D&D Pro Rodeo Company marked my first rodeo of the International Pro Rodeo Association season, and I couldn't have been more excited to get back behind the camera. Since I had photographed in Martinsville, Indiana, a couple of years ago, I was already familiar with the venue, which made it a little easier to settle in and focus on capturing the action.
Like anything you step away from for a while, I felt a little rusty at first. My goal for the evening wasn't just to capture the big moments. It was to get back into the rhythm of rodeo photography and challenge myself creatively. I made a point to look for unique compositions and fresh perspectives throughout the event.
One of my favorite decisions of the night was where I positioned myself for the bareback and saddle bronc riding. It gave me a great angle to capture the intensity and athleticism of both the riders and the horses. As the evening went on and the roping events began, I knew the bright sunlight was going to be a challenge. While the lighting was difficult at times, it also created dramatic highlights and shadows that ended up producing some of my favorite images from the event.
I also spent time experimenting with lower shooting angles to see how they would change the look and feel of my photos. Stepping outside my usual approach gave me a new perspective and added more depth and impact to several of my favorite shots.
Overall, I'd call this rodeo a success. Not only did I come away with images I'm proud of, but I also regained the confidence and rhythm that comes with photographing fast-paced rodeo events. It felt great to be back in the arena, and I'm looking forward to continuing the season and finding even more opportunities to grow as a photographer.
