Behind the Chutes
For photographer Emmanuelle Pickett, rodeo is a way of life, and it’s in those little moments behind the scenes where you find the real gold
“Behind the chutes, I don’t see the performance; I feel the heartbeat of the rodeo. When I’m shooting, it can sometimes feel like I’m patiently hunting. Waiting for that moment of truth that hits straight to the heart.”
A cowboy waits his turn at Old Santa Ynez Days rodeo this summer.
“Behind the chutes, there’s no spotlight, just the steady rhythm and ritual—wrapping wrists, tightening leather, a whispered prayer, and a nod that says, ‘I’m ready.’”
“It’s grit and grace mixed in dust and sweat, a brotherhood built on trust and the kind of stubborn heart you can’t fake. I’m chasing that story—the raw, honest moments that don’t make the highlight reel but hold the whole performance together.”
“Every rider’s got their own ritual. Some stretch, some spit, some stare a hole through the dirt. I just wait for the moment their eyes go still.”
“In a world that often feels unpredictable and uncertain, the rodeo has become a place of comfort for me. I can trust in the values, the tradition, and the dedication to family. From the quiet moments behind the scenes to the national anthem and the rodeo prayer, rodeo season feels like home”
For more of Emmanuelle Pickett’s photography, visit @emmylaine
