Purple_Chaps
2014 Dayboro Rodeo - I loved the expression on this young rider wearing the protective head gear that has become a common sight but the contest is as old as tim...
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2014 Dayboro Rodeo - I loved the expression on this young rider wearing the protective head gear that has become a common sight but the contest is as old as time. The colours of his chaps were as striking as the magnificent Bull, simply titled - Purple Chaps.
I received official recognition for this image at the Fifth Annual Exposure Awards and the image was included in a digital display of images at the Exposure Award Reception at the Musee du Louvre Paris, France on July 13 2015. The image has been included in books published by the event organisers. It is an honour to have this image included.
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I received official recognition for this image at the Fifth Annual Exposure Awards and the image was included in a digital display of images at the Exposure Award Reception at the Musee du Louvre Paris, France on July 13 2015. The image has been included in books published by the event organisers. It is an honour to have this image included.
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Feb, 2015Views
969
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Peer Award
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superb Composition
All Star
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 20 rankTop 20 rank week 1
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
PeterLombard
July 31, 2015
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This image was taken at my favourite Rodeo location, Dayboro Showgrounds, about 90 minutes north-west of Brisbane, Queensland Australia.Time
This is one of the few rodeos that are open air, hold all the events during the day, starting at about 10:00 am through to about 16:30 pm and within an easy drive of my home.Lighting
Of course, because the downside of such an event is that lighting is direct and harsh and the event is very popular with photographers, the positioning of oneself in a prime vantage point becomes critical - the early bird catches the worm. Exposure setting in camera become critical so I underexpose because it is easier to recover detail in the darks.Equipment
I carry two camera's one for distance shooting and the other for close encounters. My distance gear consists of a Sony a99 FF camera with a 70-400 G series lens on a 'rapid' sling and is the gear used for this particular image.Inspiration
I have always been keen on the country, action or sport that involves a lot of spray, dust, grit etc so when a friend invited me to this Rodeo, I was delighted at the unpredictable nature of the action and when I saw this young rider I knew that I needed to capture the concentration on his face during his battle with the bull and everything came together just as I wanted.Editing
The problem with any rodeo is always going to be the number of distractions and I have a rather unique way of dealing with them. Initially, I adjust the image in Lightroom to create the look that I want for the main subject and reduce everything else by reducing its luminance. In photoshop I use layers and masks to either add or remove elements, I also create brushes which I use to extend and expand on visual properties that make the image more interesting and pleasing to the observer.In my camera bag
I used to carry quite a lot of gear but have reduced this now to just the gear I need for a particular look on a particular shoot. For a shoot, at a daytime Rodeo, the gear I pack would be quite different to that of a night Rodeo shoot. Typically, two camera bodies with lenses attached (I don't want to be changing lenses in the dust) Sony a99 and f4 70-400 G series lens, Sony a65 f2.8 18-250 Kit lens. Rapid sling, UV Filters for both lenses ..... a lot cheaper to replace a filter than the front element of a Lens because of damage caused by flying grit. Water, Hat, 3 legged canvas foldup stool because I'm not as young as I would like to be and a monopod just in case the big lens becomes a tad too heavy.Feedback
Rodeos like this one a really popular with photographers and photographic clubs so early arrival and careful planning for a prime position are absolutely paramount, Ensure that you are comfortable because it will be a long day. Wherever animals are involved the action will be unpredictable, more so when there is no particular course or direction involved, the commonality is the gate so focus on that, be ready and allow room in the frame for movement but keep it tight. Watch the gate!
