Rodeo Old Fort Days Clinic

Ft. Smith bound! At 5:15am (on a Saturday might I add), I hit the snooze button twice then rolled out of bed to throw myself together, feed and head to meet Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days, Jessica Stamps, so we could hit the road to Ft. Smith. When I got to her house I practically had to move into her car. Between my queen bag, hat carrier, extra button up, camera bag, tripod, computer case and purse I had at least seven different items to carry. You would be amazed at how many items it takes to stay on top of things; especially when you are photographing for an event.

We chatted the whole way there... and of course managed to miss our exit. I think I'm bad luck when traveling anywhere, especially when it involves queening, because I can literally never get there the first try! Jessica and I both got a bit turned around but we still managed to make it to Kay Rodgers Park for the Old Fort Days Queen Clinic with a little time to spare.

We had the opportunity to meet several young ladies who plan to run for Old Fort Days titles and several others who attended. Dakota Missildine, Miss Rodeo USA 2010, and Jessica Chitwood, Miss Rodeo Arkansas 2012, were the coordinators. The day was filled with a little bit of everything. From modeling to impromptu, interview to horsemanship and speech to general appearance. We covered a number of topics and had some great discussion and practice on the different aspects of rodeo queening. One thing I love about rodeo is everyone's willingness to help one another. While we are in one since competing against each other, everyone is so ready to lend a helping hand or tip. Some of my best friends are current and former rodeo queens! While at the clinic I had the privilege of not only photographing the current queens but also doing a couple of small shoots with some of the attendees.

I cannot wait to see these lovely ladies down the rodeo road! I know they are all going to do so well; not only in queening but in every other aspect of life as well. Saturday was a great refresher for me and I learned some great pointers; especially on modeling and impromptu.

We wrapped up around 3pm and headed for home. We got back onto I-540 and Jessica says "wow, it feels like we're going the wrong way." Me: "yea it does, I get so turned around sometimes." Jessica: "Me too, but I guess this is right. We're on 540 South." At the same time: "South?? Wait, aren't we supposed to be going North?" Yes. We were headed BACK in the same direction when we passed the exit on our way to Ft. Smith. The upside: We got to cross the Arkansas River 5 times in one day! How many people can say that?? I think we learned it's best not to talk while driving.