2025 has been a wild ride of chasing dreams—literally. At the start of the year, I got the news I’d been waiting for: my PRCA permit was approved! After nearly two years of hard work, that little piece of paper was finally mine, and I was ready to dive headfirst into this rodeo adventure.
Not long after, I got a call from my friend over at Kristen Schurr Photography. She asked if I wanted to second-shoot the American West Qualifier in none other than Las Vegas, Nevada. Spoiler alert: I didn’t even hesitate. I packed my gear and hit the road.
The Road to Sin City
The drive from home to Las Vegas is about eight hours, but honestly? It flew by. I’d just gotten over a cold, so I loaded up on snacks, water, and anything else to keep me energized. South Point Casino was my destination, and it felt a little surreal rolling up. Just two weeks earlier, I’d been in Las Vegas during the NFR, but the vibe this time around was totally different—less chaos, more focus.
Timed Events, Big Moments
Day one kicked off with the first round of timed events. Think roping, barrel racing, and all the fast-paced action you’d expect. We wrapped around 4 p.m. and headed back to the room to dive into editing (and devouring dinner).
Day two? Same early start, same electric energy. After the second round of timed events, we moved into buybacks. If you’re unfamiliar, buybacks are like the rodeo version of a second chance—a “mulligan” for those looking to snag a spot in the main performance. Once those wrapped, it was time for the rough stock events.
That’s when things got real.
Legends in the Arena
When I heard names like Stetson Wright, Casey Feild, and Tilden Hooper thrown into the mix, I almost couldn’t believe it. These are the legends you see on TV, lighting up the NFR stage—and now I was standing right there, camera in hand, ready to capture their every move.
Stationed behind the chutes, I got to document everything: the taping up, the pre-ride stretches, the focused nods signaling, “Let’s go!” Oh, and the stock? NFR-level. Watching those bulls and broncs buck in person was a whole new level of awe.
The night wrapped with a win from Stetson Wright in the saddle broncs, one epic qualified bull ride, and a memory card full of shots I couldn’t wait to edit. By the time I finished my part of the edits, it was 2 a.m.—exhausted but exhilarated.
Final Day, Big Showdown
Saturday morning started with headshots for the qualifiers, where I got to joke around with some big-name competitors and congratulate others on their performances. After sneaking in a much-needed nap, it was time for the main event.
Saturday night was electric. The stands were packed, the fans were loud, and the rodeo action was non-stop. I split my time capturing behind-the-scenes moments and the high-energy performances in the arena. Seeing athletes’ faces light up as they accepted their checks and secured their spots for The American Rodeo in April was nothing short of magical.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
By Sunday morning, it was time to hit the road again. We packed up, said our goodbyes to Vegas, and relived the entire weekend through the photos as we edited. It felt like the trip went by in a flash, but wow—what a ride.
I’m so thankful for opportunities like this and can’t wait to be back on the rodeo road in a few weeks, chasing both open and PRCA rodeos. Here’s to more adventures, more memories, and more dust-kicking action. Until next time!
