|
Photos by Stacy Jo Grant
If you are a discerning, serious
photographer and have not experienced the high-octane excitement and challenges
a rodeo presents, this event will certainly hone your skills to the cutting
edge. Best yet, most photo enthusiasts already own all the gear necessary for
capturing great images of this nonstop action.
Location, location, location should be your prime motivation when selecting
a vantage point from which to shoot. Whatever the size of the rodeo, be it large
or small, it is a good idea to request a diagram of the arena before you purchase
a ticket for a seat. Ask for a seat with a clear view of the action, so you
can shoot some powerful, memorable photographs.
The best location for photographing buckin’ bronco, bull riding, steer
wrestling and calf roping is is usually directly above the chute. If the arena
is relatively small, a spot facing the chute is also a great choice. For the
uninitiated, these competitions are mind-blowing and require that you have your
finger at the ready on the shutter release while you sight through the viewfinder
to anticipate where the action is about to occur. When that gate flies open,
you must be prepared to shoot or your best shot may be lost.
|
Steer
wrestling and calf roping are high-speed events that require quick
reactions on the part of the photographer. Keep your finger poised
over the shutter release button, and follow the action through
the viewfinder.
|
|
Anticipate the Action
Remember, the saddle-bronc rider’s goal is to remain atop a 1200-pound
pitching and twisting wild animal for eight seconds to compete for points. The
same is also the case for the bareback rider. While it’s possible to burn
a whole roll of film before the bell rings if the rider is able to “keep
in time” with the horse, try to anticipate action by hitting your shutter
button when you sense an early spill. Better yet, start shooting when you see
a rider lose his grip on the thick rein attached to the horse’s halter—his
only means of securing himself. These are the lucky shots for the photographer.
Bareback riding requires sheer strength and the ability to grasp a “rigging”
made of leather and rawhide that is secured to the horse with a cinch. While
not fun for the horse, the contender gets a rough ride lying almost supine on
the back of his mount. All this provides a great opportunity for the quick-on-the-trigger
photographer.
Steer wrestling is the quickest event in the rodeo and involves a variety of
maneuvers in the attempt to wrestle a steer to the ground using only leverage
and strength. The “bulldogger” starts his run on a horse when the
steer is released from behind a barrier, while another cowboy—the “hazer”—strives
to prevent the steer from veering away from the wrestler. Because the steer
is given a headstart, the length of his run depends upon the size of the arena.
The steer wrestler and hazer use American quarter horses to chase the steer.
When the bulldogger is in position, he slides off his horse onto the frightened
steer, hooks his right arm around the animal’s right horn and grasps the
left horn in his left hand. He then digs his heels deep into the dirt and uses
leverage to slam the steer down. Every bit of the action can provide a winning
image.
Again, be prepared and keep your finger on the shutter button: all of this occurs
in three to five seconds.
Most rodeos also include a calf-roping competition which dates back to the Old
West when ranch hands had to catch and immobilize sick or injured animals. This
event also offers plenty of action. The cowboys must not only be quick and accurate
with a lasso, but be expert horsemen as well.
|
