Ladee's Travels

 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.

 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 ...

 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 contagi...

These are my six entries for the 2016 Arizona State Fair.  I will update and resend the post when I know if any of the entries was awarded a ribbon. Experimental Division - Entry created from multiple photos altered from their original state using a computer program.  Images must contain original photographic elements created by the photographer. Judge Stage 1: all three in this division were accepted.  One of my favorite events of the year is the Hoop Dance International Competition.  This dancer did not actually have all of the fireworks and explosions, but this is how I saw his grand finale performance. UPDATE: First prize Sold one copy so far.  The Parada del Sol Rodeo is held in Scottsdale, Arizona each year.  I liked this because the bull's hind legs were up, the rider had his hand up and body open, and all of the cowboys in the audience were looking at him. UPDATE: Second prize Sold two copies so far.  Chengdu, China is a sister ci...

My entries for the 2015 Arizona State Fair.  The Hoop Dance Girl took second.  This took a first.  This incense burner in Japan won a first. 

Here are my entries for the 2014 Arizona State Fair Photography.  The judges will be hard at work this weekend and the fair opens in less than two weeks.  This post will be updated and resent with results and pics from the display. These are all works from the past year, reflecting classes and travels from August 2013 - August 2014.  If a ribbon was won, it is noted.  If the work scored high enough to be displayed, it is noted as "displayed" although no ribbon was awarded. The first four are entered in the "Experimental Division". Double exposure - Honorable Mention  Arizona Country Club Fireworks - First Place Blue Ribbon  International Hoop Dancing Contest - Second Place Red Ribbon  "That's What Makes Paris Paree" - displayed These are entered in the Small Color Division. Muse D'Orsay clock in Paris - Displayed  A very large Hawaiian Fern Frond - Displayed  Nellie, Queen of the Monongahela - Displayed.  A cop...

The past year has been spent traveling near and far, collecting photos.  Many thanks to those who patiently waited while I took one last photo and for endless review of "potentials" for the 2013 State fair Photography competition.  I value your opinions and appreciate all of your feedback and encouragement. This is the Advanced Large Color division. My photos are the lower left and the upper right

These photos were entered in the Arizona State Fair, in the Amateur Photography Division.  This is the last year that I can be in this division and next year will be moved up to the Pros. So I am enjoying any recognition that I get this year because next year the competition will get tougher. This is the Roman Forum.  It was displayed but no ribbon. This is the Sans Souci castle in Pottsdam, Germany.  It was not displayed. This is the pond and bridge at Monet's Garden in Giverny, France. This photo won Honorable Mention. I have an enlarged 20x30 hanging on my wall at home and the colors are amazing. This is the view from inside the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. It was awarded Honorable Mention. I enlarged this photo to 20x30 and it absolutely glows. I also entered four photos in the Black and White division.  I tried some artsy approaches to see if I could catch the judges' eye. It didn't work. This is gatework from a church along the...