as a working cowboy. “If you have ever wondered how the cowboys on big outfits like the 6666, Pitchfork, Waggoner, and King Ranch cover country in working those big pastures, these three video clips reveal how its done,” he shared.
Using a Mavic 2 Pro drone for power, portability, and image quality, Meinzer shared his videos to an appreciative audience. The post garnered such comments as, “Great glimpse of life on the 6’s, I have often driven past and wondered what it looks like off road. I have read a lot about their past and find it interesting,” by one Facebook user, as well as another user saying, “Don’t crowd ’em, just let ’em know you’re there until the wing fences are behind you. Great pictures from the drone!” His footage clearly struck a positive note.
Photo: Facebook/Wyman Meinzer
Wyman Meinzer hails from Benjamin, Texas. It was said by the Dallas Morning News that he might possibly be “the best nature photographer in Texas.” With over 250 magazine cover photos to his name and 17 published photography books, he was named the State Photographer of Texas in 1997 by then-President George W. Bush. Since that time, he has taught his craft at Texas Tech. His imagery is also known for illustrating “Texas Past: Enduring Legacy,” by Andrew Sansom.
Photo: Facebook/Wyman Meinzer
In an interview with Texas Monthly from 2002, Meinzer was asked what made his work so distinctive. His response was: “…I believe my upbringing in a ranch environment has been a positive influence on the style of images that I produce. In my youth, I was interested in the natural fauna across the state and had the opportunity to study and hunt most of the creatures indigenous to the rolling plains on the ranch where I lived. During my years at Texas Tech University, I studied wildlife management and became involved in wildlife research doing extensive fieldwork on coyotes.” Meinzer used that “portfolio of experience” to enter the world of photography and began capturing images that offered an intimate view into nature and the creatures that inhabit it. One unique aspect of his work is that Meinzer has frequently focused on regions of Texas that most other photographers tend to avoid. His love for the Lone Star State comes through in every stunning photo he releases for his fans to enjoy.
