Honoring Rodeo Royalty and the Sasi Flag Team with Free Photos

[Vinny O'Hare]

A few years ago I was at a rodeo when they crowned a new Queen. Miss Kennedi. I call her My Queen. I did not even realize the crowning had happened until her horse flew past me and she was waving to the crowd. I snapped a few cool photos, but I should have done more. It was her big moment and I was busy chasing broncs. I regret that to this day.

A few weeks ago I went to an event that did not have a photographer. I took a few barrel photos as a test with my new camera. Then it started getting dark so I walked all the way to my car and put the camera away. When I got back I saw rodeo royalty in the arena helping sort calves. There were three. Bentlye, her sister Briella, and another young lady I did not know. They were in full dress and working hard. I was sick that my camera was packed away. Between events they were laughing and having fun. Briella’s horse looked proud doing his job. It was a great moment to watch.

Then in Marana during the mutton bustin I met another rodeo queen. All dressed up and working nonstop catching sheep and helping riders. We talked for a bit and I never realized how much effort goes into being rodeo royalty. Up early. Hair and makeup. Long drives. Full days of representing. She was kind and determined so I made sure to take plenty of photos.

Then came this past weekend. A three day rodeo filled with Queens from all over. Plus the Sasi flag team. They hold a special place in my heart because Brandi Hight was on that team for years. I am sad I never went to see her perform. Another missed moment because I was too focused on barrels.

After two days I finally brought my camera inside and decided to focus only on Rodeo Royalty and the Sasi ladies. To my surprise they crowned a new Queen, my friend Aubrie. I remembered what I missed with Kennedi so I promised myself I would not repeat it. I treated it like her wedding day. If she was in the arena, she was getting photographed.

I also had the chance to take photos of Miss Rodeo Arizona, Annaliese. We have been Facebook friends for a while. I was honored to capture her smile and her joy. I wish her the best this week at the Rodeo America pageant. Here are three albums from this past weekend of all he Royalty and the Sasi flag team.

So here is the news. Going forward, all photos of rodeo royalty and flag teams will be free to download. The amount of work they put in is unreal. This is my way of giving back. I hope other photographers follow my lead.

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