Gregory Waldron
October 2025 - Cowboy Matador
Original
About the Image(s)
This image was shot at a local rodeo in May 2025. The situation was similar to my September image. The camera settings were F4.5, ISO 12,800, SS1/1250, Focal Length of 100 (equivalent of 150 on a cropped sensor), lens was a Sony 100-400mm. The image was processed in Bridge, Photoshop, Topaz Studio, and Dynamic Auto Painter. A copy of this image was sent to the rodeo organizer to give to the cowboy for his personal use.
Your comments and feedback are appreciated.
6 comments posted
Hi Greg,
I really like how you processed this image. The separation of the background, achieved by using a mostly monochrome effect and a slight blur, puts more emphasis on the central action. The texture and detail in the main areas draw the viewer's attention.
I'm sure the cowboy was very happy to receive this image, a very nice thought.
Posted: 10/12/2025 04:19:23
I really like how you processed this image. The separation of the background, achieved by using a mostly monochrome effect and a slight blur, puts more emphasis on the central action. The texture and detail in the main areas draw the viewer's attention.
I'm sure the cowboy was very happy to receive this image, a very nice thought.
Posted: 10/12/2025 04:19:23
Hi Greg. You have created another great rodeo scene that really brings the viewer into the action. Your crop and color enhancement are very effective at isolating the main figures and concentrating attention on the main drama. The cowboy seems to be a bit cartoonish to me, especially the light lines across his face, so it might be an improvement to reduce the contrast on those lines. My only other suggestion is to move the crop to right a bit so that the steer's tail does not go off the edge of the frame. Thanks for sharing this taste of the rodeo story. Posted: 10/12/2025 22:41:01
Hi Greg - A great shot made even better by your choices in post. I particularly like altering the background to monochrome - it's subtle, yet quite effective in placing attention on your main subjects. I assume your cowboy is a rodeo clown so your use of Dynamic Auto Painter works well. I do think the effect is a bit harsh though, especially on the bull - it's a personal preference though as is really doesn't detract or distract from the overall presentation. Nicely done! Posted: 10/20/2025 13:54:06
Hi Greg-
I think the crop from the original works very well to bring the focus back to the cowboy and bull. The colors work well too, and I agree that the Auto Painter level is more than I would do as a personal preference, but I think it works well for a rodeo clown cowboy for the scene Posted: 10/21/2025 11:45:01
I think the crop from the original works very well to bring the focus back to the cowboy and bull. The colors work well too, and I agree that the Auto Painter level is more than I would do as a personal preference, but I think it works well for a rodeo clown cowboy for the scene Posted: 10/21/2025 11:45:01
Hi Greg,
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing capture. I loved the post processing and the way you have treated the image as final version. Nothing more to add. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 10/25/2025 08:31:38
Greetings my friend.
What an amazing capture. I loved the post processing and the way you have treated the image as final version. Nothing more to add. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 10/25/2025 08:31:38
Hi Greg,
I guess I'm too much of a traditionalist. I really tried to like your edits, but (again, personal preference) I just didn't like the "shiny" look of the bull and the surrounding ground. I do like your monochromatic treatment of the background to bring attention to the main event. Sorry to be the dissenting voice here - just capturing this rapid-fire action must be extremely difficult in itself.
Thanks for sharing.
Karen Posted: 10/25/2025 20:33:39
I guess I'm too much of a traditionalist. I really tried to like your edits, but (again, personal preference) I just didn't like the "shiny" look of the bull and the surrounding ground. I do like your monochromatic treatment of the background to bring attention to the main event. Sorry to be the dissenting voice here - just capturing this rapid-fire action must be extremely difficult in itself.
Thanks for sharing.
Karen Posted: 10/25/2025 20:33:39