FOLIO:
Rodeo Bulls
Rodeo bulls have names like the legendary Oscar, Bushwacker, and Eight Ball, but I created my own unique names reflective of the personalities that spoke to me as I developed familiarity with them through the photographing and editing processes.
They all touched my heart, but my favorite has to be the distinguished gentleman, 'Chairman of the Board.'
I developed this series of Bull portraits to honor these great performers ...professional athletes every one.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
I met this bull amid the early morning stillness of the bull pens behind the Palmetto, FL rodeo arena on Day 1 of the 2019 Conley Bull Riding Invitational. He lay quiet in his thoughts, perhaps of the lush green pasture where he enjoys his off-days.
COWBOY PRAYER
We do ask Lord, that you will help us live our lives here on earth as cowboys, in such a manner, that when we make that last inevitable ride, to the country up there, where the grass grows lush, green, and stirrup high, and the water runs cool, clear, and deep, that you'll take us by the hand and say.
THE ENFORCER
BARNEY RUBBLE
OLD WHITEY
LUCKY
COUNTRY BOY
LITTLE RED
BLUES BROTHERS
GOOD TIME CHARLIE
ROLLING SEVENS
THE SENATOR
BOXCAR WILLY
MR. STUBBS
BULL’S EYE
Small town rodeos draw ranchers, farmers, and town folk to watch in fascination as reckless young men climb aboard 2000 pounds of roaring fury in hopes of momentary fame and a paycheck at the end of a successful, high scoring 8-second ride. Early morning visitors like me prefer quiet, introspective moments with these powerful creatures.
ABOUT THIS FOLIO
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Name of Photographer: Christina Brittain
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Theme of Folio: Rodeo Bulls
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Why did I choose this Folio Theme?
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I have always enjoyed rodeos, especially the less formal ones in small, country communities. As a photographer, the behind-the-scene opportunities for candid images of people and animals is especially enjoyable. Bulls are such powerful, yet docile, creatures, especially as they laze in the bull pens behind rodeo grounds early in the morning before the excitement of the day’s bull riding comes alive.In this Folio, I decided to honor these bulls as the athletes and powerful competitors they can be.
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What did I learn from doing this portfolio?
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The processing of each image advanced my skills in separating the subject from the background, and then skillfully applying realistic backgrounds and textures.
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What was my biggest challenge in completing your portfolio?
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Finding small town rodeos in Florida in late spring as most rodeos are held in cooler winter months.
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What is my favorite photo in your portfolio and why?
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My favorite is ‘Chairman of the Board.’ I felt that his elegant stance, regal demeanor, and handsome profile best depicted the respect for rodeo bulls that I wanted to capture.
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What camera and software did I use primarily?
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Nikon D850, Nikkor 18-120 lens, Lightroom, Photoshop, Topaz Studio, variety of backdrops and textures...
some I created and some I purchased.
CONLEY INVITATIONAL BULL RIDING, PALMETTO, FL where some of these bulls were photographed
About the VIP Experience (Postponed until 2022 due to COVID)
Have the best time when you attend the Conley Invitational in Palmetto, Florida, by purchasing one of our sponsor packages.
VIP Experience provides you with many exclusive perks that you'll love. Not only will you be provided with VIP parking privileges, but also access to the VIP Tent area. This area serves food, beer, and water before, during and after the rodeo competition.
Additionally, you'll receive a behind-the-scenes, escorted tour of the bull riding area. If you want to get up close and personal with the cowboys and the big bulls, you're in luck. The Conley-Arctic Air VIP Experience affords you that and more.