How to Photograph Rodeo Events

The local rodeo is a great place to practice taking action shots and pick up a little extra money by selling pictures to the contestants.

Things You'll Need

• SLR Camera
• Camera Bags
• Camera Filters
• Camera Flashes
• Camera Lenses
• Camera Monopods
• Camera Tripod
• Cameras
• Film
• Light Meter
• Rodeo Videos

Instructions

1. Watch a rodeo on television or video and study how the animal comes out of the gate or how the horse goes around the barrel. This will help prepare you for the best setup locations when you get to your local rodeo.

2. Get as close to the action as you can - but stay out of the arena.

3. Use a SLR camera with the longest lens you have. A 70mm to 200mm lens works well for most events.

4. Use a flash when taking pictures, unless it is daytime. When shooting through a fence, make sure the pipe or fencing material does not block the flash.

5. Choose a faster film such as ASA or ISO 800. There are faster films that work well in very low light such as 1000 and even 3200, but remember, your picture will be grainier when enlarged.

6. Load an extra camera with black-and-white film, and watch for a unique picture such as the farrier shoeing horses in the back of the arena or an old wagon from the parade. These make great black-and-white shots for an old-time feel.

7. Use a polarizer if you are shooting a rodeo in the daytime to help with the harsh glare of the sun. Sunlight can cause your photos to have a washed-out appearance.

8. Place your camera on a monopod. A monopod helps keep your arms from getting tired and is easy to move to follow the action.

Tips & Warnings

• For bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback riding, get close to the chutes (outside the fence) and at an angle to the gates. Anticipate the bull jumping out of the chute for the first picture. Refocus and watch for the cowboy to get bucked off or hung up in his bull rope. Don't forget to take pictures of the bullfighters doing their job.

• For barrel racing, place yourself even with one of the barrels. As the cowgirl comes around the barrel, be ready to take the shot.

• For team roping, you will need to be about a third of the way down the arena. Watch for the point where the ropers turn the steer back toward the chutes - this will be the spot for getting a good shot of both the ropers and the steer in the frame.

• Calf roping takes place from the middle to the first third of the arena. Look for the point where the cowboy grabs the calf or where he ties off and throws his hands in the air to shoot a good story-telling picture.