The Horse Whisperer
Saddle Bronc rider anticipating his certain outcome.
Saddle Bronc rider anticipating his certain outcome.
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Nov, 2014Views
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Awards
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
2020 Choice Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
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Top 20 rank
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
I captured this image at a Jackpot Saddle Bronc Rodeo in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the TC Arena.Time
It was just after noon on a gorgeous Sunday in New Mexico.Lighting
Light was natural. Daytime rodeo in New Mexico usually has plenty of sun and even though shot mid day, the light wasn't too harshEquipment
I use a Nikon D5000 equipped with the 18-55 1:3.5-5.6 DX kit lens with pattern metering. Hand held. ISO 400 f 6.3 at 1/1600 second set to 55mmInspiration
I was a farrier and a blacksmith for many years. I love horses, even the hard headed spirited ones. These horses are encouraged to be themselves, wild and free. They don't want to be controlled by anyone and the stronger willed they are, the more valuable they are. I admire and respect this. The folks that get on their backs know exactly what they are in for but if they can hang on for eight seconds there might be a good cash purse or perhaps a trophy buckle and some well deserved bragging rights. It's an eight second or usually much less war of brute strength wits and nerve for both the horse and rider. The action and the challenge of catching these shots, while not getting crashed into or trampled, is an adrenaline rush that's hard to top .Editing
On this shot there was no post processing, not even a crop.In my camera bag
Nikon D5000, 18-55mm f 3.5- 5.6 Nikon DX and 55-200mm 1:4.5-5.6 DX Nikon Lenses. Two fully charged batteries and memory cards to permit lots of shooting.Feedback
I get right in with the action if I can, yup, in the arena at times. Secure permission if you are trying to get in the arena and assume your own risk. Equipment damage, serious injury and even death are not out of the realm of possibility here. Some photographers set up a tripod and long lens a safe distance away and get the shot when the chute opens and the rider is still hopefully on board. To me this is kind of static. The real story transpires in the next couple of seconds. That's where if you're fast, the best shots are. Leave the tripod in the car. Shoot hand held at the highest shutter speed you can. Everything is in motion and metering is out of the question because it happens too fast. I recommend using the sport mode and let your camera do the math. That way you can think about composition and zooming in and out to keep it tight and trying to keep your camera level at the same time. In dry arid conditions, the dust is a problem too. These critters kick up their own dust storms and that is very troublesome for auto focus. The best way I have found is to try and perch higher up above the dust and dirt and shoot tight. It's a trade off with the increased camera angle but sharp images are worth it. Stay hydrated, don't forget your sunscreen, and never change a lens when the dust and dirt is flying. Enjoy! And keep shooting!
