I worked as a rodeo photographer for 10 years. In those 10 years I meant all kinds of people from performers, rodeo clowns, contestants, contractors and the like. So many of them talked a good game and were thrilled to have a photographer on site, yet they never bothered to support the photographer.

For years I just assumed this was the usual but then a young and upcoming rodeo clown came along. I had originally meant him at a small rodeo in Mineral Wells, WV and later photographed him at Hoosier Horse Fair. We spoke perhaps briefly to start at that first rodeo but what stood out to me was that he purchased photographs of himself, he didn’t just share them with my watermarked, he made the effort to truly support me without knowing me and even after we spent hours speaking at Hoosier he always supported me and never expected images because we became friends.

I was floored at first because it was so rare for performers and rodeo staff to purchase that I stopped expecting it, I stopped taking a lot of images of them too because it was a lot of work for no reward. But this young rodeo clown gave me hope. He never once asked for anything from me for free. Because he respected the work I did.

I am sad sometimes when I think that I meant him as the rodeo crowd burnt me out and I was retiring. Because he and the upcoming supportive generation give me hope for change. So if you are looking for a rodeo clown to follow for jokes and a great family friendly act check out Cowpaty and find him at some of the many great rodeos he will be performing at! More information can be found on Cowpaty’s social media pages:

Cowpaty’s facebook and social media pages.

It takes good people to help you realize how badly others are treating you. I appreciate daily that performers like Cowpaty made an appearance in my journey and helped me realize my worth and how others were leeching off me. Wishing Cowpaty the best career!