Frederick Emch
May 2026 - Bull Dumps Rider
About the Image(s)
I love rodeos and this one did not disappoint. This occurred during one of the bull riding sessions and I was positioned at the opposite end to where the riders left the gate. The sun had gone down and I was getting good light from the rodeo lighting - but I always wanted more. These rides can be over in seconds and it was a challenge juggling the best aperture and ISO while still achieving the all important fast shutter but this helps keep it interesting. I took so many shots all while hoping I got a moment like this one.
I handheld a Canon EOS 60D with a 70-200mm lens at 105mm, ISO 800, 1/3200 sec, f2.
2 comments posted
Ouch for the rider. The lighting and action are great. I can appreciate the quick action and reams of photos...it's better with digital than film. The hand on the left side is annoying but you can't crop it without cutting the rider's head.
I notice a lot more protective gear in use which is great. I remember going to a rodeo a very long time ago and there was no helmet or chest protection.
Posted: 05/16/2026 14:19:58
I notice a lot more protective gear in use which is great. I remember going to a rodeo a very long time ago and there was no helmet or chest protection.
Posted: 05/16/2026 14:19:58
Karl Leck
Hi Frederick, This is a good moment in a bull ride where all the characters are bouncing around. The image shown here looks like a photo based illustration because of a lot of sharpening and clarity (mid-tone contrast) addition. Overdoing the processing would disappoint me as a judge. If clarity and sharpness were slightly (much less than shown here) applied to the bull and rider, a more dimensional look showing some separation from the background could be achieved. Karl Posted: 05/17/2026 20:08:01