James Brosher Photography

Portfolio website for James Brosher, a Bloomington, Indiana based editorial and wedding photographer specializing in action, documentary, and portrait images.

2011 Cheyenne Frontier Days (Part 1)

Cheyenne Frontier Days was my first experience shooting a rodeo. But to say that CFD is just a rodeo is understating the “Daddy of ’em All.” It’s billed as a celebration of western culture, and it lives up to that description. For ten days, Cheyenne is drastically transformed from a sleepy western city into a booming tourist destination where cowboy hats are the norm. CFD is a very visually diverse event for a photographer. Aside from the rodeo there are events and opportunities for great pictures every day. Downtown pancake breakfasts, parades, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and nightly concerts are just some of the events I had the opportunity to cover this year away from the daily rodeo action. Here is part one of a two-part series featuring 42 of my favorites from Cheyenne Frontier Days. I will post part two on Thursday along with more of my reflections on the assignment.

Jack Osborn, left, 10, and Brayden Wiesen, 11, take a break towards the end of the day inside of a chute during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. Several youngsters including the two funneled cattle into chute 9 from 8 a.m. to about noon for slack tie-down roping.
Jack Osborn, left, 10, and Brayden Wiesen, 11, take a break towards the end of the day inside of a chute during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. Several youngsters including the two funneled cattle into chute 9 from 8 a.m. to about noon for slack tie-down roping.
Matt Kenney from Onawa, Iowa hops off his horse and chases down a calf after he roped it during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Matt Kenney from Onawa, Iowa hops off his horse and chases down a calf after he roped it during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.

Ken Willis, of Cheyenne, listens to a conversation during a chuckwagon breakfast before the start of the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, north of Cheyenne. Willis was serving coffee during the breakfast.
Ken Willis, of Cheyenne, listens to a conversation during a chuckwagon breakfast before the start of the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, north of Cheyenne. Willis was serving coffee during the breakfast.
A man who would only identify himself as Stovepipe leans against a gate as he watches as some 550 head of cattle are driven into stalls on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Frontier Park in Cheyenne during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive.
A man who would only identify himself as Stovepipe leans against a gate as he watches as some 550 head of cattle are driven into stalls on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Frontier Park in Cheyenne during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive.
Cattle make their way into stalls during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Frontier Park in Cheyenne. Some 500 head of cattle were driven from a pasture four miles north of town to the stalls at Frontier Park on Sunday morning.
Cattle make their way into stalls during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Frontier Park in Cheyenne. Some 500 head of cattle were driven from a pasture four miles north of town to the stalls at Frontier Park on Sunday morning.
Cowboys drive 550 head of cattle across a pasture during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, north of Cheyenne. The hands drove the cattle more than four miles from the pasture north of Cheyenne along an Interstate 25 frontage road to stalls at Frontier Park.
Cowboys drive 550 head of cattle across a pasture during the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, north of Cheyenne. The hands drove the cattle more than four miles from the pasture north of Cheyenne along an Interstate 25 frontage road to stalls at Frontier Park.
Cattle settle inside of a holding stall at Frontier Park on Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Cheyenne. Some 550 head of cattle were driven from a pasture north of Cheyenne more than four miles south to Frontier Park in preparation for this year's Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Cattle settle inside of a holding stall at Frontier Park on Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Cheyenne. Some 550 head of cattle were driven from a pasture north of Cheyenne more than four miles south to Frontier Park in preparation for this year's Cheyenne Frontier Days.
A man crosses the road with his youngster after a chuckwagon breakfast before the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Cheyenne.
A man crosses the road with his youngster after a chuckwagon breakfast before the Cheyenne Frontier Days cattle drive on Sunday, July 17, 2011, in Cheyenne.
Jana Kent-Isaac from White Swan, Wash., knocks over a barrel during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park. After a penalty of five seconds for the dropped barrel, she logged a time of 23.00 seconds.
Jana Kent-Isaac from White Swan, Wash., knocks over a barrel during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park. After a penalty of five seconds for the dropped barrel, she logged a time of 23.00 seconds.
Volunteers use rakes and shovels to smooth down dirt in the arena during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Volunteers use rakes and shovels to smooth down dirt in the arena during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Sarah Kieckhefer from Prescott, Ariz. rounds the third barrel on her horse during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park. Kieckhefer finished the run with a time of 18.71 seconds.
Sarah Kieckhefer from Prescott, Ariz. rounds the third barrel on her horse during the first go of barrel racing on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Frontier Park. Kieckhefer finished the run with a time of 18.71 seconds.
Brady Graff from Ainsworth, Neb. ropes a calf during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Brady Graff from Ainsworth, Neb. ropes a calf during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Jim Powers from Wapato, Wash. falls from his horse after roping a calf during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. Powers finished with a no time on the run.
Jim Powers from Wapato, Wash. falls from his horse after roping a calf during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. Powers finished with a no time on the run.
Chase Johnston from Fowler, Colo. flips a calf on its back during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. He recorded a time of 20.9 seconds.
Chase Johnston from Fowler, Colo. flips a calf on its back during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park. He recorded a time of 20.9 seconds.
A spectator watches the action from behind a fence during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A spectator watches the action from behind a fence during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A participant warms up with a few practice throws of his lasso during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A participant warms up with a few practice throws of his lasso during the first go of slack tie-down roping on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at Frontier Park.
John Finical of Theatrical Media Services from Omaha, Neb. puts a translucent gel on a stage light as he and other workers prepare the stage for the Cheyenne Frontier Days night shows on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Frontier Park. The stage has 180 lights plus several specialty lights drawing some 600 amps, according to Finical. Workers and volunteers were using a lighting diagram to place colored gels in the correct formation for Jason Aldean’s show.
John Finical of Theatrical Media Services from Omaha, Neb. puts a translucent gel on a stage light as he and other workers prepare the stage for the Cheyenne Frontier Days night shows on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at Frontier Park. The stage has 180 lights plus several specialty lights drawing some 600 amps, according to Finical. Workers and volunteers were using a lighting diagram to place colored gels in the correct formation for Jason Aldean’s show.
Emily Underwood, 17, bottom pesters Tao Allen, 9, left, Tug Allen, 11, and Marcus Cole, 8, as they offer her their hats behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Emily Underwood, 17, bottom pesters Tao Allen, 9, left, Tug Allen, 11, and Marcus Cole, 8, as they offer her their hats behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A spectator walks through a tunnel that connects the Frontier Park infield to the parking lot during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A spectator walks through a tunnel that connects the Frontier Park infield to the parking lot during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Jett Fisher, 5, sets watches the action with his father, Vin Fisher, left, and friend Ken Rockenbach during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park. The Fishers are from Andrews, Texas.
Jett Fisher, 5, sets watches the action with his father, Vin Fisher, left, and friend Ken Rockenbach during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park. The Fishers are from Andrews, Texas.
A young volunteer looks at a steer as he runs a gate behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A young volunteer looks at a steer as he runs a gate behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A participant sets on the bleachers during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
A participant sets on the bleachers during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Slick Ellis from Alvin, Texas, leaves the chute to pursue a steer during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Slick Ellis from Alvin, Texas, leaves the chute to pursue a steer during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Paul Tierney from Oral, S.D. practices his roping behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Paul Tierney from Oral, S.D. practices his roping behind chute 9 during Cheyenne Frontier Days steer roping on Friday, July 22, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Joseph Langemann from Denver serves a 15-minute sentence in the stocks after he was allowed to fire a canon during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. "Your elbows are the worst," he said of the pain experienced in the stocks.
Joseph Langemann from Denver serves a 15-minute sentence in the stocks after he was allowed to fire a canon during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. "Your elbows are the worst," he said of the pain experienced in the stocks.
David Morgan from Arvada, Colo., fires an American-revolution era Brown Bess musket during a demonstration for visitors during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne.
David Morgan from Arvada, Colo., fires an American-revolution era Brown Bess musket during a demonstration for visitors during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne.
Jan Manning from Fort Collins, Colo. poses for a portrait inside a tent where he works as a blacksmith during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. "It's a hobby that got entirely out of hand," Manning said of his blacksmithing.
Jan Manning from Fort Collins, Colo. poses for a portrait inside a tent where he works as a blacksmith during the first day of Fort D.A. Russell Days on Friday, July 22, 2011, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. "It's a hobby that got entirely out of hand," Manning said of his blacksmithing.
Pat Iron Cloud stands inside a dancing circle as he is introduced by his wife, Sandy Iron Cloud, before a dancing demonstration during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Pat Iron Cloud stands inside a dancing circle as he is introduced by his wife, Sandy Iron Cloud, before a dancing demonstration during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
A man known as Laughing Elk tells a folk story to a group of youngsters during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
A man known as Laughing Elk tells a folk story to a group of youngsters during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Toni Valdez performs a traditional women's jingle dance during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Toni Valdez performs a traditional women's jingle dance during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Spectators cover their eyes to shield a setting sun to the west as they watch Native American dances during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Spectators cover their eyes to shield a setting sun to the west as they watch Native American dances during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Elizabeth Valdez, 9, dances during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Elizabeth Valdez, 9, dances during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Caleb Her Many Horses dances in a Native American men's fancy dance during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Caleb Her Many Horses dances in a Native American men's fancy dance during Cheyenne Frontier Days on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in the Indian Village at Frontier Park.
Legion of Honor riders drive in the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
Legion of Honor riders drive in the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., waves as he rides in a carriage during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., waves as he rides in a carriage during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
A family watches as a covered wagon passes the intersection of Capitol Avenue and 21st Street during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
A family watches as a covered wagon passes the intersection of Capitol Avenue and 21st Street during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
A woman waves to the crowd amongst American flags atop an American Legion float during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
A woman waves to the crowd amongst American flags atop an American Legion float during the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade on Saturday, July 23, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
Bobby Mote from Culver, Ore. rides a bronco bareback during Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo action on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Bobby Mote from Culver, Ore. rides a bronco bareback during Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo action on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Spud Jones from Tohatchi, N.M. takes a tumble after staying on a bull for 1.8 seconds during Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo action on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Spud Jones from Tohatchi, N.M. takes a tumble after staying on a bull for 1.8 seconds during Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo action on Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Frontier Park.
Jay Matheson, 13, leans his tray back to catch a wayward pancake during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Depot Plaza.
Jay Matheson, 13, leans his tray back to catch a wayward pancake during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Depot Plaza.
Deb Hottle flips a pancake off a wagon to a youngster with a tray during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Depot Plaza.
Deb Hottle flips a pancake off a wagon to a youngster with a tray during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, at the Depot Plaza.
Members of the Cheyenne Gunslingers stand near the entrance of the Depot Plaza to promote their show during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.
Members of the Cheyenne Gunslingers stand near the entrance of the Depot Plaza to promote their show during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Pancake Breakfast on Monday, July 25, 2011, in downtown Cheyenne.

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