Not My First Rodeo - Ten Tips for a Successful Rodeo Shoot
Have you been to a rodeo?
Have you thought about going to a rodeo?
Here are ten tips for a successful (and safe) day shooting!
1. Arrive early.
A close parking spot is easier to get to if you forgot a piece of equipment.
2. Be Prepared.
Keep these items in your bag, money or credit card for food, sunblock, lip balm, extra batteries, memory cards, a small three legged stool to sit on (if you are staying in one spot!), allen key, rocket blaster, business cards, water.
3. Be ethical and fair.
Check with the official photography team or photographer. Offering free prints or trying to sell your own prints cuts into the official photographer’s profits.
4. Talk with the other photographers and say hello.
You’d be surprised what tips they might suggest. Ask them what their favourite events are and why. This may give you insights where to stand to shoot. Ask about any riders or horses to watch for.
5. Rodeos can be dangerous. ALWAYS BE ALERT.
If you are not paying attention, that bull that was once at the far end of the arena may just decide to jump the fence where you are sitting. Check out the following link and see what can happen. Norm Betts is an experienced rodeo shooter on the circuit for Ram Rodeos - : https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/norm-betts-hit-by-bull-ultimate-rodeo-tour-2017-kitchener-woolwich-1.4197021
6. flying clumps of dirt and an unexpected kick can damage your lens or you!
Being close to the action is great BUT if you can’t get out of the way quickly or don’t think you can be vigilant for the duration, shoot from the stands. Also be prepared to move out of the way for any paramedics - it is not your job to take pics of injured riders.
7. Sand gets into everything.
Dust and sand will find your unzipped camera bag, your camera dials, your hair, your face. Using a rain cover can help protect your gear (although the ‘real’ photographers will think you are a bit of a dork…).
8. hand sanitizer and kleenex can be lifesavers.
Johnny on the spot - port a potty - say no more.
9. A dollar store poncho can come in handy.
Yes, it is good for rain but you can cover your gear if the dust and dirt get to be too much.
10. A rodeo may have additional events to shoot.
Pole bending, barrel racing, children’s intro to rodeo are examples of what Ram Rodeo includes in its program. Often it is a fair like atmosphere with a lot to photograph - see the links below for more info!
All pics were taken on June 9 at the Burford Ram Rodeo, outside of Toronto, Canada.
Rodeo Events Info:
http://www.ramrodeoontario.com/2018/01/rodeo-101.html
Ontario Ram Rodeo Schedule: http://www.ramrodeoontario.com/2018/01/ram-rodeo-tour-schedule.html
Tips for Shooting: https://improvephotography.com/41653/7-tips-rodeo-photography/
Panning, shutter speed: https://improvephotography.com/41653/7-tips-rodeo-photography/
Hope some of these tips will help you if you plan on heading out to a rodeo. If you have any other tips, please comment below!
Piper McKay workshop
With Audrey Griffiths, V6 Ranch