First Time at the Rodeo

Yes, unlike most in the crowd over age four, it was my first time at the Rodeo. C&C welcome, but this is primarily a bit of encouragement to try it yourself some day.

At least in Tucson both the rodeo people and crowd are happy to explain the finer points of various events. Slack days, which don't include the popular riding events, draw smaller crowds and a better chance for good shooting positions.

I choose locations based on sun position but rapidly found that cowboy hats are great at keeping faces in the shade. <G>

Images are linked to full size files on flickr.

#1

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Though I shoot other western horse events (not Rodeo), I'd have to say that you've got the timing down pretty well. .. Exposing for the shadow side does help with the facial detals under the hat brim, doesn't it.

I hope Dale Miller (a POTN rodeo photographer) pipes up. .. Haven't seen him in awhile though.

Though I've gone to rodeos off and on since I was a little kid, I've still never understood why any guy would want to do a head dive off a perfectly good horse that's going 35mph. LOL.

Playm wrote in post #11892906
Though I've gone to rodeos off and on since I was a little kid, I've still never understood why any guy would want to do a head dive off a perfectly good horse that's going 35mph. LOL.

And it's amazing how long and hard the cowboys will work to throw the steer when their first attempt goes wrong. One guy left boot heel tracks about a hundred feet long and thrashed around forever. His time was almost a minute as opposed to five and six second best runs.

I was also impressed by the high level of stoicism. Based on facial expression I couldn't tell the difference between a failed-go-home no time and a great run.

Got some good ones in there! 2 and 3, especially; you can see the guy in number 3 eyeballing his stirrup and hoping that boot comes loose

Snydremark wrote in post #11898622
Got some good ones in there! 2 and 3, especially; you can see the guy in number 3 eyeballing his stirrup and hoping that boot comes loose

Yep, and #3, with those non-leather soles he may be in for some trouble - and his horse is definitely headed for the opposite end of the arena. #2 has leather soles, and his foot is certainly going to clear the stirrup. #4 also doesn't have leather soles, but the photo timing/angle doesn't show whether he may be in trouble or not - although I can't say that I like the angle of his right leg.

OP, you may also want to see if there are any 'ranch rodeos' in your area. Totally different set of events - and those will definitely be totally 'working cowboys and cowgirls'.

I'd say that number 4 is going for a good, long, dirty drag. He's gonna get that arm locked under chin and just be holding on to not fall off, from that angle He's not going to have any control over the head from where he's looking to land.

Nice work, nice timing, definately keepers!

Great timing on the roping stuff. And given the brutal light, I think you did well!

dave

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'll watch for ranch rodeos.

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