Thanks to Facebook, I just realized that it has been almost exactly four years since I went to my first Wild West Wednesday at Hart Ranch just south of Rapid City, South Dakota. This weekly rodeo is held every Wednesday night throughout the summer and features local bronc riders, barrel racers, bull riders, trick riders, and, starting this summer, breakaway ropers. I definitely got spoiled during my time in the Black Hills because they really put on a fantastic show with an impressive lineup of rough stock each week. The rodeos at Hart Ranch are better than many annual rodeos around the country that I’ve been to, and they do it all summer long! If you ever visit the Black Hills of South Dakota during the summer, and you’re a fan of the rodeo, make sure to go to at least one Wild West Wednesday.
I ended up photographing this rodeo a number of times from the stands, but the photos from that first night still stand out as my favorites. There was just something about the lighting, the riders, and the rides that all came together for a few fantastic images. This black and white sepia tone finish was just the icing on top for me. Timeless beauty of the wonderful, Wild West.
