“Head Over Heels” is a rodeo image that was a PPA Image Excellence Award winner, as well as one of the selected images in the Reportage Category for the 2024 World Photographic Cup Team, of which I was honored to have been selected as a US Team Member. The Reportage category allows for very limited editing.
How the Image was Captured:
This image was the result of a “spur (pun intended) of the moment” trip to a local professional rodeo in New Mexico. This was more of a return to my roots trip, since I was a rodeo competitor throughout junior high, high school and my first year of college. I am always looking for images to enter into print competitions. It helps when you’re familiar with the subject matter you’re photographing, to be able to gather as much storytelling within the image as possible.
In this image, the bullfighters (rodeo clowns) play an integral part in keeping the riders safe following their ride. Bulls can be aggressive toward anyone in the arena, including a fallen cowboy. The bullfighters are there to keep them safe, and they are true professionals at what they do.
Technical Image Information:
Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
Additional Awards:
American Society of Photographers (ASP): First Place-Reportage Category-Images of Distinction. 2023
This attached image is the immediate aftermath of the “headstand” done by the rider in the competition image. You can see it didn’t end well!
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