Rodeo (11 images: Dial-up, be warned)...

[Steve Parr]

Well, if I've learned one thing about shooting rodeo, it's tough. Those animals move a whole lot faster than I figured. Consequently, not too many of my images are real sharp.

Still, though, I found a few to post:


A barrel racer:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebarrelracer01.jpg


I almost sent this one to the trash, but something about it conveyed "speed" to me:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebarrelracer02.jpg


For the life of me, I'll never figure out what could compel someone to want to do this:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebronc.jpg


A bull, just waitin' around for his turn:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebull.jpg


This bull rider looks like he's beginning to have second thoughts:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebullrider.jpg


Two shots of the all-important "Rodeo Clown":

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugeclown01.jpg

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugeclown02.jpg


An "earlier-in-the-day" shot of one of the guys who'd pick up a rider after 8 seconds. Assuming, of course, that the rider actually lasted 8 seconds:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugecowboy.jpg


This shot just makes me laugh:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugecowgirl.jpg


This first picture is a technical trainwreck, but I think it illustrates just how dangerous this type of life can be. This rider fell victim to a rather angry bull. Note the rope that is still around his hand. That probably kept him alongside that bull a whole lot longer than he wanted:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugebrokenrider.jpg


He was subsequently helped from the arena. He ended up with a broken lower leg, and a severely bruised ego:

http://onstagephotography.com/images/hugeambulance.jpg


These were all taken with either the 400mm f/2.8L IS or the 70-200mm f/2.8L. I was doing the "ISO Tap Dance" between 800 and 3200...

[okiebass101]

I really enjoyed looking i cannot wait till i can shoot some rodeo around here... we have a lot of outdoor rodeos still ... love the action...
curtis

[okiebass101]

just a quick side note the clown with the mic is for entertainment, the two in the later picture are bull fighters ... they really don't like the titles confused..

[Big WIll]

mmm interesting shots, like them a lot. Dont think i would give that a go...

[DwightMcCann]

Well, you have saved me the embarrassment of trying this myself! :-) I thought a 400mm f/2.8 would have solved all the problems of the universe but those damn animals are just too fast! Was this outdoors? Oh, and I LOVE the one of the girl on her cellphone!!!

[Sir Vic Alsmear]

Personally speaking, the last two are my favourites, love to see the animals getting their own back! :)

[Dale Miller]

Rodeo like all sports has its prefered shots. I beleive any sports photography is a craft that is practiced, not just picked up on the first try. I think you have made a good first effort. I hope I dont come off as smug or arrogant with these comments as that is not my intent, but I have been shooting rodeos for thirty years now and always think I can do better.

[Steve Parr]

Rodeo like all sports has its prefered shots. I beleive any sports photography is a craft that is practiced, not just picked up on the first try. I think you have made a good first effort. I hope I dont come off as smug or arrogant with these comments as that is not my intent, but I have been shooting rodeos for thirty years now and always think I can do better.

Not at all!

I went back out to the rodeo today, and shot during daylight hours. The ones posted above were outdoors, but shot at night.

Anyway, as soon as I get done going through them, I'll pst some more. I'm much happier with the way todays' shots came out...

[DwightMcCann]

Good!

[queenbee288]

I have not yet tried to shoot anything that moves that fast. I must have been very difficult. Thanks for sharing.