Clouds Over Jerome, Arizona

 

I found myself parked near the entrance to Dead Horse Ranch State Park, taking a moment to appreciate the view of the mountains in the distance, where the historic town of Jerome, Arizona, clings to the landscape. The scene before me was breathtaking, a reminder of the raw beauty that northern Arizona has to offer.

As I gazed toward the mountains, my eyes were drawn to the sky. The clouds above were nothing short of mesmerizing. Massive, puffy white clouds dominated the horizon, their soft edges giving the impression of floating cotton. But it wasn’t just the brightness that caught my attention—the dark undertones added a dramatic contrast, giving the sky depth and intensity. It was as if the mountains and the heavens were in conversation, the clouds offering both light and shadow over the rugged peaks.

The contrast between the brightness and the shadow seemed to mirror the essence of Jerome itself—a town built on contrasts. Once a booming mining town, now a place of ghostly echoes and artistic revival. That combination of history and rebirth, light and shadow, is woven into the landscape, perfectly reflected in the sky above.

There’s something about these clouds, over mountains like these, that leaves you in awe of nature’s grand design.

Phoenix to the State Park

 The drive from Phoenix to Dead Horse Ranch State Park is one of those journeys that feels like you’re passing through multiple worlds in just a few hours. As you leave the bustling city behind, the sprawling suburbs gradually give way to the vast, open desert. The horizon stretches endlessly, and the iconic saguaro cacti stand tall like desert sentinels, scattered across the rugged landscape.

As you head north on I-17, the landscape begins to shift. The desert browns slowly blend into deeper greens, and the temperature starts to cool as you gain elevation. You’ll see the rocky peaks of the Bradshaw Mountains come into view, standing like ancient guardians over the land. When the road begins to climb past Black Canyon City, the air seems fresher, crisper.

Approaching the Verde Valley, the terrain changes again. There’s a lushness that feels unexpected after the arid desert. Cottonwood trees line the riverbanks, and vineyards dot the rolling hills as you pass through Arizona’s wine country. As you near Dead Horse Ranch, the red rocks of Sedona can be seen in the distance, while the park itself offers a tranquil escape, with its serene lagoons framed by the Verde River and the mountains towering nearby.

Cottonwood, AZ - The Elusive Comet

 Last night, I had an adventure that started as an ordinary photography outing with my friend Michele at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. We were on a mission to capture the elusive Atlas Comet. The night was clear, and the lights of Jerome twinkled on the distant mountainside like little stars themselves. It was the perfect backdrop for a rare astronomical event.

Michele spotted the comet first, a faint glowing dot in the sky, and handed me the binoculars with precise directions on how to find it. With her help, I found it quickly, and my excitement mounted. I grabbed my camera and snapped a shot. There it was—got it! But then I had a better idea: a panoramic view that would stretch from the shimmering lights of Jerome up to the comet. It felt like the perfect way to capture the beauty of the night.

With steady hands, I slid my camera across the scene in five shots, creating a sweeping view that felt as grand as the moment itself. I was thrilled. Afterward, I packed up my gear and told Michele I was heading to the car to review the shots.

The first image I pulled up was stunning—there was the Atlas Comet, clear and radiant. But when I flipped through my panoramic series, something unexpected caught my eye. There, in the middle of the sequence, was a strange object in the sky. It didn’t look like the comet at all.

I zoomed in closer, and my heart skipped a beat. I had no idea what I was looking at. A bird? A drone? Something else entirely? What had I just photographed? It seems I left with more questions than I came with—Atlas Comet, check. Mysterious flying object, well, that’s another story!

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!