story by Lindsay King
“Rodeo photography is its own breed and can only be learned through experience,” said self-taught photographer Amanda Rutherford from Pryor, Oklahoma. A ten-time ACRA photographer of the year and four-time IPRA photographer of the finals, Amanda gets her passion for all things rodeo from her father. “Growing up, rodeo was the one thing my dad, Dewey, and I shared until my parents divorced my junior year of high school. I ran barrels, poles, tied goats and roped calves in junior and open rodeo associations.” Amanda graduated from Southwest Baptist University with two bachelor’s degrees: psychology and sports medicine in addition to a master’s degree in education later.
As an administrator and educator for Osage Public Schools and a photographer, Amanda has little time for hobbies. “As an educator, my colleagues think I play in the dirt on the weekends and often many of the cowboys think I play with kids during the week,” said the 2016 Osage Public School Teacher of the Year. As an athletic trainer for her college football team, Amanda started taking pictures when a knee surgery kept her off the field. “The team wanted me to travel to away games for pre- and post-game care, so the school paper sent me with a camera, the rest is history.” The story of Way Out West Photography begins with Amanda’s dad.
“Way Out West began as a way to rebuild a relationship with my dad, spend time together and share our love for rodeo that was so special to us when I was growing up.” The name stems from Psalms 103:12, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” The acronym also functions to elicit ‘WOW’ from those who view their photos. “Capturing the memories and moments of rodeo and the people has to be my favorite part. My goal is that every picture I take tells a story, evokes an emotion or shows an indescribable component of the sport and history of the cowboy way of life.”
WOW started in 2007 and has been involved with the IPRA and ACRA ever since. “Being involved in the ACRA is an honor, working with the stock contractors, contestants and committees that carry on the tradition of the rodeo cowboy lifestyle.” Carrying on the legacy that her father started with the ACRA keeps Amanda with the association every year. This is her 11th year. “Luckily, ACRA and IPRA co-sanction a lot of rodeos together. I cannot pick just one rodeo as my favorite because every committee, town, contestant and rodeo company make each one I shoot special.” The Osceola, Missouri, rodeo holds special meaning for Amanda because it was the first rodeo WOW shot. As does the Columbus, Kansas, rodeo because it was the last one spent with her dad.
Three years ago, Dewey passed away. Amanda has done her best to fulfill his goals for WOW. “I accomplished the last goal he set for us this year. With my dad gone, it is harder to see the vision he set for us. Although it is an honor to capture the moments and memories of the ACRA, it is difficult to continue without his presence and constant support.” Armed with a cooler full of drinks, a bowl of candy and his red chair, Dewey always tried to give back to those who supported him. “He always joked that his job was to drive the truck, write the checks and be the TV star for Way Out West Photography.” Amanda extends a special thanks to those who support her: Barnes & Sons Rodeo Company, Hampton Rodeo Company, Paul and Jimme Beth Hefner, Jack and JoAnne Foreman and Laura and Rod Adair. “My dad influenced my life as a rodeo photographer more than anyone. He taught me to work hard to be the best I possibly could be at everything I set my mind to and never take the easy road. It is a lot of pressure to live up to, but I hope that lesson shows in every picture I take. He always wanted our pictures to speak for themselves.”
