Rodeo
By Jenny Bateman
“I have always had a passion for shooting sports, and I admire athletes’ efforts and sacrifices to follow their dreams. These particular athletes not only work on their skills but also their horses’ skills, and before that, they have established a connection with their trusted steed. I don’t know anyone who owns a horse that wouldn’t tell you horses are the most beautiful creature with magnificent strength and a soul that can harmonize with ours.”
It’s important to me to arrive early to meet people competing in the events I am shooting. I like to get an idea of who they are and see who is there supporting them.
This allows me to see beyond just a photo and, in turn, gives the image more feeling.
While scouting the area, I am also getting an idea of the best angles from the arena side, and there’s nothing I love more than getting low and getting dirty to get the shot.
When I roll into a rodeo or any other horse event I have photographed, for that matter, there is such an overwhelming kindness and welcoming spirit from the organizers, competitors, and spectators. There is the hustle and bustle to get the events started, all hands are on deck, and excitement is high for the day’s events.
I have always had a passion for shooting sports, and I admire athletes’ efforts and sacrifices to follow their dreams.
These particular athletes not only work on their skills but also their horses’ skills, and before that, they have established a connection with their trusted steed.
I don’t know anyone who owns a horse that wouldn’t tell you horses are the most beautiful creature with magnificent strength and a soul that can harmonize with ours. This is why you can find me traveling the backroads not far from home, searching for the wild ones.
Not only is their raw and wild behavior incredible to observe, but their unkempt and untamed spirits are amazing to capture through my lens.
“I like to get an idea of who they are and see who is there supporting them. This allows me to see beyond just a photo and, in turn, gives the image more feeling.”
I like to sit back and watch the herd(s) when I first come upon them in the country. Much like people at the events, I want to understand them a bit better and make some connections before shooting. While I try not to affect their natural activities, they often realize you are there, and being curious creatures sometimes brings them closer, which makes for great eye contact to help capture their soul.
Exploring the backcountry gives me a feeling of also being wild and free; it’s something you can’t find in the comforts of home. And when I can, I love nothing more than to travel and explore the world outside my country; just now, as I write this, I am about to embark on a 9-day Icelandic Horse trip with Wild Women Expeditions. It will be nothing short of amazing; I just know it.
Whether I am riding a horse in another country, searching out the wildest, photographing a rodeo, roping lessons, or a gymkhana, I am right where I’m supposed to be. I am among horses; my heart and my soul couldn’t be happier.
Jenny Bateman
“I must observe first and approach gently to capture the scene exactly as it is”.
Jenny Bateman is a Canadian Freelance photographer. Her interest in horse photography began several years ago when shooting events were held at the local rodeo grounds. The events were so fun to watch; the way the rider and horse worked together was fascinating; of course, the people were genuine and ever so welcoming. It is the kindness of all the friends she has made locally in the horse world, the continuous support from her best friend and husband (Justin), as well as the support from her good friends that she is always encouraged to continue with her dream of being a horse photographer.
Jenny’s love for horses began when she wrangled herself a job on a ranch taking out trail rides while she was in Grade 7. She was hooked after a couple years there; the Western lifestyle suited her. Over the years, she held another job on a ranch and has had a few more horse-related adventures, always searching for the next one.
