I wrapped up the first Midwest Youth Rodeo Association (MYRA) rodeo of the year in Cloverdale, Indiana last week, and it felt great to kick off the season close to home. Photographing youth rodeos in Putnam County and central Indiana is always something I look forward to, and MYRA events never disappoint. The energy at this rodeo was high from the start—kids were excited to compete, families filled the stands, and both arenas stayed busy all weekend.


Before traveling to this Cloverdale, IN MYRA rodeo, I sent out a survey to local rodeo families asking how I could improve my photography and what they value most when purchasing rodeo photos. I took that feedback to heart and made several adjustments for this event. Overall, the message was clear: focus on the main arena, capture those classic youth rodeo action shots, and still look for opportunities to create unique angles when possible.


One of the biggest challenges when photographing MYRA events in Indiana is that there are two arenas running at the same time and only one photographer. Covering both arenas while staying consistent can be difficult, especially when I want returning MYRA families to have new images of their kids each season. My goal is always to balance consistency with creativity so families across Cloverdale and surrounding areas can find images they love.


Being back at MYRA in Cloverdale, Indiana was a great reminder of why I enjoy photographing youth rodeo events across the Midwest. I’m excited to keep improving, applying feedback from local rodeo families, and continuing to document MYRA rodeos throughout the 2026 season.



A young cowboy in denim practices roping techniques in a dusty arena.
A border collie dog skillfully herds cattle in a rodeo arena during a competitive demonstration event.
Sequence of action shots showing a rider in blue performing a dramatic fall from a bucking horse in a rodeo arena.
A series of action shots showing a cowboy competing in a rodeo calf roping event inside an indoor arena.
Young rodeo participant practices roping skills on a dummy steer in an indoor arena during training session.
Wide view of indoor rodeo arena showing multiple riders competing during a western equestrian event.
Rodeo rider competing in indoor arena during bronc riding event with handlers and crowd watching.
A sequence of rodeo action shots showing a bull rider competing in an indoor arena during a professional rodeo event.
Young participant in cowboy hat practices with mechanical roping calf at rodeo training arena.
Panoramic sequence of a bronc rider attempting to stay mounted on a bucking horse during a rodeo competition.
Indoor rodeo arena with handlers and riders preparing for competition under fluorescent lighting.
Multiple action shots show a young cowboy practicing roping techniques on a training dummy in a dirt arena.