Leica M9 with the Zeiss 35mm f2.8

I'm working on my Masters of Fine Art Degree from the Maine Media College, which most photographers know as the Maine Photographic Workshops. This posting is part of the learning curve I'm going through.

My documentary project this summer is grass roots rodeo cowboys. I head out most weekends to a rodeo somewhere in Ontario. They are often three hours drive each way, but you couldn't ask for a better subject to photograph. I'm concentrating on the bull and bronc riders.

The first rodeo or two I tried to work in close with a wide angle lens. It wasn't until the third rodeo that the cowboys stopped noticing me and just carried on their work as if I wasn't there. I always keep my cameras out front and easy to see. I'm not trying to steal photos or hide what I'm doing. If you see me working, you know I'm there to shoot photos.

For this shot I'm standing on the back of the chute area where the cowboys are getting ready for their ride. A Leica M9 with a Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2.8 was the working combo and I shot at 1/350 second, f9.5 at ISO 250. You don't get much of a burst, shooting with the M9 so you might as well just pick your moments and grab a shot or two. This is just as the gate is about to be thrown open and the cowboys has given the nod.

I think the terror in his face and the wrap on his arm tell a fair bit about the sport.

Rob Skeoch
My retail store for large format photo supplies is www.bigcameraworkshops.com
My retail store for rangefinder gear and Zeiss lenses is http://www.rangefinderstore.com/