Charro Cowboy Photoshoot

It’s been a long time coming, but we finally managed to get over to Compostela for our last Charro cowboy photoshoot before we launch our new private workshop! 

For this upcoming workshop, we decided to mix things up a bit. Instead of working primarily with external lights (like we do on the Aztec Workshops), we’ve been testing natural light and single light concepts.

The photo below was shot with natural light only – and in the middle of the afternoon! Shooting in the direct sun does not have to be a terrible idea. It’s all about understanding how to work with the light you have. In this case, we had to shift our set and model to accommodate the sun. Basically: light is light is light. Once you understand its properties you can shoot in many different conditions. That is the gist of this workshop.  

If you are interested in booking a private charro cowboy photoshoot, DM me for details.

Charros: The Mexican Cowboys

As a Cultural Photographer, Charros have long fascinated me. They have a fantastic history which I cant wait to start exploring. But this shoot was about aesthetics. We wanted to capture simple but still cinematic outdoor shots. And as soon as I saw Alfredo climb out of his car, I knew this was going to be a great photoshoot. A few of you have said Alfredo looks like the Mexican singer Antonio Aguilar! Either way, working with a model with such great features is a photographer’s dream – and I made sure to take full advantage!

In the below photo, I’m using a strobe/softbox (camera left) with the sun as a rim/flare light.

This being said, this photoshoot was almost derailed when Alfredo turned up without his horse. We realized there had been a breakdown in communication (damn my Spanish!). No matter! I always have waaaay too many ideas for one shoot, so we just focussed on the ones that did not include a horse. Simple :o)

If there is a lesson here, it’s to always have a contingency plan. Things go wrong – but if you are prepared you’ll be fine.

Dan and I had to study cowboy and masculine poses on the drive over the shoot. Every time you change the subject matter, you need to learn about that subject. Not just the history (which is a great start!) but also the aesthetics and mannerisms of people in the world you are photographing. That way your photos will feel more authentic.

Shooting a Charro at sunset

While I used way less lighting than normal, I couldn’t go a whole shoot without at least one complicated lighting shot. For this photo, we used two speedlights on either side of Alfredo (and a bit behind). The idea was to cut him up from the background sky. We then used a softbox on his face, trying to find an angle that was flattering but not above the rim of his hat. I also messed around with my settings here: moving from 200 to 80 on the shutter. I was hoping to get movement in the rope but not on Alfredo’s face.

All photos taken by JP Stones.

I hope you enjoyed the series! In case it inspired you to go and take some photos, here is a good exercise that might help improve your portraits! It’s an exercise I need to do more of myself! Once you have taken ‘the photo’ you want, start moving around your subject, looking for unusual angles and subject matters. The idea is to take photos that speak to the situation the subject is in. Ideally, look to create an action that moves through each photo. In this example, I could have used a cigarette that went from hand to mouth to under his foot. This exercise is a great way to start thinking of your photos as a cohesive narrative – rather than stand-alone pieces. Good luck!

Are you interested in this charro cowboy photoshoot? Contact me for details!

You can also see all the photos from this series on Instagram.