National Western Stock Show Parade, Denver, Colorado.

"X Shot" information.

Camera - Canon EOS-1D Mark III

ISO - 400

Shutter - 1/500 sec.

F/stop - 5.6

Lens - 70/200 zoom

Challenge.

I can't tell you how many times I covered the National Western Stock Show Parade, when I worked for the old Rocky Mountain News (went out of business 5 years ago), but I felt like checking it out again. The main route was going down 17th St., which was lined with tall buildings and a large crowd.

Solution.

Most of the parade route was in deep shadows, from the structures. The first thing I did was find a sunlight area, it was about a block long. This would be the area I would work. By moving around, I was able to stop in front of people for a moment and then move. This way nobody got upset with me for getting in front of them. Anytime I'm at a event like this, I always look at the crowd for feature shots. It was fun!  

Ken Papaleo

Colorado Photographer

kenpapaleo@highcountrycoloring.com

303-674-0615

National Western Stock Show Photos - Denver, Colorado

                                                   “X Shot” Information

                                                Camera - Canon- EOS 5D

                                                ISO - 1000

                                                Lens - Canon- 70 -200 zoom

                                                F/stop - 4.5

                                                Shutter - 1/400 sec

After covering the National Western Stock Show for 28 years with the Rocky Mountain News, for the first time I was going there as a regular visitor. I wanted to see if I could still get good pictures without the advantage of a press pass. After buying a $7 general admission ticket I was on my way. The first stop was the Stockyards where you can roam around pretty much at ease. There is an above the ground sidewalk that gives you a good viewpoint. From this location I was able to get some nice shots, including a cow with blue shampoo on its face. You have access to most buildings with the general admission fee but not to any event that requires a separate ticket. Looking at the daily schedule of events I noticed that a Stick Horse Grand Prix was happening in the afternoon and from past experience this event produces good photos. Many children took part but what really caught my eye was a little boy who couldn’t muster up enough courage to ride the stick horse in front of all the people. When it was the little cowboy’s turn, he backed away from the starting line upset, and ran to his mom crying. She put him on her lap and consoled him quietly. I was taken by the mom’s tenderness. I took about five frames and knew I had my “X Shot”!  Heading home I felt good with my take and realized that shooting without a press pass didn’t interfere with my work today.

                       "X Shot" Location Information

1. Exit from I-70 at Washington or Brighton to get to the Stock Show complex.

2. Parking can range from $5 - $20, depending on how fare you are willing to walk.

3. General admission tickets are sold daily.

4. The National Western Stock Show runs through January 24th.

        

Ken Papaleo

Colorado Photographer

All Photographs for sale, contact e-mail address below

kenpapaleo@highcountrycoloring.com