Fernleyjim

Calf Roping

Young calf roper at a rodeo in rural Nevada.

Young calf roper at a rodeo in rural Nevada.
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NIKON D7100

settings

Aperture f/16.0 ISO 800 Shutter 1/800 Focal Length 2200/10

upload_date

Mar, 2015

Views

818

Likes

+75

Awards

Featured

Contest Finalist in Healthy Lifestyles Photo Contest

Peer Award

+46

Superb Composition

Top Choice

All Star

Absolute Masterpiece

Magnificent Capture

Love it

Top Ranks

Top 10 rank

Top 10 rank week 2

Behind The Lens

Location

This was photo was taken at a high school rodeo in rural Nevada.

Time

This was taken in the morning, the sun was rising higher in the sky, and the light was changing.

Lighting

The light was varied because when the participants went in the shadow of the timing shack, the light would change. I basically had to wait until a cowboy or cowgirl got to a certain point in the arena to get the shot I wanted.

Equipment

Nikon D7100, Nikon 80 - 400 mm lens shot from a monopod. The size of many of the areas requires a longer lens to get sharp details. The lens is heavy on holding it for 10 to 12 hours is very tiring. I like the monopod because it helps to steady the camera, and take away some of the weight.

Inspiration

I have the opportunity to photograph some of the best athletes in the state of Nevada, both human and equine. The synergy between a cowgirl/cowboy is amazing. This truly is a team sport!

Editing

I cropped a little and might have lightened a bit as well - not much of anything.

In my camera bag

2 camera bodies and 2 or more lenses for rodeo. There is a huge dust factor so each lens has a skylight filter and I get the camera and lens combinations cleaned occasionally.

Feedback

Location, location, location!!!!! Each arena is different so watch some of the events before you decide where to shoot. I never shoot inside the arena so I look for locations behind fences to get the best shot. Some events have predictable patterns and others do not. I also consider the background if at all possible. Sometimes you have to consider your own safety as well. For shooting high school rodeo in Nevada you have to be wearing a cowboy hat, denim jeans, and cowboy boots, so find out the requirements of the specific arena you want to shoot in before you arrive. I have seen photographers asked to leave, or shoot in the stands.

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Fernleyjim

Fernleyjim

Calf Roping

Young calf roper at a rodeo in rural Nevada.

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow Fernleyjim

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