Cutting - first rodeo of 2009

[eddarr]

These are from the Southpoint event 2-27-09 and it was the first rodeo event for me this year. Unfortunately this was supposed to be a two week event with 3 different competitions happening. Two of the events were canceled do to lack of support and entries. There are usually around 2000 horses entered.

I was unable to stay long or for very many days but I am looking forward to this years rodeo season.

C&C is always welcome but I still struggle to get enough shutter speed.

http://ericdarr.smugmug.com/photos/485699827_zek3B-L.jpg

http://ericdarr.smugmug.com/photos/485699815_TDwGt-L.jpg

http://ericdarr.smugmug.com/photos/485699727_QakR2-L.jpg

[poppie guy]

Nice photos Eric the first is my favorite.

[misspix]

I like the second, really shows the intensity (to me)

[Playm]

Hi Eddarr.. I'm glad to see that you're still at it! It looks like quite an improvement over your first shots in that arena. (remember how the white sand really messed up the exposures last year?). These are still a tad dark .. but better... Don't you think so? I just checked the cutting news.. the South Point AND Millionheir Classic cancelled (big shows). .. but some other NCHA approved classes went on. .. (btw, cutting isn't really considered a rodeo event)

Hey.. have you tried a flash in that arena? I'd like to see what kind of results you'd get. It's not unusual at all to have the indoor cuttings shot with a flash. (though I haven't done it yet .. I turned down an indoor cutting last weekend)

In that last shot, it looks like he's quitting the cow. (you lift your reins & pinch the horse's neck). However.. it looks like it might be what they call a "hot quit" (penalty).. because the cow isn't turned away from him. (I've gotten dinged for a hot quit or two.. ugh - LOL) I hope you get the chance to shoot some outdoor events this year. .. but I admire your resolve to keep working on getting it right in that covered arena.

[3Turner]

Great set Eric. Can't believe how low the horse is in the second picture.

[eddarr]

Thanks all.

Hi Eddarr.. I'm glad to see that you're still at it! It looks like quite an improvement over your first shots in that arena. (remember how the white sand really messed up the exposures last year?). These are still a tad dark .. but better... Don't you think so? I just checked the cutting news.. the South Point AND Millionheir Classic cancelled (big shows). .. but some other NCHA approved classes went on. .. (btw, cutting isn't really considered a rodeo event)

Hey.. have you tried a flash in that arena? I'd like to see what kind of results you'd get. It's not unusual at all to have the indoor cuttings shot with a flash. (though I haven't done it yet .. I turned down an indoor cutting last weekend)

In that last shot, it looks like he's quitting the cow. (you lift your reins & pinch the horse's neck). However.. it looks like it might be what they call a "hot quit" (penalty).. because the cow isn't turned away from him. (I've gotten dinged for a hot quit or two.. ugh - LOL) I hope you get the chance to shoot some outdoor events this year. .. but I admire your resolve to keep working on getting it right in that covered arena.


It was a big decision for them to cancel the other two competitions. I know the Gaughans didn't take it lightly. The South Point is really convenient for me because I live just a mile or two away. They are giving me free range at the public events.

I would try flash but the distances are too great; 40' is about the closest I can get for cutting and maybe 30' for reining and barrel racing. The pro usually shoots with 4 White Lightning strobes. I need to get to know them a little better.

There is a few places here that do outside cutting and I am looking forward to hitting them this year. I'm trying to go to Pahrump on Saturday for the high school rodeo. I believe Dale Miller is there as the pro and it would be nice to meet him. Do you ever shot events this far south?

[Tcon]

My fiance reigns, she is also getting into working cow horse. I was curious, what lens you used? I am eyeing a Sigma 70-200 2.8 because i figure I need the shutter speed.

Thanks,
Rene

[Playm]

I think it would be a good idea to get to know the pro/hired photographer. .. especially if he/she thinks they could use some help some time (say if they've got a two arena show going on). Ya never know. All he can do is say "no thanks". I know a gal down in the valley who gets paid $200 per day to press the shutter button for an event photographer. I was photographing her mother's horses for a project that I'm working on. .. She was there.. so I asked her about settings, lenses, etc. that she was using at the shows she was shooting. ... and she didn't know. Her experience was pretty limited to "timing" (over jumps). The photographer had set everything up for the shots. ... but hey, $200 per day beats a poke in the eye sometimes.

We don't get very far from home. We've always got to get back in time to feed horses and dogs. .. so the SoCal stuff is a bit beyond our range.

If you can ever get the opportunity to shoot from the judge's stand, it should put you close enough to use your flash. Maybe check around (ask some of the cutters) if there are any local cutting clubs... or even "practices" where you can practice w/shooting. Some of the big barns will have practices from time to time. Cutters who don't own their own cattle will pay for (typically) 4 minute sessions to tune up their horses between shows.

It's always fun to see your shots. .. I'm looking foreward to this season's photos.

[L.Morey]

Looks like fun good job

[Dale Miller]

meeting you
Thanks all.

Yes I was in Pahrump, sorry I missed .


It was a big decision for them to cancel the other two competitions. I know the Gaughans didn't take it lightly. The South Point is really convenient for me because I live just a mile or two away. They are giving me free range at the public events.

I would try flash but the distances are too great; 40' is about the closest I can get for cutting and maybe 30' for reining and barrel racing. The pro usually shoots with 4 White Lightning strobes. I need to get to know them a little better.

There is a few places here that do outside cutting and I am looking forward to hitting them this year. I'm trying to go to Pahrump on Saturday for the high school rodeo. I believe Dale Miller is there as the pro and it would be nice to meet him. Do you ever shot events this far south?

[matonanjin]

My fiance reigns, she is also getting into working cow horse. I was curious, what lens you used? I am eyeing a Sigma 70-200 2.8 because i figure I need the shutter speed.

Thanks,
Rene

I think you mean your wife reins (not reigns):o Although maybe both are correct:lol:

The Sigma 70-200 2.8 is a good lens from what I understand. But I have yet to need 2.8. Outdoors I always use my Canon 70-200 F/4L. Great lens, razor sharp. I can always get plenty of shutter speed outdoors. You can go here to see some samples: www.fourwindsphotography.com. Click through to the show proofs and just about everything outdoors was using this lens. I won't post any here.

When I go indoors it seems like I always need faster than 2.8. I always pump up the ISO and use a 2.0 Prime.

Good luck!

[eddarr]

meeting you

Dale I was unable to make it out to Pahrump. Hopefully if you are back in September we can get together then.

[Dale Miller]

We are scheduled to be there in Sept. Look foreward to seeing you.