Ten Tips for Rodeo Photography

1. ARRIVE EARLY.

A close parking spot is easier to get to if you forgot a piece of equipment. I try to arrive a minimum of two hours before the show is scheduled or plan to be there for the afternoon if it is an evening performance. Rodeos are popular and the full parking lots prove that!

2. WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Do you really need to bring all of your lenses with you? I usually decide on what type of shots I want and then pick my lens. Even when I bring an extra lens, I find I rarely use it. My first choice is the 70-200 and now I like what I can get with the 100-400 or 100-500. I used to think I had to photograph the whole arena and from every vantage point. Now one lens, one spot - and I move between events if needed however there isn’t always space on the rail to do that.

Keep these items in your bag, money or credit card for food, sunblock, lip balm, extra batteries, memory cards, Kleenex, a wet paper towel frozen in a baggie can help on a hot day, a small camp stool to sit on (if you are staying in one spot!), business cards, water.

3. BE ETHICAL AND FAIR.

It should be an absolute NO to offer free prints to participants/riders or to sell your own prints on the grounds unless the official photographer doesn’t mind and you have asked if it’s okay. I have found most rodeo pro photographers encourage other photographers and don’t mind. I guess it comes down to being fair.

Rodeo photographers are there dawn to dusk and getting paid for their photos is one way spectators and riders can acknowledge their efforts - even if the rodeo company pays their expenses, always great to get a ‘tip’ from their personal sales!

You might consider posting your shots in a week or so after the event if there is an official photographer.

Running home to post your pics in the hopes of getting a sale immediately after the rodeo is not fair to the rodeo photographers.

4. TALK WITH THE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS AND SAY HELLO.

You’d be surprised what tips other photographers might suggest. I feel rodeos are the most welcoming to photographers. They are happy to see us! Ask them what their favourite events are and why. This may give you insights where to stand to shoot from. Ask about any riders or horses to watch for.

5. RODEOS CAN BE DANGEROUS. ALWAYS BE ALERT.

Pay attention! That bull that was once at the far end of the arena may just decide to jump the fence where you might be kneeling or sitting (hopefully standing) ready to get out of the way.

If you haven’t seen a bull jump a fence at a rodeo, check the link below out! It is a tad scary to watch and if you don’t feel safe using the link, go to YouTube and search bulls at rodeos jumping fences. In the back of my mind, I always think ‘what if this is the day that the bull wants out of the ring right where I am standing?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWYHU24ZLns

Norm Betts is an experienced rodeo photographer for Ram Rodeos. He has been injured several times. Yes, the link is a mile long. If you don’t feel comfortable using the link, just google Norm Betts, injured, Royal Winter Fair. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/royal-winter-fair-photographer-tossed-by-a-bull-video/article_e761e9f9-b3c7-5ecf-bcc9-210461c4ce90.html

6. AN UNEXPECTED KICK CAN DAMAGE YOUR LENS OR YOU!

I no longer sit at ringside.‍ ‍

I have decided I am not quick enough to get out of the way, not sure I ever was, and having dirt (or MUD) fly in my face is not as much fun as it used to be. 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 higher up in the stands.

It doesn’t take much for a bronc or a bull to kick out and a flying hoof could hit your lens.

And if you do happen to sit next to the ring, please make sure that you are kneeling or on a small stool so that you are not blocking the view of the people in the grandstands. Standing around the ring with people behind, isn't fair to spectators who have paid to be there. Photographers often get blamed for being in the way - don’t be ‘that’ photographer.

7. SAND GETS INTO EVERYTHING.

Dust and sand will find its way into your unzipped (why is it unzipped?) camera bag, on your camera dials, in your hair, on your face. Using a rain cover can help protect your gear (although the ‘real’ photographers will think you are a bit of a dork). Vacuuming out your camera bag when you get home is not a bad idea - um, I never used to do this but on occasion now I will check to see if there is any grit in there. Wiping it down inside can also pick up any dirt.

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. RODEOS HAVE OTHER EVENTS TO PHOTOGRAPH AND THINGS TO TRY!