DUDLEY BARKER

to look for the classic shot in each rodeo event, while also making note of the contestant and livestock. “It’s about timing. Period.”

With the vast opportunities of pro, college, and junior rodeos in Texas, Dudley didn’t travel out of state much at first. He received his PRCA Gold Card in 1980, and branched out to Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Wyoming, and eventually Las Vegas, Nevada, for the NFR. “I did 35 NFRs—that was my treat every year. Even though there might be eight photographers there, you might be the only one who got a certain shot. You had to nail it and be consistent, because everyone who nods their head is your client, and you have to make them look as good as possible—and hopefully they’ll buy it.” This also included late nights or early mornings shooting slack, where a competitor might win the rodeo, and Dudley didn’t want to miss the champion shot.

Award Winning Artistry

Dudley moved over to digital photography in 2001 and loved the ease of sending his photos via the internet, rather than mailing proofs out to associations. He officially retired from photography in 2021 but continues to receive invitations to photograph events. He is working to digitize some of his roughly three million negatives, among them historic shots of Lane Frost and many other world champions. His work captures friends and memories, an integral part of the sport. His eye for the art of rodeo earned him PRCA Photographer of the Year in 2009, and inductions into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, Central Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame, and All Cowboy & Arena Champions Hall of Fame.

“The cowboy way is to help your buddy. You might be pulling a rope for him or telling him what the stock does, because if you’re going to beat him, you want to beat him at his best, rather than try to cheat him. It’s the way cowboys are. They’ll do for each other and go out of their way to help you.”