Fulfilling a Dream
I have a list of dreams that I plan to complete throughout my life. Some of what is on that list I have already done such as traveling alone internationally, being a waitress, working in a cubicle (I know... what kind of dream is that?). My list includes things I wanted to try out in my life, goals, dreams, the words are interchangeable in my dictionary. Writing this very blog is checking off another item off that list. For this particular dream, it was inspired by my best friend, Katy Snyder (she does amazing photography so go check her out @katy.snyder.photography). It was her dreams and passions that inspired me and if anyone knows me, I will pull any string to make my friends dreams come true too. This dream was photographing the Reno Rodeo.
It all began with Katy. Katy has always been very western, country, redneck badass that I could count on to hide a body if needed. She is the ultimate package, tattooed beauty, no bull-shit-taking, loyal friend, set-you-straight, and amazing photographer. I remember we stopped on a freeway so she could get photos of a wildfire. You read that right....the freeway. She knows no fear and loves with every fiber in her body. She has an intense love for the western lifestyle including ranching and rodeo. Which set me on the mission to the Reno Rodeo, our local rodeo that happens annually and has become one of the biggest rodeos around.
Back in June of 2023, I signed up to be a Reno Rodeo Wrangler Volunteer, to get my footing and network. Luckily, I knew some important people to help me move along faster. I was roped into the Media Advertisements and Publishing Committee (AKA MAP). From there, the lovely Heather who helps run the MAP Committee gave me some assignments and events to help out with which lead to one of the three Rodeo Kick Off Parties that year. I remember trying to figure out what I could best offer and thought to bring out my camera to a party to get candid's. Heather noticed and that was that. My new assignment was to bring her vision of The Winners Circle advertisement to life. The journey began, I corralled Katy in to help. Being behind the scenes at the Reno Rodeo was an exciting experience and with the help of my dear friend and others on the MAP committee, we were able to photograph the winners and create the winners billboard that was advertised in town for the 2024 Reno Rodeo.
Seeing pictures that I had taken on billboards in town felt unreal. I never imagined myself ending up where I did. I remember taking pictures to find my way back to myself and suddenly I was looking up at a billboard in disbelief. It wasn't easy, it was tough work, but it was doing something I enjoyed and for it to morph into something so big is indescribable. Now, I am on the Reno Rodeo Magazine officially. This year, I got more access to take pictures. Being able to photograph the action, the feeling, just being able to be down in the pit at eye level with the dirt. My heart exploded with joy, I never wanted to leave. It wasn't just being able to be in the pit, but to meet so many wonderful photographers and videographers. Working along side Marilyn Newton photographing her 60th rodeo. Being a part of such a community that shared the same passions brought a whole new appreciation into my life.
I got to check off another item from my list. Over 11,000 pictures later, putting in the work, sacrificing the sleep, I am so grateful to the Reno Rodeo for providing such amazing experiences and opportunities. I can only hope to experience it again with my best friend in 2025. Maybe some day I will get to photograph professional sports or finally publish a novel. I got plenty on my list of dreams to keep me busy.