Behind the lens with Andy Watson: Moments "frozen in time" in Billings

05.20.21 - Unleash The Beast

Behind the lens with Andy Watson: Moments "frozen in time" in Billings

Andy Watson of Bull Stock Media shares his favorite photos from the weekend of action in Billings, Montana.

By Andy Watson

Andy Watson of Bull Stock Media is in his 26th season as the PBR’s lead photographer and has captured nearly every ride in PBR history.

“To be able to freeze that moment and look at it and see everything in it is really cool, and to (the riders) it means a lot,” Watson said. “Every ride is something special, whether it is good, bad, great form or their buddies are in the background.”

This season, Watson is taking fans behind the lens of some of his favorite photos, sharing his thoughts and processes as he covers each Unleash The Beast event.

Below are Watson's favorite images from the PBR Wrangler Invitational, presented by Cooper Tires, in Billings, Montana.

To see more Bull Stock Media images, follow along @Bullstockmedia (Instagram & Facebook) or check out bullstockmedia.com.

"Another example of capturing a moment, frozen in time. Looking at this photo, I noticed the bull looking out of the corner of his eye at Ezekiel Mitchell. I wonder what was going through each of their minds at this moment…?"

"Up-and-coming bull rider J.T. Moore was giving it everything he had to ride Paradigm Bull Company’s High Brow Cat during the Billings PBR. I sure respect the effort these cowboys put out every week so we can all enjoy watching this sport."

"Positioning is key for a good photo opportunity. I always like to line a cowboy up with the pyro, but when I get a chance to use the flame burners, I always adjust for a silhouette. Leonardo Lima made for the perfect subject last weekend in Billings."

"I’m not sure, but I think Jose Vitor Leme is going to make a pretty good bull rider (wink, wink)… It’s amazing how he shows up each and every week and dominates. When you look at this photo, you are hard-pressed to find anything wrong with his form. If not already, he may become one of the best bull riders of all time. I sure love being here to watch the story unfold."