Page 100 - Erath

A year ago, Will Parker asked me if I would come out to his ranch and do an event shoot for the Senior Calf Roping Association. I was glad to oblige and took two other photographers with me, Shanna Moody and Diana Dueitt. As shoots go, we had a blast. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I went back........about ten or twelve more times with my daughter Emily helping as well. Our collection of action shots, horse shots, gear shots, and people shots is still growing. After living here in Erath County going on twenty-four years, I still can't believe this was my frst photography exposure to the world of rodeo events such as this. Yep, I'm a greenhorn. So with that in mind the gist of this article will not be directed toward the technical aspects of roping and tying, but rather towards something I have more in common with these guys - age. Yes, we're all “experienced". I know what it is like to love a way of life; still trying to do those things that were once so easy and natural in our younger years. But the yearning is still as strong as it ever was. As a person whose mind and imagination outlasted their physical speed and endurance I can only

TOP A roped calf will break this string and the fagger stops the clock. Photo by Shanna Moody. BOTTOM LEFT A common interest brings together a group from all walks of life to compete with each other and themselves. A goal of bettering your last time is the short term but winning is always nice. From the left, Dean Bradley, Jamey Burrus, Terry Davidson, Bob Bailey, and Mickey Nelson. Photo by Dave Polasek. BOTTOM RIGHT Worn leather and rope, scratched up steel, a collection of pieces that bring back memories of other days. Photo by Diana Dueitt.