Getting in the “box”

If you know me, you know that I have always had a great interest in shooting ropings, rodeos, and brandings which is why I am so happy to finally say that I am now! I just recently got hired to shoot the annual Ranchers Day event at my hometown fair and I couldn't be any more excited. I decided that since I am shooting this event that I might want to get some practice in. Over these past weeks I have been attending some of my close friends roping and barrel racing practices.

My first stop was Kati Hallmarks (barrels). Before shooting I was just a tad nervous on how I would get my settings just right… but I was super grateful to have my 70-200 mm lens with me (as I had just purchased it). It was the middle of the day and the sun was super bright so the first thing I did was adjust my ISO to 100, then my shutter speed to 2000. I kept my aperture at 2.8 because I wanted only Kati and her horse in focus. I set up camp just outside the panels and rested my camera on the dirt to get a nice low angle. After a few practice barrels, Kati and I were super happy with the outcome. The photos were crisp and detailed and they were truly the perfect action shot.

My next stop was the Hughes Sisters (team roping). I wasn’t as nervous for my settings when I arrived because I had shot something similar the day prior at Kati’s but it turned out to be a whole different ball park. The girls were roping in their outdoor arena, which is partly shaded in some spots (mostly the box). I started to adjust my settings and got them just right and I really thought I had it until they began to chase the steer out farther into the sun. When we hit the sun the camera screen turned white (my iso was too high) and I lost them in the frame. I immediately realized my mistake and changed my settings but by the time I managed to do all of that they had both caught. I knew that this time I had to only shoot in the sun and not get any of what was happening in the box so I could get the action shots right this time. Once I figured this out, it was smooth sailing and the photos turned out great.

A very special thank you to the Hallmarks and the Hughes for always being up for a shoot anytime, anywhere!