Phoenix, AZ - American Indian Rodeo Events

 These are my four favorite events to photograph.

Saddle Bronc Riding - Similar to bareback riding with with a saddle.  Riders must stay on the bucking horse for 8 seconds, using a bronc rein (rope attached to the horse's halter) to control the ride.

Bull Riding - One of the most intense events, where riders myst stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds, using just one hand on the bull rope.

Ladies Breakaway Roping - A timed event where a female rider ropes a calf and lets go, with the rope "breaking away" from the saddle horn once the calf is caught.

Ladies Barrel Race - Female riders race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, aiming for the fasted time without knocking over a barrel.

Meet the Rodeo Zamboni: A Tractor’s Time to Shine Before the Dusty Action!

 The first subject of the day wasn’t what I expected when photographing a rodeo—it wasn’t a wild bull, a cowboy mid-ride, or even the crowd. No, my first shot of the American Indian rodeo was… a tractor. But not just any tractor! This massive machine rolled out like it owned the arena, prepping the dirt for the main event, much like a Zamboni does for an ice hockey game.

As I snapped photos of it chugging along, the driver gave a little wave, like he knew he was the unexpected star of the show. The sheer focus of this behemoth smoothing out the arena floor with its mechanical grace was mesmerizing. It had the aura of a backstage hero, quietly setting the stage for the high-energy drama about to unfold. I couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, “Who needs a Zamboni when you’ve got a rodeo tractor?”

Stay tuned for my upcoming photo set—yes, even the mighty tractor has its moment of fame. You’ll want to see how this unsung hero transformed the dusty arena into the perfect playground for rodeo magic!

Rodeo Thrills and Dusty Spills: Capturing the Heart of the American Indian Rodeo at the Arizona State Fair!

 On Friday, October 4, 2024, I had the thrill of attending the Arizona State Fair at the Colosseum Fairgrounds to capture day one of the American Indian rodeo for a photography contest. The energy was electric, with rodeo riders showcasing incredible skills in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, and much more. The crowd cheered as these brave athletes demonstrated their talent and heritage, making the entire event pulse with excitement.

As I roamed the arena, my camera worked tirelessly, trying to capture the perfect moments—the wild bucking of a bronco, the grace of a rider in perfect sync with their horse, and the dust kicked up as a steer was roped in mid-run. There were endless opportunities to photograph the raw beauty of this cultural celebration, each snap telling its own powerful story.

It wasn’t just the rodeo that stole the show—the spectators, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, added bursts of color, energy, and pride to the scenes. The enthusiasm was contagious, and I can’t wait to share the best shots from the day with you!

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post where I’ll showcase the stunning images from this adrenaline-packed rodeo. You won’t want to miss it!