By Michela Owen
August 16, 2024

Metro PPA’s Lens on the Edmond Jr. Rodeo

This collaboration supports Metro PPA's mission to provide educational opportunities for photographers and enhances the rodeo's promotional efforts.
Girl on sheep at the Edmond Jr. Rodeo (Photo: Brent Fuchs)

The Edmond Jr. Rodeo, a staple of local culture since 1995, has found a valuable partner in Metro PPA, a group of professional photographers who have captured the rodeo experience with their lenses since last year.

Metro PPA volunteers photograph the rodeo events free of charge, selling the photos after the event to fund their association while ensuring the rodeo organizers receive the essential images they need. This collaboration supports Metro PPA’s mission to provide educational opportunities for photographers and enhances the rodeo’s promotional efforts.

A helpful partnership 

Photographer at Edmond Jr Rodeo
Photographer at Edmond Jr Rodeo (Photo: Brent Fuchs)

Metro PPA volunteers bring their expertise to the rodeo, capturing moments of action, determination, and skill at no cost. Joshua Officer, a prominent figure within Metro PPA, explains, “We donate our time and photograph each of the contestants, ensuring we capture both the intensity of the competition and the more subtle behind-the-scenes moments.”

After the event, these photographs are available for purchase, providing Metro PPA with a unique fundraiser opportunity while ensuring that the rodeo organizers have the photos they need for their promotional efforts.

This arrangement offers a win-win situation for both organizations. Metro PPA gains a platform to showcase its skills and generate funds to support its educational and networking missions. Simultaneously, the Edmond Jr. Rodeo benefits from professional-quality imagery that captures the spirit of its events, enhancing its marketing efforts and providing families with lasting memories.

About the event

The rodeo, held at the Edmond Round Up Club, features a variety of events, including bull riding, barrel racing, and goat tying, attracting contestants aged 5 to 18 from Central Oklahoma and surrounding areas. The family-friendly, alcohol and drug-free atmosphere is a highlight, fostering community and promoting a love of horsemanship.

Metro PPA’s involvement adds a professional touch to the event, capturing moments of action and camaraderie. The photographs are later sold to families and fans, with proceeds supporting Metro PPA’s operational costs.

Looking ahead, both organizations plan to continue their partnership. “It’s been beneficial for everyone involved,” Officer said. “It’s a lot of fun and really enjoyable. Two evenings out of the month that we all look forward to.”

Subscribe to Email Updates

Subscribe

Get Edmond Business news in your inbox.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

About Michela Owen

Michela Owen is an Oklahoma native and passionate wordsmith with a knack for creative problem-solving. After obtaining her associate's in business management from Baptist Bible College, she went on to receive her bachelor's of journalism with a focus in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma. During her time at OU, she was the news lead of OU Esports.

Michela is also a Marketing Strategist at Backslash Creative, where she helps businesses and nonprofits be strategic about how and where they spend their marketing efforts.