As the rodeo season is coming to an end I can’t help but reflect on all the crazy adventures I have had and all the amazing people I have met.
I have gotten to see what a true “Montana cowboy” is. I have gotten to reconnect with the fun rodeo community and see the passion these people have for rodeo. The ones that may buck off 9 times out of ten but keep a smile and always come back for more. And there are the ones who catch every time and bring home the check and still cheer on their fellow competitors.
I have gone through a full high school rodeo season. I have seen the highs and lows of many of these athletes. I have shared many laughs with them and by far the best part is I have gotten to watch their improvements in just a few short months.
I have gotten to watch the young man who got frustrated every time he didn’t make 8 and then his first high school rodeo back, to win and bring home a check. I have watched many young ladies with new horses work and put all their heart into a horse and when they both finally connect it is the most beautiful combination.
It has been a year full of magnificent sights. I can’t believe the things I have gotten to see, the fun things I never dreamed of doing, and the people I have chatted and shared a laugh with. I feel so incredibly blessed with these rodeo adventures and I can’t wait for it to come right back again.
For me, these rodeos got me out of my shy little box and took my photography skills to a whole new level. There will be great things to come for me and although I have had my ups and downs with worrying I won’t ever get to be an official photographer. Each person I have encountered has made me realize that isn’t what it’s all about. I feel I can capture the true feelings of each person and love when I can make one of them smile with a picture I captured of them.
Now it is time for me to take on a new photography adventure. It will be another legit outdoor adventure and I can’t wait. It will be completely different than rodeo but also something I love.
I’ll be adventuring one click at a time. I can’t wait for the next amazing community of people I meet. I will not be leaving this rodeo family anytime soon though!