Finding My Frame at the 2026 BPIR National Finals

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Finals, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD

Learning to see beyond “the shot” at the BPIR National Finals

2026 Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo National Finals in Upper Marlboro

By the end of the BPIR National Finals, I was covered in dirt and still asking myself: Did I get the shot?

Everything moved fast. I missed a few moments while getting my media access sorted out, and it took me time to find my rhythm in the arena. About an hour in, I learned I could get closer to the action. Lesson learned: ask about every shooting location before the show starts!

I wished I’d known sooner, but I’d also been trying to respect the competitors and the people running the show. I’ll carry that lesson into my next rodeo. But somewhere between watching the competitors, hearing the crowd, and finding my frames, I stopped worrying so much about one perfect photo. I was just grateful to be there, taking it all in.

By the time it ended, I was filthy and unsure whether I’d captured the shot. What I was sure of was how much I enjoyed the people, the energy, and the chance to witness this tradition. I’m sharing a few of the moments I found along the way.

Here are a few moments I saw through my lens at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo National Finals. 

Which photo tells the story to you?

To view the gallery, click here

📸 Asia Alleyne | Alleyne Media

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo - Two horseback riders swing ropes toward a black steer in the rodeo arena as spectators watch from the stands