Spring time is a great time to photograph round ups and brandings. So where do you start? Make contact with a local equestrian or ranchers association and explain that you would like to photograph a round up. Get permission to attend and arrive early. This is a great time to talk to people and find out the rough plans for the day. Safety is of the utmost importance. Find out where you should and shouldn't be so you can. position yourself in some great spots to photograph. Both cattle and horses can sometimes be unpredictable. You will need a long lens like a 100-400 for when the cattle are being driven in and a short lens like a 24-70 or something similar when the cattle are corralled and being sorted and branded. Look for details in addition to the overall scene. Always keep your wits about you to keep yourself and others around you safe. Make sure to share your images with the cowboys and girls to create goodwill and more opportunities to photograph in the future. 
