Bull riders backstage

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Tuesday, October 18, 2011 | 5 photos

These photos recall the mood behind the scenes at a bull riding event at a local farm in Virginia. Bull riding is the most dangerous sport, and many of the riders in our area are very young and inexperienced. They are often frightened and riding for a purse that will be significant to them. The physical risk is great, and while people in the stands see a short ride narrated by a cowboy clown, the feeling behind the gates is much more serious. There is a mood of camaraderie mixed with anxiety, fear and restlessness. I have tried to capture some of those feelings where I could.

I have always been fascinated by what happens "behind the scenes" at events. As casual observers, we see the pageantry of an event or a special place, but the more interesting photos occur in the quieter, less guarded moments just outside what we are meant to see. While I am not often successful in recording these moments, I feel that my photograph has been a success when I have been able to record something that is unguarded, real and evocative.

While I dabbled in photography in my college years, I only returned to photography about two years ago when the DSLR made photography more accessible. However, I am quite serious about my work, and I would love to have a second career as a photographer. Working on a project like this would fulfill a dream, and I am certain that I would add to the group. I take direction well and am dedicated, energetic and resourceful. I am not young, which has afforded me the unusual benefit of being able to work without drawing much attention. However, I am extremely fit and have travelled extensively and sensitively into impoverished areas in the Caribbean, so I am certain that I could represent World Nomads with a professional demeanor.