Photography & Digital ArtMAR 12, 2020

My Experience In Fiesta De Los Vaqueros, Tucson, Arizona

The Fiesta de Los Vaqueros in Tucson was not my first rodeo. It was, however, my first daytime rodeo and my first one after having embraced film photography.

The Tucson Rodeo in 2019 was the first scene I shot on medium format through my brand new 70-year-old Wirgin Deluxe. I had no idea what would come out, and I could not have been more pleased. You’ll easily know which frames were from the Wirgin by their square shape and the (I think!) really interesting red and blue light leaks.

There are so many phenomenal rodeo photographers out there who really capture the emotion and the pride and toughness of the cowboys and cowgirls up close. I, unfortunately, am not one of those. I do, however, like to capture life around the arena and especially enjoy grabbing that dramatic wide shot of the athlete and animal alone in the arena as the dust hangs in the air.

I went back this year and captured two of my favorite exposures to date, but I won’t point out which those are.

More info: Instagram