Capturing the Thrills of Rodeo: My Experience at the Panaewa Stampede in Hawaii

by Stanley LearyPhotography

The young boy’s hand got stuck in the rope on the calf, and he was dragged across the ring, where eventually, the cowboys rescued him during the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo located at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 3200, 1/4000, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

As a passionate photographer with a love for capturing action and excitement, few events rival the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere of a rodeo. From the thundering hooves of broncos to the daring maneuvers of bull riders, each moment presents a thrilling opportunity to freeze time and preserve the raw energy of the rodeo arena.

A teenage girl is riding her horse in the barrel racing event for the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 1100, 1/4000, ƒ/5, (35mm = 200)]

Recently, I had the chance to immerse myself in the heart of the action at the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo, held on the breathtaking Big Island of Hawaii. Armed with my trusty Nikon Z9 camera and a selection of lenses, including the versatile 100-400mm and the reliable 24-120mm ƒ/4, I set out to capture the essence of this exhilarating event.

Cowboy swings his lasso in hopes of roping the steer during the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 3200, 1/4000, ƒ/5, (35mm = 240)]

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and palpable anticipation that permeated the air. As the riders prepared for their events and the crowd buzzed excitedly, I wasted no time finding my vantage point. Initially drawn to the fence for a closer view, I quickly realized that my shots were obstructed by its presence, hindering my ability to capture the action.

Cowboy is trying his best to pull himself back upon the horse during the bucking competition of the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 4500, 1/4000, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 230)]

Adapting to the situation, I made my way to the back row of the risers/stands, where I discovered a newfound perspective that offered unobstructed views of the arena below. From this elevated position, I found that I could frame my shots more effectively, capturing the dynamic movement of the riders and their steeds against the backdrop of the expansive arena.

Young Boy rides a calf like the big cowboys do when riding a grown bull. The cowboy off to the right follows close behind him to rescue him if necessary during the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 5000, 1/4000, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

One of the invaluable lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of being prepared and informed. Before the event, I obtained a program detailing the schedule of events, allowing me to anticipate the action and position myself accordingly. Additionally, these programs provided valuable insights into the various competitions and participants, enriching my understanding of the sport and enhancing my ability to capture its essence through my lens.

A young teenage girl is wrestling the cow to the ground. She was dragged all over the ring. She came and sat up in the stands afterward, and her friends asked if she was OK, and she said she was doing fine. This was all part of the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 3200, 1/4000, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 150)]

Regarding camera settings, I prefer to keep things simple yet effective. Opting for Auto ISO, a fast shutter speed of 1/4000, and shooting wide open on my lens, I ensure I can freeze the fast-paced action with crisp detail. Pairing this with eye tracking and continuous focus with a Wide-L focus area on my Nikon Z9, I maintain a sharp focus on the subjects, allowing me to track their movements precisely and accurately.

During the Panama Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii, a cowgirl shows women can lasso a cow as good as any man could. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 2800, 1/4000, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 240)]

As the day unfolded and the events progressed, I was utterly absorbed in the exhilarating spectacle, from the heart-stopping thrills of bull riding to the graceful agility of barrel racing; each moment presented a unique challenge and opportunity to capture the essence of rodeo culture.

This is a team of a cowgirl and a cowboy competing against other teams on the time it takes for one to lasso the head and the other to lasso one or both of the back feet to capture a cow during Panaewa Stampede Rodeo at Equestrian Center Complex, Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawaii. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 5000, 1/4000, ƒ/7.1, (35mm = 155)]

Ultimately, my experience at the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo was exhilarating. Through careful preparation, adaptability, and a keen eye for detail, I captured the essence of this iconic event, preserving its energy and excitement for generations to come. As I reflect on this unforgettable experience, I am reminded once again of the timeless allure of rodeo and the profound impact it continues to have on both participants and spectators alike.