Jennifer Marano
August 2026 - Yikes!
About the Image(s)
The Russian River Rodeo is always a fun place to practice photographing moving targets. The bull riding event is very fast-moving and the bulls almost always win. This rider was dumped within seconds of leaving the gate and the man in the white shirt, one of two “pickup men”, was tasked with distracting the bull from the downed rider. He managed to dodge the bull as well as protect the rider. The second pickup man, not pictured, helps the rider from the ring.
Technical: OM 1 Mark 2 camera, ISO 400, f/5.6, 40 ??“ 150 mm lens @ 123 mm, 1/1600 sec.
10 comments posted
Jennifer, you really captured the essence of getting thrown from the bull. The poor rider is about to have his foot crushed by the bull's back leg/foot. You can see the shadow of the bull's foot on the tip of the rider's boot! The colors of the rider's chaps are so vivid and sharp, and the dirt flying everywhere gives the image motion! Great job! Posted: 08/03/2026 23:58:37
Thank you, Cindy! Rodeos are great for action. I'm not sure what drives people to risk their lives in these events. Posted: 08/05/2026 21:09:51
You captured a really great moment in the action. The main characters (the man on the left, the fallen rider, and the bull) are all in very telling poses, and the emotions and story-telling in this image are fantastic. Focus and composition are also great, despite the fact that you had to react very quickly to what was happening. Great job! Posted: 08/04/2026 19:52:53
Thanks, Canan! There is an element of luck involved - there were many images where I was not successful. Posted: 08/05/2026 21:11:34
Love it - lots of action, dirt flying, enormous bull mid-air. Sharp/well exposed. The spectators (one taking pictures!) add interest without distracting. I've never had the opportunity to photograph a rodeo - definitely sounds like fun. I'm told it difficult to get close enough to the action - but you obviously did. Definitely a place to return to! Posted: 08/07/2026 13:28:22
Thanks, Steven! I was actually pretty far away, but the long lens made a big difference. The worst part is getting rid of all the background distractions but cropping helps. Posted: 08/07/2026 16:42:20
Wonderful! A great action image. Everything is in sharp focus. I find myself "cringing" as I anticipate what may be about to happen to the thrown rider on the ground. Posted: 08/09/2026 20:07:11
Thank you, Chan! I love it when my photos can provoke and emotional response - even cringing! Posted: 08/11/2026 01:29:32
There is something else worth noting here. Despite the busy background, the human figures are beautifully arrayed in a circle around the bull, framing the action. Amazing. Posted: 08/11/2026 00:51:59
Thanks, Will! I appreciate your pointing that out - I hadn't thought about the framing aspect of the other people. Posted: 08/11/2026 01:31:33