Rodeo/Western Photographer

Recently I was sitting on a bluff in South Dakota overlooking the Korkow Anchor K Ranch thinking about my passion for rodeo and the western cowboy way of life. I decided that I should write something about this enthusiasm and explain why I chose to follow the road of being a rodeo/western photographer. To me, rodeo is the most exciting of all the competitive sports. One could say that being a rodeo/western photographer makes me bias and that might be right, but when I stand in the rodeo arena with the action going on all around me, its one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Rodeo arose out of the working practices of cattle herding and was based on the skills required of the western cowboy. Today the sport of rodeo consists of several timed and rough stock events each demanding a honed skill and athletic aptitude demonstrated by cowboys, cowgirls, and the animals who participate. Rodeo is the only sport I know where participation fees from the competitors which are applied towards the winnings of only a few are paid up front. As a rodeo/western photographer I appreciate that commitment and faith in oneself shown by the cowboys and cowgirls, and their desire to compete and excel reflects in the action of the events.

As a rodeo/western photographer I have developed my talent as a photographer to capture that decisive moment of peak action when form, technique, and raw power come together to produce the excitement found in this truly American sport. I find myself amazed by the athletic performance and strength of the rough stock and the cowboys as they perform in the bareback, saddle bronc, and bull ride events where they attempt to ride the thundering bucking stock for eight seconds. Its there that the rodeo/western photographer must pay strict attention to the movements of the animal and the riding technique of the cowboy to capture images that reflects both the technical and physical aptitude of the event. I must, as a rodeo/western photographer, constantly recompose and sync myself with the animal and riders in order to photograph them at ever changing angles and action peaks. By working in this manner the rodeo/western photographer can create an image that portrays both the animal and rider in good form in the middle of a high action sequence. Knowing that the ride lasts for only eight seconds, the rodeo/western photographer must always be ready for the wreck or buck-off. This high flying action offers fantastic images for the photographer but is often a painful experience for the rider.

The timed events are often an added challenge to the rodeo/western photographer. These events include steer roping, calf roping, team roping, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Instead of the event lasting eight seconds these events are timed with the shortest times winning the event. The timed events require both a skilled rider as well a well trained horse. As a rodeo/western photographer I must be prepared for those few seconds where the action is peaked and where the technique of the contestant shown. The accuracy of the ropers, the strength of the steer wrestlers, the high flying action and speed of the barrel racers, and the quick response of their mounts is a sure formula to keep any rodeo/western photographer on their toes at all times. The rodeo photographer often gets only one chance to capture the excitement of a winning run.

There is no lack of photo possibilities in the rodeo arena. One of my favorites as a rodeo/western photographer is to concentrate on the actions of the barrel man and the bull fighters. Besides adding color and humor to the rodeo event they provide protection to the bull riders from injury. While photographing the bull ride I find that a rodeo/western photographer must stay aware of not only the rider and bull, but also anticipate the rider being bucked from the bull and the interaction of the bull fighters coming to his rescue. These are exiting moments and are filled with action as the bull is distracted by the bull fighters who utilize their quick wits and athletic ability, and who are often sent flying by the charging bull, to save the life of the bull rider from an ominous angry bull.

As a rodeo/western photographer I feel that my profession of rodeo shooting and creating images of western content has enabled me to fulfill my dream of photographing in the worlds fastest moving sport and to live my life surrounded by those individuals who hold the ideals of the old west. I find that my life as a rodeo/western photographer allows me to capture the emotions and lifestyles of the present day cowboy and cowgirl. I believe that the American cowboys heritage is the backbone of our nation. Their life experiences and hard work have made them the instrumental force in the setting of the values and standards that have made our country so great. Their spiritual belief in God and their positive attitudes direct us down the road of hope and happiness that we so desperately need today. As a rodeo/western photographer I have the unique opportunity to portray, through my photography, the west of yesterday while living in the present. My life as a rodeo/western photographer is fulfilling and I cant imagine myself doing anything else.