?'s about Houston Rodeo

[Mindy H]

My son has been on an alternates list for Mutton Bustin at the rodeo this year. Well, we got a call yesterday that he will be Mutton Bustin tonight! Yahoo!

So, of course I want to be armed with all of my camera gear. But, I'm not sure if the Rodeo has restrictions on pro cameras/lenses. Anyone know????

Also, does anyone here know of anyone that has media access (or whatever the access is called for being down in the dirt) for photographing the Mutton Bustin??? I know that I've seen pro shooters right down in the ring during the events. I would love to be able to get in touch with whomever is shooting tonight to see if I can purchase images from them afterwards.

Thanks!!!!

[venchka]

I can't help with any of that, but we will be in the stands tonight. Cheering for your son!

[Mindy H]

Thanks Wayne! His name is Karsen....cheer loud...we'll need it, he has no idea what he's doing!

[carrbowl]

I've taken my 70-200 to the rodeo and haven't had any issues. I don't know if they will let you on the dirt. (doubtful due to liability..you know how that goes). But surely you can get down to the front to get a photo...your cute, you have a camera, and your kid is on a sheep entertaining the folks!! come on...how many more things do you have to have going for ya/??

[Mindy H]

Glad to know you've brought your 70-200 in before. That's the lens that I was a bit worried about. And...thank you but the sweet talkin hasn't worked for me for many years now. Lol!

[venchka]

The kids were a hoot! Best part of the night. OK, best part of the night before they turned the lights off and the 4 guitarists on stage started jamming.

[Mindy H]

Man, that was so much fun!!! I even wanted to ride the darn sheep after that!

And, for those that may be wondering, no one at the rodeo said a thing about the camera equipment I brought in. I took my D700, 70-200 and speedlight. So, if you are hestitant about bringing equipments in, don't be.

[venchka]

Good to know. I only hope that it isn't one of those different rules on different days with different folks at the gate things. I really missed my 70-200 last night. Next year!

[Mindy H]

I don't think it was just luck at the gate....when we got there, we couldn't figure out where grand entry registration was, so we went in and out of quite a few gates trying to get to the correct place, so I think there must not be any restrictions....not a single person said anything through all of the inspections that I went through. Now, I guess it could depend on the performer they have that night too though. We had to walk a LONG way for parking, I would have been really ticked if someone wouldn't let me in and made me walk back to the car to put my camera up!

[venchka]

Thanks for the update. I will definitely take the Big Dog next year.

[Steelsun]

Missed this post earlier but I've brought my 100-400L (big honking lens) every year for the past 5 or 6 without a problem.
Will be doing it tomorrow night (maybe - might try going for once without a big lens)