Experiment with Shutter Speeds It’s important to have an ample supply of fast film (or use high ISO settings on your digital camera) so that you use the fast shutter speeds necessary for freezing the action. One way to create dynamic pictures with slower film (and slower shutter speeds) is to follow the action with your eye glued to the viewfinder. With this “panning” technique, you will capture a relatively sharp image of your subject against a blurred background as you trip the shutter at the decisive moment. Needless to say, effective panning takes plenty of practice. Try experimenting with shutter speeds between 1¼4 and 1¼30 and compare the results. When packing your camera bag, choose your equipment carefully and avoid carrying extra gear that will just slow you down. We typically take one 35mm SLR with a large assortment of color slide and print film. We also take plenty of black-and-white film for a range of flexibility—mostly ISO 400 and higher. Because the fast action requires that you shoot instinctively, it’s important that you are intimately familiar with your camera’s capabilities and functions. One way to cut down on hefty decision making is to use the aperture-priority exposure mode with the lens wide open, and let the camera set the appropriate shutter speed. The resulting blurred background will make your subject stand out for a more powerful shot. If your camera has a predictive AF mode, be sure to take advantage of this capability. Regarding lens options, a 300mm telephoto with a 1.5X or 2X teleconverter will get you plenty close. In most arenas you will also get very good results with something in the 70–210mm range. While tripods are usually recommended when using telephoto lenses, hand-held shooting is usually preferable at a rodeo unless your feeling of security depends upon some form of camera support. Even a monopod may prove to be a useless, burdensome appendage when sitting in reserved seats in a cramped arena. Point-and-shooters can have their day at a rodeo and achieve good results using whatever features the camera offers—with or without a zoom lens. Just be sure to load the camera with fast film and get as close to the action as possible.Whenever you carry fast film it’s important to avoid airport X-ray machines if possible. Try carrying your film in a clear plastic bag and politely request that it be hand checked. In these days of heightened security concerns, your request may not always be honored. A good place to photograph bull riding is from the stands or seats above the chute, or from a spot facing the chute in a small arena. Finding a Rodeo Nearby Yes, there is a rodeo near you. There are over 800 rodeos sanctioned each year by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) throughout the U.S. and approximately 20 are top events. The official Website is www.prorodeo.com. If you are interested in women’s rodeo events, check www.wpra.com. Cheyenne Frontier Days is the “Daddy of ’em All”—the world’s largest outdoor rodeo. This annual event will celebrate its 108th birthday July 23 through August 1, 2004 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. You are invited to “live the legend” nonstop when the city goes all out to welcome visitors with good old western-style hospitality. There are nine PRCA rodeos each day in the arena, and you will be invited to watch four Grand Parades through downtown Cheyenne with floats, marching bands, antique carriages and period dress. Wednesday and Friday you will circle the downtown square and be offered complimentary plates of flapjacks with thick slabs of ham and honey; all served from a chuckwagon. The whole gang will enjoy the carnival midway, the American Indian Village, Frontier Nights entertainment, and the 51st Anniversary of the first USAF Thunderbirds Air Show. Call 800/227-6336 or visit www.cfdrodeo.com. It’s more than worth the trip. If you want to learn more about America’s western heritage and unique rodeo legacy, you can visit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs. Call (719) 528-4761 or visit www.pikes-peak.com/rodeo for more information. Small rodeos abound, and some occur weekly all year round. On the East Coast, for example, there’s the popular Cowtown Rodeo in Pilesgrove Township, New Jersey. This is the oldest weekly PRCA rodeo in the country, and it features seven events every Saturday night, May through September. For more information call (856) 769-3200 or visit their website at www.njsouth.com/index-cowtown.htm. There’s more of the same at Bergen Rodeo Grounds in Davie, Florida. For details, call 954/797-1163 or visit www.fivestarrodeo.com. This one is in a covered arena. Regardless of which rodeo you attend, you will find that the event provides an exciting, colorful and unique photo opportunity for photographers at all skill levels. Just keep your eyes open and your finger on the shutter button. An Exciting Rodeo Near You Alberta, Canada: Calgary Stampede (outdoors) www.calgarystampede.com/stampede Austin, Texas: Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo (indoors) www.staroftexas.org Ft. Smith, Arkansas: Old Fort Days Rodeo (indoors) www.kayrodgerspark.com Greeley, Colorado: Greeley Independence Day Stampede (outdoors) www.greeleystampede.org Guymon, Oklahoma: Guymon Pioneer Days (outdoors) www.guymonok.com/rodeo.html Kansas City, Missouri: American Royal Rodeo (indoors) www.americanroyal.com Kissimmee, Florida: Silverspurs Rodeo of Champions (outdoors), www.silverspursrodeo.com Laughlin, Nevada: Rivercity Roundup (outdoors) www.honeycuttrodeo.com Reno, Nevada: Reno Rodeo (outdoors) www.renorodeo.com San Francisco, California: Cow Palace Rodeo (indoors), www.cowpalace.com San Juan Capistrano, California: Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo (outdoors) www.rmvrodeo.com Tucson, Arizona: La Fiesta De Las Vaqueros (outdoors) www.tucsonrodeo.com