I am asked almost every Meeting I have “What do you like to Photograph when your not doing Weddings?” I have so many things I love to shoot. I love to go out and photograph the world and things that people look past everyday and let them see the art behind it. I love to go to the City and talk to the Homeless and hear their stories and photographing them as Humans and not fixtures you try to avoid. I love to shoot my Lulu. It was 6 years ago I was hired to shoot for the Livermore Rodeo. I did this for 3 or 4 years and loved every minute of it. I liked it so much that I still go back and photograph it. But since I wasn’t on the clock and didn’t have a schedule to go by. I am now able to go capture the preparation these Athletes and Warriors from the PRCA go through right before they mount a bareback horse or a 2000 pound bull.
When I arrived back behind the scenes, there is an eerie calmness. The place is full of people and not much talking. The sounds of the crowd from across the arena and the announcers voice fill the air. Then you hear a loud clanging and it gets louder and louder. These are the Horses for the bareback riding heading into their shoots. Now the Cowboys go to there shoots to get ready to ride. Well try to ride. These horses are no way willing to let them, no matter what it takes. Right before they get on I noticed many kneel and pray. After seeing this many of times, I don’t blame them. So now they begin to get on. The saying “you can cut the tension with a knife” This is that moment. As they do they get a look in there eyes, a focused. Nervous stare. If you were in front of this stare they would look right through you. Now it’s time, He’s ready. His helping cowboys talking Him up with “Do this” and “Make this one count, Son”. The rider raises his one free hand and gives the Cowboy manning the gate the nod that he is ready to go. Once that gate opens the horse is on the opening instantly. The horse moves fast and abrupt in an explosive manner. There is no way you can anticipate what this horse will do next. 8 Seconds for the rider must seem forever, if you make it that long. On this day there wasn’t many. So now remember the horse isn’t going to stop and let you off. You have to jump off. This is all for an 8 second ride that must seem like eternity. This is what I love to do. Photography has let me experience so many things. Most people will never get to see. This is just one of those things. I would truly like to give a huge thank you to the Livermore Rodeo for giving me this awesome opportunity.
