Andy Watson of Bull Stock Media is in his 26th season as the PBR’s lead photographer and has captured nearly every ride in PBR history.
“To be able to freeze that moment and look at it and see everything in it is really cool, and to (the riders) it means a lot,” Watson said. “Every ride is something special, whether it is good, bad, great form or their buddies are in the background.”
This season, Watson is taking fans behind the lens of some of his favorite photos, sharing his thoughts and processes as he covers each Unleash The Beast event.
Below are Watson's favorite images from the PBR Express Ranches Invitational in Oklahoma City.
To see more Bull Stock Media images, follow along @Bullstockmedia (Instagram & Facebook) or check out bullstockmedia.com.
"It truly never gets old watching and photographing these bovine athletes. The first night of the Oklahoma City PBR was an ABBI (American Bucking Bulls, Inc.) competition, and I’d have to say that the bulls came out on top for the evening. Keyshawn Whitehorse matched up with the Martinez bull Cabo Wabo and found out just how powerful these young athletes are. I always wonder what this bull power will look like in another 10 years..."
"U.S. Border Patrol bullfighter Shorty Gorham never shies away from a challenge, and he found one here while navigating his way between Mauricio Moreira and Blue Crush. It’s awesome to capture these guys make save after save and come out unscathed."
"Another shot of one of my favorite bulls. Cord McCoy’s bull Ridin Solo may be my very favorite bull to photograph right now, and right up there for all-time favorite. I always know he will jump as high in the air as he can, every time, and try everything he can to buck his rider off. This is a bull that just seems to enjoy his job to the fullest."
"Dark house and pyro make for great photos! It took a while to dial in this type of photography. The light from the pyro is very overwhelming compared to the darkness of the arena, but knowing your camera and positioning yourself properly will set you up for a successful outcome."
"If you ever wonder what face you would make after having the last pick in the draft and getting on one of the hardest bulls in the world to ride successfully, this would probably be it. After riding the bull Detroit Lean in the championship round of the OKC PBR, Chase Dougherty’s excitement didn’t go unnoticed. I love watching the emotions that come out of big moments in our sport, and this one didn’t disappoint."