Behind the Lens with Andy Watson: Buckoffs and “Bull Hugs” in Omaha
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 Union Home Mortgage Invitational in Omaha, Nebraska.
To see more Bull Stock Media images, follow along @Bullstockmedia (Instagram & Facebook) or check out bullstockmedia.com.
“Lights and smoke from the pyro are always welcome in my world. These elements help give a photo depth and character. Our openings rarely change from event to event, so finding different elements to make an interesting photo is key. I like the way the light and smoke frame Cooper Davis in this photo, giving it a look that can’t be achieved with a dark house.”
“Stretch is one of those bulls that always amazes me with his athletic abilities. Freezing this moment at the height of his buck with Dener Barbosa gives you the chance to take it all in. Imagine what it takes to get 1,500 pounds this high off the ground.”
“I guess I’d have to caption this photo, ‘Bull Hug.’ I’m not sure what Jose Vitor Leme would caption it, but he was pretty lucky to come out of it as unscathed as he did. It didn’t hurt to have these three bullfighters there at the ready to get him out as soon as they could.”
“Here’s an example of why still photography is so cool: being able to stop and look at every detail in this shot is awesome. There’s just too much to take in to get the same effect from a video. Not sure how much detail Kyle Jones will want to take in, but the bull owner Jeremy Walker of Paradigm Bull Company will enjoy studying it!”
“Cody Teel has found himself in a compromising position. The bull, Kid Knapper, has been getting the reputation of bucking cowboys to the ground. This time it feels like he could get the best of Cody. Fortunately, everything turned out okay, and I think Cody will get him covered for a score next time.”
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