I am the kind of person that always likes to think outside of the box, so when I found out part of my assignment would be taking sports photos I knew I wanted to photograph the sport of rodeo. I spent the week taking pictures of the University of Wyoming Rodeo Team and not only got some amazing photos, got snorted at and charged by a bull, but I also got to see the cutest lab puppy learn how to be a “good boy”. My only regret, is that I can’t share all of my photos for this one assignment!
Reflections
I was sitting in the stands at Hansen Arena, waiting for the next calf roper to go and I noticed Austin Hurlburt and his horse Sarah taking a moment as if reflecting on their last calf or preparing for their next run. I was humbled to be able to see let alone capture such a calm unseen side of the rodeo world. The photo had some challenge to getting, but using the cropping technique before I shot it, made it easier.
When You Mess With The Bull You Get
The Horns
I 100% forgot to breathe while I watched this ride unfold. Team member Chase Rose just about met his match with this bull on Friday afternoon, and I was shocked when I looked back at my camera and saw that I got this shot. To say it was hard would be and understatement, and honestly was pure luck I had my camera setting perfect and happened to click the shutter button at just the right time. Looking back leading lines is certainly represented in this picture as the bull fighters hand and out stretched arm lead your eye to the bull and rider.
Perfect Shot
Team member Jase Staudt and his gelding Casino worked hard in Practice last Tuesday. I have always had a keen eye for getting action shots like this, and knowing what calf roping is, I knew that there was a split second to get a shot like this. It took a lot of waiting and missed shots until I got the one that I wanted. The difficulty level was pretty hard, as your camera aperture has to be just right to ensure that nothing is blurry. Leading lines was used with the rope and the sign in the back.
The “Goodest” of Boys
Charity Hoar and her dog Boone were watching some of her family’s bucking horses work during practice. I wasn’t expecting to capture this photo, and while I was sitting waiting for the next bull rider to come out, I heard her talking to him and tell him he was the best boy. I almost cried, because I could hear and see how much love she had for this puppy, and when she told him he was the best I knew she meant it, and he did too. This photo wasn’t hard to get at all, and the rule of thirds was used.
Hang On Cowboy
Houston Brown spurs a rank one on Friday afternoon. Those boys behind the chutes look far more worried than this seasoned rider does. This photo like the others took a lot of patience and the right timing to help make it possible, but the feeling that I had while watching this ride unfold was exhilarating! I don’t think I breathed one time. Leading lines was used in this photo.
Life is a Crazy Ride 