During the past couple of years, Jessica and the kids are like “WE HAVE TO GO TO THE RODEO!”  Finally we got to go and this was my very first rodeo!  I must say I really enjoyed it.  Braedon was beside himself as always when it comes to event time and I LOVE seeing that kind of excitement out of him…  There’s no way I could attempt to ride a bull so hat’s off to these guys and gals!  One guy got stuck by a bull’s horn (can’t see it in this video because they were in the corner hidden by the audience) and another guy–well, watch all the way to the end!!! OUCH!  He did in fact WALK away from his ride though!  Amazing!  The emcee/clown was entertaining and it appears he loves to dance!

Now my “technical” notes…

I will assume this was a “pass through” event as it could definitely not have been presented as all the “main events’ by PBR.  Nonetheless, it was very entertaining.  I like loud music, but CLEAR loud music.  The audio was a joke… loud, distorted and basically had too few speakers for that large of a space.  Lighting was horrendous as well… They only had Freedom Hall’s Mercury Vapor AND Incandescent/Halogens running (aside from the spot lights for the beginning of the event when they announced everyone.)  To say the least, it was very challenging to get good video.  I brought my Canon 60d along only to snap a few pictures of us and so Braedon can have his rodeo memories.  Ironically, I found that with all the tweaks I’ve done to the 60d with Magic Lantern Firmware, ISO tweaks and picture profiles, I got better video than pictures!  I asked Braedon if he wanted a Blu-ray of the night and he said “YES!” I used only the kit lens (18-135 with IS) because I didn’t have a tripod and really needed something stable.  The IS helped a lot as I was filming mostly at 135mm.  I almost put my 100mm f2.0 on, but I needed the image stabilization over more light. No tripod??? Yeah I bundled up my jacket on my lap and stabilized that way…

They should invest in sourcing out sound and lighting to local professionals OR invest in new sound equipment AND lighting.  A square lighting truss with a bunch of PAR cans would work well.   Don’t get me wrong, I REALLY enjoyed the event and will like to go back.  There were MANY empty seats and I just feel that if they would present their show BETTER, those seats will be full.

If you didn’t go last night, you can catch it tonight at 8:00 PM.  Get your tickets at Freedom Hall.