Rodeo: Bareback Bronc Event

[Snarkbyte]

A few shots from the Bareback Bronc event at the 2011 rodeo. Shots from other events will be posted later in other threads. C&C welcome.

#1: I managed to capture some facial expression from this ride. Pure luck.


#2: Eight seconds can be a LONG time.


#3: These guys have incredible hand strength... but nearly all have a permanent limp.


#4: This horse really got some impressive altitude.


#5: The cowboy did manage to complete this ride (with lots of air time).


#6: The classic "Ride 'em, cowboy" posture

[tb72]

Impressive serie congratulation

[Snarkbyte]

Thanks, Thierry. I've studied and greatly enjoyed your equestrian shots, so your compliment means a lot.

[Donald]

I managed to capture some facial expression from this ride. Pure luck.

Oh no it's not. That's called skill. Well done. You got yourself into the position to make the shot and then had the ability execute it.

[SpiderBob]

Greatly done, may I ask what lens you are using?

[Snarkbyte]

Greatly done, may I ask what lens you are using?

Canon EF 100-400mm L IS. From where I was sitting, a 300mm would have worked for the bronc and bull-riding events, but not long enough for the roping events. Nearly all of the shots were taken at f/8, and some background blur was added to each image with PS. EXIF data for each shot is available at my Smugmug site; the URL is included in my signature at the end of the post.

[3Wheels]

Ever since I was really young and good looking I've wanted to see a rodeo. Your shots have bought it to life on my monitor, so, maybe I'm not best placed to give C & C.

[SpiderBob]

Canon EF 100-400mm L IS. From where I was sitting, a 300mm would have worked for the bronc and bull-riding events, but not long enough for the roping events. Nearly all of the shots were taken at f/8, and some background blur was added to each image with PS. EXIF data for each shot is available at my Smugmug site; the URL is included in my signature at the end of the post.

thank you much, I will visit your site as well.

[jeeperman]

Nice work Al, don't sell yourself short.....luck had the least to do with what you have presented. Look forward to seeing more.

[Snarkbyte]

Nice work Al, don't sell yourself short.....luck had the least to do with what you have presented. Look forward to seeing more.

Actually, getting the facial shots was a bit of luck. Cowboys are fond of their hats, and as you can see in the other photos, this very often obscures the faces. No amount of skill or planning can get a cowboy to face the camera while a large powerful animal is trying to break his neck. As an aside, helmets have actually been allowed in pro rodeo for quite some time, but it's a rare cowboy who will even consider wearing one, regardless of the risk.

This was my first attempt at sports or action photography, and, no surprise, I learned a great deal from the experience. Thanks for the comments and encouragement, everyone. I'll be posting photos of other rodeo events soon.