Well-known photographer learned by trial and error

By JULIET BRISKIN | Staff writer

Dudley Barker Rodeo photographer

April 15, 2004 -- While the risks taken by rodeo bull fighters, cowgirls and cowboys are obvious, those taken by the photographers responsible for capturing the action most often go unnoticed.

Rodeo photographer Dudley Barker of Stephenville explains that a good photographer should go unnoticed by the crowd. "They aren't there to see me," he said. "The focus should always be on the rodeo action."

The dangers that exists for a rodeo photographer are very real and, according to Barker, a photographer has to be alert and ready to move at all times. "You can get hooked, kicked and run over at anytime," he said. "Luckily I've never been seriously injured."

He explained that when he is working, he always has an escape route in mind. "I've been doing this long enough that I can pretty well tell where the animal is going," said Barker. "But there are times when what happens is completely opposite of what you think is going to happen. Then you better head for the cheap seats!"

Barker began his career as a rodeo photographer over 28 years ago. "This happened kind of by accident," he explained. "I had a camera and lenses in Vietnam and when I got back I took a job running a ranch near Fort Worth. Things didn't work out very well there and one of the guys I was working with said he was going to school at Tarleton State and suggested I come with him.

"So I came to Stephenville and there were all these rodeo cowboys here. I had ranched and all that, but never had rodeoed. One thing led to another and I started taking pictures."

Barker learned his trade through trial and error. "Taking a good picture is all about timing," detailed Barker. "You have to slow your mind down and see the action. When that bull is up in the air and the cowboy is up on his rope or the girl comes around that barrel and the horse plants (its feet), click. You've gotta get it at that right time."

When shooting a rodeo it is imperative to get the best shot of every competitor, he asserted. "Every cowboy and cowgirl competing is a potential client," said Barker. "You have to get them looking as best you can riding a horse, barrel racing, roping a calf or whatever. Then maybe they will buy your photo. Maybe."

After a rodeo, Barker always mails "proofs" out to each of the competitors so they can see their photos. "There is no rhyme or reason as to if and when someone will order a picture," he said. "You just hope they order. This business is a real gamble."

When he first started out, Barker worked between 200 and 250 events a year. "Back then it was just go, go, go," he explained. "Where ever I could go I went."

Barker has worked the National Finals Rodeo 17 times and all the big competitions in Texas. "I have never advertised beyond putting my name and number in the back of say the Rodeo Sports News," he explained. "I do a lot of the same shows over and over, year after year, and have established relationships with the different committees. "

In 2001 Barker was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame (TRCHF). "At that time I was the only photographer in TRCHF," he stated. "It was quite an honor to be the first one recognized by that organization."

About three years ago Barker switched cameras -- from film to digital. "The things you can do with the computer and digital is amazing," he said. "The turn-around time is so fast from taking the picture until I have a print, and I can do it all right there at the rodeo. It also makes it easier to archive all the photos.

"Anyone I've photographed over the past 28 years can call me and say they competed at such and such rodeo in what ever year and they would like a copy of their picture. I can go right to it in no time."

After 28 years Barker has slowed down a bit and devoted more time to fishing, but does not have any plans to retire. "I'll keep doing this as long as I can move and climb and my timing is still good and I want to," he explained. "I guess I can keep going until my work is no longer appreciated."

He continues to hone his craft and firmly believes that if he does not continue to learn and produce better pictures it is time to call it quits.

"You are never really satisfied," he said. "You always hope you can do a little better here and little better there. That's the challenge that keeps you going."