I finally went to my first ever Western Rodeo. The Norco PRCA event on Sunday. I expected lots of heat, dust and rowdy people. Well most of that was true. It was almost like the event promoters were not really interested in getting this thing started. There were very little in the way of traffic signs going there. My navigator said it was there, but it was no where to be seen.Very little signs. We started at the wrong gate entrance. We later had to walk around the facility to get to the ticket booths.
I planned the trip with four other RCPC members who were anxious to see and compare this Rodeo with others they have experienced. We got there early about 4:30 pm. The actual Rodeo did not start until 6:30 pm. Several hours to kill, before we saw real cowboys manhandling bulls and horses. There was a early treat for handicapped kids, and young kids enjoying the inside of the Rodeo arena. I took photos of vendors, kids, people running around. I was hungry so I bought a burger and ice tea. Yeah it was a hot August Sunday.
We sat where we thought was a vantage point to the Rodeo show. It was only good until near 6:30 pm, when droves of people started to show up. It seemed that everytime I would try and shoot something someone got in the way. I ran up to the fence line many times for an obtrusive shot. I was told that I then was in people visual path of the Rodeo. I got back in my seat, only to blocked by someone else. There was a constant movement. Like no one really was there to watch, only to be seen. I was told that other Rodeo’s in the country were better organized, and its patrons were better civilized.
In summary shooting was hazardous and poor overall. Low light, shadows, distance. I brought my D3 and Tamron 18-270mm lens. It was only good for the first half of the show. The other half was not good. We did not have a good position to photograph the action below. We made a bet as to who would get the best shot of a cowboy falling on the ground, would buy lunch for the rest of us. I don’t think I had any real winners. The others had 2.8 and tripods. I always travel light. I did not want to burden myself with a 70-200 2.8 lens. Well maybe I should have. Most of my later shots were grainy and blurred.
I had a good and interesting time. Got home about 9:30 pm. I wondered if would have any thing to show for my efforts. I must have taken over 1,000 shots. I think 10 would be good.I am regretting that I did not get some real Cowboy Rodeo action shots. I wanted them to be with good light, sharp and interesting. Serves me right.
Well I can say I shot a Rodeo.
These kids rode Sheeps in the corners of the Area. Tough and brave ones. Thanks for the pose.
