"Jr. Rodeo" is a project that explores youth and rodeo culture. It began in June 2021 when I attended my first rodeo in Bryce, Utah. Growing up in the city, I had no prior exposure to rodeos or cowboy culture. However, after speaking to some locals at the rodeo, including Mary-Beth who was there to support her partner and children, I came to appreciate how deeply rooted these traditions are in the region and how they shape the identities of the young ones exposed to rodeo culture. What inspired me to develop this project was not just the rodeo itself but the sense of community and identity that is forged among generations of families who share a deep passion for this great American pastime. My goal is to expand this collection of images into a larger series that challenges assumptions about the American west.
