Posted by By Lillian Landreth
Jake Hodnett started pursuing his dream of rodeo photography just three years ago. In that time, the 24-year-old from Elk City, Oklahoma invested in equipment and practiced at every rodeo he could. He grew up watching his dad, Jim Hodnett, photograph their hometown rodeo, and it was Jim who spurred Jake to take his own rodeo art to the next level. Jake saved every bit of spare cash from his job with a lawn care company, and took a course from rodeo photographer Click Thompson. With professional rodeo on the brain, Jake worked on his PRCA permit and was granted his card in October 2023.
Though not a rodeo athlete himself, Jake lives to capture the competition and experiences of human and animal athletes alike. “Rodeo to me is guts and glory. These guys are traveling year round trying to make it big time to the NFR, but it’s a family deal. You get to hear old stories from old timers and new stories from the up and coming, and it’s a big family reunion when you get to a rodeo.
Nooks and Crannies
“All of the events have their unique qualities, but my favorite two to shoot would be saddle bronc and bareback. I think it’s just majestic to watch them buck, and it’s amazing to see how athletic a horse is. I love shooting every event because you can try new things, and you can try new nooks and crannies. I study other rodeo photographers, but I don’t copy them, I try to do it in my own style.”
Jake’s favorite rodeo to shoot so far is the Pendleton Round-Up, which he covered last year on his permit. He’s shot 10 pro rodeos this year, including the Greeley Stampede, and hopes to cover that many more before the end of the season. He was thrilled when ProRodeo Sports News used his photo of bull rider Scott Wells, who won Greeley, in one of their stories. “I would love to get a cover photo at some point, but I’m still progressing my work.” Jake has another goal of shooting the WNFR. “I want to shoot the behind the scenes that people don’t get to see, like the camaraderie behind the chutes, and watching everyone have a good time. So my number-one goal is shooting behind the scenes at the NFR.”
To see more of Jake’s work, visit jakebrakespix.smugmug.com