Louise Serpa

Louise Larocque Serpa (December 15, 1925 –January 5, 2012) was an American photographer specializing in rodeo photography. Born in New York City, Serpa became one of the first women allowed into the rodeo area to photograph, which led to a 48-year-long career until her death in 2012.

Early life and education Louise Yandell Larocque was born in New York City on December 15, 1925 to Louise Yandell Barber and Joseph Larocque, Jr. There, at nine years old, she was drawn to rodeos. Serpa attended Miss Chapin’s School, which she regarded as being “For small girl snobs" and then Garrison Forest School for high school (1943). She showed her disdain for New York society in her rebellion. For example, during her debut at the Waldorf Astoria, she rode sidesaddle down a bannister, tearing her dress on an uneven joint.

After graduating in 1943, Serpa took a summer job as a ranch hand in Cody, Wyoming, where she met and fell in love with Lex Connelly, one of the founders of the modern rodeo. where she obtaining a degree in music from Vassar College (1946). Serpa's first magazine cover was for Hoops and Hors in 1962. In 1975, Serpa photographed the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and is believed to have been the first woman to do so. Unhappy with Serpa's lifestyle, her mother disinherited her. 1999: National Cowgirl Hall of Fame 2002: Tad Lucas Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 2005: PRCA Photographer of the Year 2005: PRCA Excellence in Photography Award 2006: Grand Marshal of the Tucson Rodeo Parade 2017: Arizona Women's Hall of Fame Photographer of the Year from the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association