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Everybody photographs the race The wagons coming out of the barrels, the dust, the outriders swinging up mid-stride, that whole beautiful mess of noise and speed. It's the shot. It's what the Rangeland Derby at the calgary stampede is famous for, and there's a reason every camera at Stampede Park is pointed at that turn. But the frame I keep coming back to from my first Calgary Stampede isn't the race at all. It's this one. An outrider loading the barrel, one hand up on the r

There's a stretch of Highway 40 north of Hinton where the trees open up and the mountains show themselves, and every single time I drive it I think the same thing: people fly across the world for views like this, and I get to have them on a Tuesday. That road takes you into William A. Switzer Provincial Park. And about twenty kilometres northwest of town, you'll find a small body of water with one of the best names in Alberta — Kelley's Bathtub. A little lake with a big view

Nobody films slo-pitch. That's exactly why you should. Think about the last tournament weekend you were part of. The diving catch in the beer league final that nobody will ever let their buddy forget. The grand slam from the player who hadn't hit one since high school. The dugout heckling, the rain delay huddles under the tarp, the kids chasing foul balls, the championship team piling into a dogpile at home plate like they just won the World Series — because for that weekend,

Let me be honest with you right out of the gate: when it comes to wildlife, I'm a complete rookie. For the last couple of years, my home has been the rodeo arena, and I've gotten good at it — confident, even. I know the events. I know the rhythm of a go. I can feel those eight seconds coming before the gate ever cracks. Give me a saddle bronc or a barrel run and I'll tell you its story in a way that just might put a lump in your throat. This year I added stills into the mix,

Some months back, a rodeo committee chair called me up. They'd just wrapped a great event, my photos had landed in their inbox, and the committee's social media coordinator was already drafting next year's promo. The chair had one question, and I'll be honest — I appreciated that she asked. "Belina, can we use a couple of these photos for the poster?" That phone call is the reason I'm writing this. The question isn't unusual. Most committees, sponsors, and even seasoned event

I want to talk about something that doesn't really get explained. As a Videographer, I don't just show up to these events with a camera and hope for the best. I'm hired. These rodeo committees and organizations bring me in specifically to capture and create content that helps promote their events — to tell their story in a way that reaches beyond the arena fence and into the feeds of people who weren't there. That's the job. And I take it seriously. From the Wildwood Bronc Bu

Let’s talk about the guy nobody claps for. No buckle. No entry fee. No “8 seconds of glory.” But without him? Rodeo doesn’t run. I’m talking about the pick-up man. When that bronc rider nods his head and the gate cracks open, all eyes go to the rider. Crowd leans forward. Announcer’s voice rises. Dust flies. We’re all watching the 8 seconds. But I’ve learned something from standing behind a lens. The ride doesn’t end when the buzzer sounds. That’s when his job starts. The pic

Ah yes. One of the most frequently asked questions in my inbox, DM's, and carrier pigeons: “Why don’t you post more barrel racing videos?” And friends… I have a very professional, well-thought-out, highly strategic answer for you. I don’t have the content. LOL. The Not-So-Secret Reality Most of the rodeos I film throughout the year are ranch rodeos. Think broncs, bulls, rough stock, and cowboys doing things their mothers told them not to do. 🐎💥 Currently, only 2x of the eve

If you’ve been watching my recent reels and thinking, “Okay… but what am I actually looking at?” — you’re not alone 🫵 I’ve had a few messages lately asking the same thing: 🤷‍♂️ “What 'da heck is a Riggin’ Rally?” Fair question. It’s not exactly something you stumble across at your average New Year’s Eve party — unless your idea of ringing in the New Year involves bareback riders 🙃 So let’s break it down. 🌠 Not Your Average Rodeo Night The Riggin’ Rally — in this particula

Here’s What to Expect (and What to Ask!) There’s something special about a moment you can watch again — whether it’s a rodeo ride that shook the ground, a branding day filled with laughter, or a western business showing the world what they do best. But if you’ve never hired a videographer before, the process can feel like stepping into a chute you didn’t mean to enter. 😅 Don’t worry — I’ve got you. This guide will walk you through what to expect, what a “normal” package look

✨ Standing Tall for STARS ✨ This moment at the Beaver Meadows Ranch Rodeo says more than words ever could. Dozens of riders lined up, horses steady, and one bright red flag waving proudly — a reminder of the heroes who watch over all of us. For those who don’t know, STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) is a non-profit air ambulance service that has saved countless lives across Western Canada. They’re the ones in the sky when seconds matter most — whether it’s a ranching ac

Thanksgiving always hits a little different when you live life close to the land. The dust, the wind, the long days — they all have a way of reminding you how much of this life depends on more than just yourself 🍂 I’ve spent this year behind the lens — capturing the faces, stories, and moments that make our communities what they are. Rodeo grounds filled with cheers, the hum of pickup trucks at sunrise, cowboys, cowgirls, kids trying their hand at mutton bustin’, and folks w

Let’s be honest: rodeos aren’t exactly quiet. You’ve got bulls launching riders like rag dolls, broncs kicking up enough dust to choke a tractor, kids running around on sugar highs , and an announcer who hasn’t taken a breath since 9AM 🎤. It’s chaos. Beautiful, glorious chaos. ✨ Now, imagine trying to capture all that on a shaky phone video where half the shot is the back of someone’s hat 🤠 and the other half is your aunt yelling, “GET IT, JIMMY!” 📱 (Yellowstone vibes lol)