Get Off!
The bad part of bull riding is no matter what, win or lose you have to fall off the bull to get off. Some are more graceful than others. Nikon 7200, sigma 18-3...
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The bad part of bull riding is no matter what, win or lose you have to fall off the bull to get off. Some are more graceful than others. Nikon 7200, sigma 18-300 lens.
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Sep, 2017Views
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People's Choice in Frozen in Motion Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
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Behind The Lens
Location
I took this picture at an event called 'Bull Bash' at the Okeechobee Cowtown Rodeo in Okeechobee, FL.Time
The picture was taken mid to late afternoon, so there were some challenges with lightingLighting
The lighting was a challenge since it sun was high over head. It was also a little tough with the bull and the ground being about the same color. I probably shot everything a little lighter than I normally would, but know I can adjust that in post processing.Equipment
I used my Nikon 7200 with the Sigma 18-300mm f3.5 - 6.3. This is what I use when I am not sure what shooting situation I am getting into. The Sigma lens offers a lot of variation with in one lens. I also use this lens quite a bit when in areas that are dusty and I don't want to be changing the lens back and forth. I know I sound like an advertisement for Sigma, but it is really a great grab and go lensInspiration
The rodeo is all about danger. The bulls are dangerous and a person has to be half crazy to get on one of those things. There is only one way off a bucking bull and that is to fall off. With that in mind, there are some very interesting dismounts. Some planned and a lot of unplanned ones to choose from. I try to have my photos tell the viewer a story.Editing
I think everyone does a little post processing in any of their pictures. I try not to do too much, besides cropping and adjusting a shadow . I do like to over saturate my images, it gives them a different look from everyone else. I find if the image is going to take more then 5-10 minutes to get to where you like the look, it is not worth the time to continue. I will also use the vignette tool. I feel sometimes it is necessary to bring the viewers eye to where you want them to look.In my camera bag
At this point I only have the one camera, Nikon 7200, I have dragged it all over the place. I have two lenses I really like and probably use them the most. The Sigma 18-30mm f3.5 - 6.3, it is the perfect travel lens. I got it originally because it was a good deal before a photo trip I was taking. Then in the middle of the trip and after lugging a huge lens up and down a few very steep canyons, I decided to see if I could get the same image from the 18-300. It was a godsend, and all of my other camera friends were like you shots are going to be crap. NOPE. The other lens I enjoy using is my Nikon 200-500mm f4.5-6.3, I use it when I have to capture action at a distance, show jumping, polo, kite boarding, birds. I do have another lens for landscape, Tokina 11-16 f2.8. For me I don't do enough landscape to warrant an expensive lens, this one does the trick for me. Are there better ones...probably. Besides the camera equipment I also keep with me at all times my monopod and a tripod.Feedback
The ideal location to get the best picture of a bucking bull is probably sitting as close to the competition ring you can. Front row of bleachers or as close to the fence line you can get with out distracting the bull rider or the bucking bull. I prefer to be eye level, that is when you can get the best shots of the peoples faces when they are getting bucked off. The people of rodeo will give you some amazing facial expressions. From disbelief, pure laughter at the rodeo clowns, happiness, sadness, and comradery. Like I said before, this is a very dangerous sport and there is a lot to take in.
