North Texas Fair & Rodeo

I attended this local small rodeo again this year. It is in an outdoor arena where I love to shoot. When trying to decide which performance to shoot I chose the Slack rodeo as it started at 6PM which would allow more time to shoot. I had seen the term “Slack” rodeo before and was never sure what it meant until now. It is when there are too many contestants and too few slots for the actual rodeo. The Slack rodeo is a way to determine who will proceed to the rodeo for timed events. An elimination round if you will.
Great lighting, cowboys/cowgirls, rodeo that evening.

Re-enactment of the Battle of San Jacinto

The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County, Texas, (near 22 miles east of Houston) was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.
Santa Ana, the President of Mexico was captured and signed a treaty resulting in the creation of the Republic of Texas. Each year this battle is re-enacted by local history buffs. I traveled down for the event.. The weather looked good with a small chance of showers the night. The small chance of showers resulted in 4 inches of rain! Only a small skirmish took place due to the flooding. It was an enjoyable time creating images and exploring Texas History.

Ft. Richardson - Historical Reenactment Day

April 18 featured a day long reeactment of life at Ft. Richardson in the 1860's. Gunfights, Army Drills, Nurses tending to the wounded in the hospital and American Indians talking about their culture were just some of the activities. Cannon fire several times during the day got everyones attention!

Texas Windmills - Tolar, TX

A fine collection of Windmills can be found at The Windmill Farm in Tolar, TX http://www.thewindmillfarm.com/Chuck Rickgauer refurbishes the windmills and displays over of them on his 26-acre property along with Bed and Breakfast. While I was photographing, Chuck’s wife Ruby was delivering fresh baked goodies to cabin guest in her golf cart. While driving off the property I was greeted by 12 wild turkeys. I was a fun morning.

Ft. Richardson, Jacksboro, TX

Traveled out there late on a Sunday. Arrived around 5:30 when the light was sweet. I had the company of 12 deer. I only had an opportunity to walk the main parade ground of this Panhandle fort last occupied to protect settlers from the Apache. I look forward to revisiting in the near future.
Website: http://www.tomdoranphotography.com/

Parker County Sheriff’s Rodeo

For some time I have been wanting to attend a local rodeo at a smaller venue to get closer to the action.
The Parker County Sheriff’s Rodeo fit the bill perfectly. Got there an hour early to see the action leading up to the rodeo. There was also a Stock Show taking place as well.I stayed until 9PM when it became too dark to make images. As I was leaving, my SUV was really jammed in tight between 2 trucks. I thought it would take an hour to inch my way out. As I started the back forth process with my SUV, a family approached and the dad worked with me for about 5 minutes until I was on my way home. Thanks again!

Website: http://tomdoranphotography.com/

Canyon de Chelly

Made a quick trip in early October to Canyon de Chelly, which located in east Arizona in the heart of Navajo land. After arriving in Chinle, AZ after a 3-½ hour drive from Albuquerque, NM I hired a Navajo guide who drop me into the canyon in 4-wheel drive jeep. We entered on river wash and made various stops to photography the canyon walls, Anasazi Ruins and pictographs.I end the canyon tour in time to photography the rim during magic hour and at Spider Rock for sunset. I look forward to returning to Canyon de Chelly sometime in the future during the winter to capture a snow-dusted canyon.

Website: http://tomdoranphotography.com/