Cowgirl Culture by Dee Yates
By Jo Ann Kirby
Dee Yates’ new 270-page hardcover coffee table book, Cowgirl Culture: California One, is a gorgeous collection of stunning photographs paired with poetry and inspirational quotes that reflect a celebration of the great American West in California. The author, photographer and publisher is a rodeo mother who honors the culture of cowgirl spirit by saluting its Western style and traditions. Whether it’s a sun-weathered elder who reflects grit, wisdom and classic beauty or a youthful dewy-faced young woman looking toward the future, the book showcases cowgirls who span the generations.
Yates, who resides in Valley Springs, carefully curated this collection to showcase what she calls “the style, equipment, horsemanship, horses, traditions and the indispensable role these women have within the families that shaped the West. Each photo and accompanying text highlights the unshakable spirit and connection to the land and the animals they cherish.”
Extraordinary photographs, whether in black and white or vibrant color, make the subjects spring alive as the reader turns each page. The subjects are photographed in a stunning backdrop of Western iconic imagery, whether it’s acres of wildflowers, a barn with stalls and saddles or a glistening stream of river rock.
Of course, there couldn’t be a cowgirl without a costume that’s both functional, authentic and eye-catching. Think fringed chaps, woven ponchos, shirts with mother-of-pearl buttons, leather vests, elaborate belt buckles, embroidered jeans, turquoise and silver jewelry and oh, the hats! Equally captivating are the photos that depict the love and respect between the cowgirl and her trusty steed.
“As you navigate through this book, I hope you find inspiration, joy and a deeper appreciation for the Western heritage and the contemporary journey of the cowgirl. This is more than a collection; it is a tribute to a way of life that continues to inspire and captivate those who are drawn to the beauty of the West,” the author says.
The book is a true passion project that offers a window into a timeless world of strong-spirited women who have embraced the cowgirl culture and turned it into a vibrant community. Dee’s book can be purchased at deeyates.com and at Stella Mitchell Boutique, 116 N. School St., in Lodi.
For Dee, this certainly won’t be her last book. She’s continuing this labor of love with an upcoming companion piece. She just wrapped up shooting for Cowgirl Culture Arizona, slated to be published in winter 2025. And there is even more to come. “I’m also embarking on a very special journey close to my heart, beginning work on Western Elders, a series celebrating the incredible trailblazers who shaped our western way of life. These stories will honor the legacy and wisdom of those who came before us, preserving their contributions for generations to come,” Dee said.
