1. TRU BLU
American Cowboy from Colorado.
American Cowboy from Colorado.
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Dec, 2015Views
1099
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Awards
Zenith Award
Creative Winter Award
Curator's Selection
Top Shot Award 21
Featured
Contest Finalist in Facial Profiles Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Magnificent Capture
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Salida Colorado at the local county rodeo. Being a PRCA photographer and former rodeo cowboy, the preservation of the American West is where I spend most of my time.Time
I took this photo at night. As I was packing my gear up with my assistant, I noticed this figure approaching me with an awesome backlighting. I immediately yelled for a strobe and strip softbox and set it up buy the time he was in front of me.Lighting
This was done with a single Alien Bee 800 and a strip softbox.Equipment
I handheld this shot with a Nikon D700, I don't remember the lens however but probably the Nikon 28-300mm.Inspiration
I am always on the lookout for these kinds of cowboys. After talking with this cowboy for a awhile it was clear he had a passion for art. It made a quick 5 photos really easy to get one I cracked the ice with him.Editing
Typical adjustments to shadows and saturation, bump some exposure but don't blow out skin, and some slight clarity with a little highlight improvement.In my camera bag
I typically carry two full frame Nikons a D610 and D700 along with a handful of lenses both prime like my go to Nikon 50mm and my standard use Nikon 70-200mm. The dust can be horrendous on gear working with cowboys so plastic bags are always a must. Your sensor plate will get dirty as should be expected so I carry my own sensor cleaning gear as well. Speed lights, I have 3 of them ready to go at anytime as well. I typically try to remain agile.Feedback
Cowboys can be a rare breed to capture. One, most don't like the camera clicking all the time so if I were to offer any advice it would be the following. Don't give up. Livestock can be dangerous so always pay attention to what's around you, especially ropes. This is also a very tight culture, so getting in with the family is critical... Very rarely can you expect to knock on a ranchers door and have them say yes to photographing them at work. You have to build relationships with them first. Time your shots, anticipate anything happening around all the time and know you are going to miss opportunities. It's ok... There will be plenty more. After all it's cowboying so expect the unexpected.
