We were invited to photograph the National Bullriders Association rodeo last week in Norco, California. If you've never been, or if you are against rodeo in general, (like my mom) I'll fill you in a little. Cowboys climb on the back of an upset animal weighing over 1500 pounds, they wrap a rope around the bull's chest, hold on tight with ONE HAND, and try to stay on for eight seconds. Sound easy?
We watched about a dozen rides, and most never made it past four seconds! Count them off if you like, I'll wait. Pretty fast right? Four seconds from the time the ride starts until it is over. Like an amusement park roller coaster. Except the coaster doesn't throw you from your seat and try to stomp on you after you're down. Take a close look at the two photos. Yes, that is an upside-down cowboy being thrown off the back of a bull that is airborne. 1500 pounds straight up in the air. But for many bull riders, the ride doesn't stop there, that bull has to come back to earth, and when he does you better be mighty fast. Take a look at the second photo. That bull hit the ground and whipped his horns straight at the rider's head. He missed, but it was by an inch or so. The two photos above were shot by Evelyn, the newest member of our photographic team. She has a wildly creative talent and the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
This weekend we had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at the Nixon Library. It is an elegant location for weddings, with a professional staff who truly love what they do. The grounds are stunning, especially the rose garden, and the reception hall is breathtaking. Of course it helps when you have a fun, attractive couple with fun guests. We had a fabulous time with Susan and Danny, they were funny and charming and allowed us time to work with them to get some truly amazing photos.
We were invited to photograph the National Bullriders Association rodeo last week in Norco, California. If you've never been, or if you are against rodeo in general, (like my mom) I'll fill you in a little. Cowboys climb on the back of an upset animal weighing over 1500 pounds, they wrap a rope around the bull's chest, hold on tight with ONE HAND, and try to stay on for eight seconds. Sound easy?
We watched about a dozen rides, and most never made it past four seconds! Count them off if you like, I'll wait. Pretty fast right? Four seconds from the time the ride starts until it is over. Like an amusement park roller coaster. Except the coaster doesn't throw you from your seat and try to stomp on you after you're down. Take a close look at the two photos. Yes, that is an upside-down cowboy being thrown off the back of a bull that is airborne. 1500 pounds straight up in the air. But for many bull riders, the ride doesn't stop there, that bull has to come back to earth, and when he does you better be mighty fast. Take a look at the second photo. That bull hit the ground and whipped his horns straight at the rider's head. He missed, but it was by an inch or so. The two photos above were shot by Evelyn, the newest member of our photographic team. She has a wildly creative talent and the uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.
