MICHAEL PINTAR PHOTOGRAPHY

Q: CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOU GOT INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

A: As a kid, I was into artistic things such as drawing and painting but playing in sports usually got in the way. Then about 10 years ago I was given my first DSLR camera and re-found an appreciation for art and expression from behind the lens.

Q: HAS YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGED AT ALL SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS? IF SO, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE THEN COMPARED TO NOW?

A: Prior to considering photography as a business, my style consisted of shooting anything and everything. From landscapes to portraits, I was all over the place. Primarily because I wanted to learn as much as I could about all aspects of photography.

When treating it (photography) as a business, I think it’s important to eventually settle into a specific segment. For me, my style has now gravitated to Western lifestyle and of course, rodeo.

Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?

A: I like to look back at previous photographic work and achievements in order to point the way to new and different ways of conveying my imagery. I’ll ask myself, ‘How do I take an otherwise regular rodeo capture and make it interesting?’ ‘How do I choose an image that tells a story?’

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RODEO EVENT TO SHOOT AND WHY?

A: One look at my social media and one may discern that I gravitate toward rough stock imagery, in particular bareback or saddle bronc. At the same time, I have tons of timed event images after each rodeo. It just seems that my rough stock images create more attention.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING YOUR SHOTS OR THE SETUP THAT GOES INTO GETTING THE PERFECT SHOT?

A: I do not have a specific creative process although I envy the creativity in several of my colleagues. Each event in rodeo has specific camera settings or a setup that is required to get the ideal shot. At the same time, I am always trying to look for new positions to shoot from and small adjustments that can add more creativity to the otherwise routine pattern of shooting rodeo.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING RODEO PHOTOGRAPHERS?

A: Start by focusing on a single event or two while getting to know your closest rodeo committees. Even without being a PRCA most committees can still gain you access to shooting their rodeos. It might not hurt to attend a rodeo photography school as well.

Q: WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?

A: I think it’s important to know that being a professional will require an initial monetary investment into a decent camera body and at least one or two good lenses, especially if you intend to print your work. Being a professional rodeo photographer will require a lot of road time and hundreds of hours postprocessing images long after you’ve left the arena.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW?

A: If you think you like photography then it’s never too late to start. If you want to make photography your business then you must treat it like a business every day.

About Michael Pintar Photography

Michael is one of the most well-known Western lifestyle and rodeo photographers in the industry today. He is aptly known for capturing the true spirit of his subjects, whether it’s a cowboy, bronc, bull, or even landscape shots. You can learn more about Michael, shop his prints, or book him for a shoot at Pintargraphy.com or find him on Facebook and Instagram.