Behind the Lens with Andy Watson: UTB American Roots Edition Begins the 2021 Season in Ocala
By: Andy Watson
Andy Watson of Bull Stock Media is in his 26th season as the PBR’s lead photographer, and has captured nearly every ride in PBR history.
“To be able to freeze that moment and look at it and see everything in it is really cool, and to (the riders) it means a lot,” Watson said. “Every ride is something special, whether it is good, bad, great form or their buddies are in the background.”
This season, Watson is taking fans behind the lens of some of his favorite photos, sharing his thoughts and processes as he covers each Unleash The Beast event.
Below are Watson’s favorite images from the PBR Monster Energy Invitational in Ocala, Florida.
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“It’s not the years; it’s the miles. Veteran PBR bull rider Joao Ricardo Vieira has his pre-event ritual that I am never able to capture at our typical indoor events. He sits under the “People Pen” in complete darkness and waits for his turn in the opening. This weekend, while in Ocala, the open-sided venue gave me the opportunity to use some of the natural light that snuck into his spot, illuminating the hands of a true veteran.”
“Seeing the trees and open sky in the background of this photo takes me back to my roots of the early days in the PBR. Back then, we didn’t have locker rooms and offices, and the same was true this past weekend. Derek Kolbaba has been known to hit the rodeo trail every now and again and understands this phenomenon, thus channeling his new mojo and making a great ride for me to capture.”
“Put yourself in these boots: you’re in your late teens or early 20s, walking out in front of a cheering crowd, preparing to do battle with a 2,000-pound bull. What goes through your head in this moment?”
“This is what it’s all about. After a full year of grinding away at the competition, you find yourself on top—the World Champion. The money pays the bills, and fame is great but fades with time. But, the hardware lasts forever. The first time you strap that buckle on, it’s forever. I’d have to imagine that as Jose put his new buckle on, the thought of the freshly broken ankle that will keep him out for the next eight weeks may not have stung as much. I’m sure it will give him the incentive to come back better than ever.”
“When the dance is done right, there is nothing better. Keyshawn Whitehorse matches moves with his dancing partner here in Ocala, making a great photo op. Stopping a split second in this fast-action sport and looking at every detail in a photo never gets old to me.”
“Focus is the name of the game. Not my focus as a photographer, although it is an important part of what I do, but the focus of the competitor. This sport is serious, and without being mentally focused, you are setting yourself up for failure. Eduardo Aparecido shows that focus in this image just minutes before getting on his bull.”
“The McCoy bull Ridin Solo is quickly becoming one of my favorites to photograph. He tries so hard to throw his rider every time, and is becoming very consistent in his pattern, so photos like this are stacking up in my archive. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this bull, and can’t wait to see the photos to come.”
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