With nonstop action and the adrenaline flowing, it’s hard to lay off your camera’s shutter button.
Photographing the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has got to be the most action-packed shoot that I do each year. I’ve attended the event for several years. It’s always an adrenaline rush, and I always wind up shooting thousands of photos in the midst of the excitement. At the same time, it’s easy to miss something if you get distracted or momentarily slip into rodeo-fan mode, instead of photog-mode. Fortunately, I came home with some images I’m proud of. Here are my top 10 shots from this year’s NFR:
Team roper Wesley Thorp claimed his first world championship, and he and his partner, Cody Snow, won the average by roping 8 head in 43.8 seconds. 
Big Show of Three Hills Rodeo bucks in the bareback riding and helps Steven Dent mark an 86-point score. In classic Vegas fashion, contestants are introduced at the beginning of Round 1. Riley Duvall records a 5-second run in the steer wrestling. 
Boudreaux Campbell hangs on for a 92-point ride in bull riding in Round 1. 
Riding Sister, barrel racer Hailey Kinsel locked up her second consecutive world championship. Dusty Tuckness draws a bull away from a bull rider. With five go-round wins, Clayton Biglow won the average in the bareback riding and earned more than $240,000 during the NFR. Hunter Cure wins Round 3 with a 3.8 second time in the steer wrestling. Riding Cash Deal, Rusty Wright puts together an 85.5 score in Round 2.
