Describing to someone several months ago what I take pictures of, I listed skateboarding, surfing, and rodeos. “So you’re a sports photographer,” he said, and I was taken aback. I don’t like sports—I don’t play them, I don’t watch them. Sports photographer?
Then I had to concede it’s true—but not just any sports. It’s unlikely you’ll find me courtside at a basketball game or snapping photos of baseball or football. The sports I document are as much about the culture surrounding them as the activity itself, maybe even more. I love an action shot, but I also love capturing the fashion, community, and lifestyle associated with skate, surf, and rodeo.
I attended my first rodeo in 2014, but I didn’t start photographing them until last year. It’s a new pursuit for me, and that’s exciting. All images in this post were shot at the True Grit Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo on the Virginia Beach oceanfront, April 15th 2023. I’ve already bought tickets to two more events in the coming weeks, and have at least two others bookmarked for later in the season. Yee-haw.
Thank you for reading, you’re beautiful.