Steer Wrestling Champion
Steer wrestling on the Australian Outback Stations is a way of life and Rodeo is a way for Stockmen-women to teach, learn and compete for little more than bragg...
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Steer wrestling on the Australian Outback Stations is a way of life and Rodeo is a way for Stockmen-women to teach, learn and compete for little more than bragging rights. Champions emblazon their saddles with their achievements, and rightly so.
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Jul, 2017Views
1640
Likes
Awards
Featured
Peer Choice Award
Contest Finalist in Image Of The Month Photo Contest Vol 24
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Outstanding Creativity
Superior Skill
All Star
Virtuoso
Genius
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
Categories
Platinum
Rtist4u
August 30, 2017
Wow. Just Wow. I know how hard it is to get a shot like this. And yours is perfectly sharp! Awesome!
Platinum
clukey
September 09, 2018
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
PRO+
PRO+
jeanmariebrun
November 02, 2018
Again... Your work is absolutely impressive. Agree 100% with all the good comments here above. You push up the horizon of what I though was possible in photography!!
Platinum
Platinum
PRO
Platinum
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken at the Dayboro Rodeo, in South East Queensland, Australia, my favourite location for this particular style of imagery.Time
As can be seen, by the harsh shadows, this photograph was shot in the middle of the day. Obviously not the ideal time because the light is harsh but when the opportunity presents it is about being ready.Lighting
When one is unable to control the lighting and it is in the harsh midday sun, positioning and camera settings are crucial to getting a beautiful image with as much detail in the shadows as possible. Shooting in raw, positioning and exposing for the light works best.Equipment
I used a Sony a99 Full-Frame camera, Sony G Series Lens 4-5.6 70-400 SSM on a sling. Rodeo action photography requires a lot of flexibility and while tripods with gimbal heads do allow a lot of stability and flexibility the unpredictability of rodeo bucking action does not, besides there is seldom room for that equipment in the crush of photographers at this particular Rodeo event. I carry a monopod in case I do need a little stability for those extra long shots. I also carry a small 3 legged canvas stool which allows me to sit in relative comfort occasionally. A hat with a flexible wide brim and a bottle of water are absolutely essential.Inspiration
I love the way that action can be frozen in time, that millisecond when water, sweat, dust and grit are suspended mid action. The rider is an accomplished steer wrestler and the way this rider conducted himself, his clothing, the bond with his horse and the bull's demeanour had me following this contest closely through the lens as I waited for this almost perfect moment.Editing
I use 'Lightroom cc' for the initial processing such as crop, straighten, check white balance and bring out detail in the shadows while subduing the highlights etc. If necessary (each image is different) I will continue more detailed processing in 'Photoshop cc'. I always shoot in 'RAW' on 'Manual' mode as this allows me full control of the settings and the maximum amount of information on the sensor. More often than not I'll only use Photoshop to subdue or remove distractions from the image.In my camera bag
The first thing I pack is my Sony a99 body along with at least two lenses depending on what I'm shooting but for action photography, usually my Sony G series 4-5.6 70-400 SSM and a Samyang 1.4 85 prime manual lens (for creative shots), Godox Godox TT685S 2.4G TTL HSS II GN60 Camera Flash and trigger for off camera use. Wireless remote shutter trigger, Spare 'Formated' SD cards, spare batteries for all devices, Cleaning kit, Bug repellent, Swiss army knife, raincoat for my camera and one for me.Feedback
The most important thing is to know the environment or venue. Check weather forecasts before you travel and make sure your batteries are fully charged, get to the venue early, study the layout for lighting. I use an app "PhotoPills" to check the trajectory of the sun so that I know where I need to be in relation to the action. Remember the background can make or break the image so plan your shoot, know what you want to capture and be prepared or you may be disappointed.
