In each edition, Cowboy Lifestyle features a talented rodeo photographer who deserves the opportunity to have her or his work showcased to a national audience. In this edition we feature Crystal Amen of Crystal Amen Photography (crystalamenphotography.com) in Cottonwood, Calif.
Meet Crystal Amen
Hi, my name is Crystal Amen. I am a mother of three spunky, fun, crazy little girls.
I have been capturing memories since 2012. I enjoy photographing pretty much everything from weddings, maternity/newborn, kids, families, high school & college seniors, landscapes, real estate, animals, and rodeos.
My husband and I run 70 head of cattle as well as run our family feed store Shasta Farm & Equipment. If you don’t see me out taking photos you will find me at the feed store. My girls love riding horses and being little ranch kids. Now, my oldest is starting her own string of show cattle. They love animals and the outdoors, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Photo 1
“Work hard, Have Fun, and Make History.” ~ Jeff Bezos
This was a photo from a branding at Holiday Ranch. I just love this photo because he had that big smile on his face and was having fun! Just trying to capture emotion is the best part of photography.
Photo 2
“If you don’t think fear can control you, then you’ve never been chased by a mad momma cow.” ~ American Cattlemen
I just loved how that one momma cow was peaking over the rock wall looking for her baby.
Photo 3
“Be Brave. Take Risk. Nothing can Substitute the Experience.” ~ Paulo Coelho
I was excited to get this photo because the night before, the pickup man Rick Moffat (the one letting the cowboy down) had asked me if he was scaring me when they ran the horses by really close (because I jumped up on the fence every time). I like how this picture shows just how close they came to me.
Photo 4
“Though she be little, she is fierce!” ~ William Shakespeare
This was from one of the District 1 High School rodeos in Red Bluff, Calif. She is a tiny little girl but boy does she give them a run for their money! I just love getting low on barrel racing and pole bending. I feel it captures a lot of the action with the dirt flying. The angle is so fun, too.
Photo 5
“The power of determination will make you unstoppable” ~ Jean Charest
Another from the California State High School Rodeo Association District 1 Rodeo in Red Bluff, Calif. To get this shot I was laying on my belly under the fence at the end pole and the photos turned out pretty amazing! In this shot she actually made a clean run and kept that end pole up.
Photo 6
“Laughter is timeless, Imitation has no age, and Dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney
I was photographing a rodeo in Santa Rosa, Calif., and getting ready for the performance, but I couldn’t help myself with this cute little cowgirl and the perfect golden sunset. She was the daughter of the pick-up man and was getting ready to ride in the grand entry.
Photo 7
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.” ~ Tommy Lasorda
I shot this photo from the roping box to get a different angle. I wanted to try something different, and it worked out pretty sweet.
Photo 8
“Hard days work never hurt anybody, boys.” ~ Capt. Woodrow F. Call
This photo was the start of a big day of branding — one of many brandings this ranch has during springtime. I love branding season because it involves a piece of western heritage that we still get to experience. I love capturing our way of life and with everyone having a good time.
