Not My First Rodeo - A Black and White Collection

This collection of Western photographs, although created in a modern era, aim to capture the timelessness of life in the West through black and white portraiture, movement, and a distortion of perspective. Focusing on the dichotomy between beauty and ruggedness.

This series of photographs is so special to me. A collaborative process between my dear friend (and model) Dina, Not My First Rodeo, was created to celebrate Dina’s 50th birthday.  No, that’s not a typo and yes, I’ve already asked for her secrets. It really just comes down to we can’t all be God’s favorite. 

Taken at the Perennial Farm Riding Academy in South Tampa, Dina had very specific vision in mind for the Not My First Rodeo photographs and I was all in. It’s not very often in the wedding/portrait world of photography that I get to unleash my creativity. The entire reason I got into photography was to make art, but like all things, that initial spark can sizzle out when your work is responsible for paying the bills. Making these images was such a fun project and a big reminder to do things that “spark joy” as Marie Kondo would say.