Will B. Going to the stock show

It’s that time of year again, the Young County Junior Livestock Show [YCJLSS]! Youth from Texas have been working hard raising, feeding, grooming and training their prized pig, cattle, and bunnies to show off their skill and dedication at the annual Stock Show. These are just a few of the many categories that youth have been working hard at all year to represent.

The YCJLSS is by far my favorite event to cover each year. I love to see the excitement and the pride in the youths eyes as they proudly show their hard work. For some, this is their big moment to shine, and to others, it may seem like just another day in the life of someone raised on a ranch in Texas.

Something intangible in the air at a rodeo or stock show you won’t find at any other event. The smell of livestock in the air, the camaraderie of ranchers, farmers, 4H and FFA, is undeniable; the excitement of many a young FFA or 4H student is thick in the air with anticipation.

I love to capture that sparkle in the eye of a student who expertly struts their animal in front of the judge, vying and hoping to catch the judge’s eye, to show off the beauty and discipline of the animal and handler, who strive to become one before the judge’s eye. Ag mechanic students excitedly and expertly discuss the plans, thoughts, and techniques to create their project. The artistic expression can be seen in the arts category, whimsical, and series works but always showing a part of the contestant’s soul. I do my best to capture this with my camera each year and, in most cases, be as nervous as some of the 4H and FFA contestants. Will I miss a great shot? Will I capture the essence of the show? Will I do the youth justice with my photos for all their hard work? I strive for each year when walking into the arena with my camera. This is Will B. saying, see you at the big show!