Jo and I were comfortably positioned along the rail at 1 p.m. ready for the first bronco-riding event. I had my camera set at ISO400 so I could get reasonable depth of field and be able to use the Shutter Priority Mode with a 1/500th of a second to stop the action.
Both of us were using 70-200mm lenses. There are longer focal lengths available and I was asked this week if I ever tried my 150-600mm. I haven’t used that lens at a rodeo, but I did shoot some years ago with a 150-500. It was pretty good and brought the action so darned close. But the rodeo grounds aren’t that big and I like the 70-200mm. It’s light, not that big, hand-holdable and delivers great quality.
I have mentioned before that I like photographing any kind of action, and especially the rodeo that is only a few minutes drive from my home in Pritchard. I always look forward to standing there alongside other photographers that, like me, enjoy capturing the fast moving test of wills between animals and riders. Photographing any action filled competition is fun and there’s always lots of that at a rodeo.
My favourite events are the bronc and bull riders. I like the fast moving explosive action that moves uncontrollably across the arena.
I always try to get that first moment, especially with the bull riders. There is so much happening when the gate is opened and bull, rider, and all the faces behind those two show the excitement. I continue to follow the activity to capture that perfect moment that shows the athletic prowess of the rider. However, I must admit my favourite photos are those that show the rider getting thrown through the air. Sure, I feel for them, and never like it when someone loses or gets hurt, but it’s that explosive moment when everything is moving at it’s own speed, in its own direction, that tells the exciting and dangerous story for me.
This hometown rodeo is darned convenient and really accessible without restrictions placed on ringside photographers, and it’s easy for participants to get quality photographs of themselves that can be made into wall prints just by asking any one of the many people with a camera standing along the rail.
For those new to rodeos, or even photographing action, put a rodeo on your bucket list to attend, it’s a friendly and easy place to practice and experiment.
These are my thoughts for this week. Contact me at www.enmanscamera.com or emcam@telus.net. Stop by Enman’s Camera at 423 Tranquille Road in Kamloops. I sell an interesting selection of used photographic equipment. Don’t hesitate to call me at 250-371-3069.
