CASE STUDY

the forgotten cowboys

SOMETIMES CULTURAL RELEVANCE WEIGHS MORE THAN DATA.

PRESERVING THE LEGACY
OF BLACK COWBOYS

Larry Callies, a former rodeo rider and country singer, founded the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg, Texas, to preserve and share the history of African American cowboys — a history largely omitted from mainstream narratives.

Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas, photographed for Modern Huntsman magazine — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions

THERE IS AN UNTOLD HISTORY
OF BLACK COWBOYS IN THE UNITED STATES.

Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas, photographed for Modern Huntsman magazine — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions

THE
challenge

Sometimes success can’t be measured with data. It’s measured by the cultural weight that’s given to a story. Modern Huntsman is a biannual publication and creative platform that bridges the gap between storytelling, conservation, and culture. They commission work that challenges stereotypes, highlights overlooked communities, and inspires deeper understanding of the human experience in the outdoors.

TEXAS IS THE SEAT OF
THE AMERICAN CONCEPT OF “THE COWBOY.” 

Photograph of Bass Reeves, the real Lone Ranger, displayed at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary photography by Black Shutter Productions
Collection of historic sheriff badges on display at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary photography by Black Shutter Productions
Vintage rifle on display at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary photography by Black Shutter Productions
Illustration of Bass Reeves, the real Lone Ranger, displayed at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary photography by Black Shutter Productions

APPROACH and
OUTCOME

In a small, crowded museum, we found a treasure trove of history. Every artifact became part of the story. Utilizing natural light allowed us to blend into the background and helped us build trust with Mr. Callies. We made portraits that felt unguarded and honest. Paired with the writer’s words, the work became a layered story of resilience and memory.

Published in Modern Huntsman, the spread brought national attention to the Black Cowboy Museum and now stands as a permanent visual record of its early years.

Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, at his leatherworking desk in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions
Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, closing up the museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions
Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, poses at sunset in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions
The Forgotten Cowboys documentary photography published in Modern Huntsman magazine — shot by Black Shutter Productions
Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions

BLACK COWBOYS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED.

But it’s a compelling view into America’s untold history seen through the eyes
of living legend Larry Callies.

Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, looks at old photos of himself in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions
Black cowboy mannequin on display at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg Texas — documentary photography by Black Shutter Productions
Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, reviewing personal photos on his phone in Rosenberg Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions
Larry Callies, founder of the Black Cowboy Museum, gives a presentation at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas — documentary portrait by Black Shutter Productions

THE ERASURE OF BLACK HISTORY IS THE ERASURE OF AMERICAN HISTORY.

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