Houston Rodeo Cookoff with JG Civil Contractors

As an event photographer based in Houston, Texas, I recently had the opportunity to cover the 2023 Houston Rodeo Cookoff tent for my client, JG Civil Contractors. The annual event is one of the most highly anticipated gatherings of the year in the Houston community, bringing together thousands of locals and visitors to enjoy a weekend of delicious food, live music, and exciting rodeo competitions.

My role as the event photographer was to capture the excitement and energy of the Cookoff tent, which featured more than 250 teams competing for the top prize in various categories such as brisket, ribs, and chicken. The Throwdown Cookers tent was a bustling hive of activity, with the team working tirelessly to perfect their recipes and impress the judges with their culinary skills.

I started by taking wide-angle shots of the entire tent, capturing the sea of people and smoke rising from the grills. I also made sure to get close-up shots of the various teams, capturing their concentration as they worked on their dishes, and their excitement when they finally presented their creations to the judges.

One of the most challenging aspects of covering the Cookoff tent was capturing the action in low light conditions. The tent was dimly lit, and the smoke and steam created a haze that made it difficult to get clear shots. However, I came prepared with a high-quality camera and a range of lenses, including a fast prime lens that allowed me to shoot in low light conditions without using a flash.

I also had to be strategic in my movements around the tent, as there were hundreds of people moving in and out of the area at any given time. I made sure to position myself in areas where I could capture the most interesting shots without getting in the way of the guests.

Throughout the day, I had the opportunity to sample some of the amazing food that the teams were cooking up. I tried everything from juicy brisket and tender ribs to spicy sausages and tangy sauces. It was clear that these teams had put a lot of time and effort into perfecting their recipes, and the results were truly impressive.

As the day turned into night, the atmosphere in the tent became even more lively, with live music performances and plenty of drinks flowing. I made sure to capture the fun and festive spirit of the event, taking shots of people dancing, laughing, and enjoying the food and drinks.

Overall, covering the 2023 Houston Rodeo Cookoff tent for JG Civil Contractors was an incredible experience. It was an honor to capture the excitement and energy of such a beloved event, and to work with a client who truly appreciates the value of high-quality event photography. I look forward to working with them again in the future, and to covering more exciting events in the Houston area.