07/29/2026
Strip away the action shots, and rodeo becomes so much deeper. At The American, my job was to capture the raw emotion behind the scenes, the quiet, honest moments that usually go unseen. Even working our own stock behind the chutes my whole life, I thought I knew this world inside and out. But Iād never experienced it from this perspective.
Behind the scenes was a world of comebacks. With $2 million on the line, every emotion was magnified: retired legends making one last run beside their sons, athletes pushing past brutal injuries, or deep personal tragedy. Parents squeezed their kidsā hands with a quick prayer before a run, while contestants families held their breath in a massive stadium built for MLB crowds.
Somewhere between the white knuckled prayers, the hard earned comebacks, and the weight of what was on the line, I caught myself holding my breath for them too.
The ride or run tells one story, but the behind the scenes tells the rest. What an honor to capture these and what an unforgettable time at The American Rodeo.
