Kays Turns One - Western First Birthday Photos

Isn't he just the cutest little cowboy? 

Kays turned one recently and we had to do a wester photo session. We grabbed his rocking horse and headed to the Lemhi County Fairgrounds. 

Isn't only right Kays is a cowboy. His mom is cowgirl, his sister is a cowgirl and his dad is a cowboy. It was only right we did cowboy photos right? 

He put on his best Wrangler jeans, his new blue plaid shirt, grabbed his horse and headed to the chutes. We got so lucky with sunshine and took advantage of it. He did so great even on the cusp of nap time but Kays loves the sunshine and horses so he pushed through it.

As an Idaho Family Photographer I often see the same families every year and get to know them, many becoming friends. One of the best parts is seeing how their children grow - it's such a privilege. I have photographed children from babies to middle school and into high school. 

I know Kays will be the same. I can't wait to see him grow into the whatever he may want to be in the future. 

I think we got some great shots at the fairgrounds, we were just wingin' it. I think I may just do my best work when I am wingin' it. 

The young bronc rider, named Kays, stood nervously at the entrance to the rodeo arena. This was his first time competing and he could feel his heart racing in his chest. He had trained for this moment for months, but now that he was here, he felt a mix of excitement and fear.

As he approached the chute where his bronc was waiting, Kays tried to quiet his nerves. He had watched the other riders earlier in the day and knew what he needed to do. He adjusted his grip on the rope and took a deep breath as the gate opened.

The horse burst out of the chute, bucking and twisting wildly. Kays held on tight, his body bouncing up and down with each jolt. He could hear the crowd cheering and shouting, but he was focused on staying on the bronc.

For a few seconds, it felt like an eternity as Jake rode the bronc, his muscles straining with the effort. Then, with one final lurch, the horse threw him off and he hit the ground hard.

Kays lay there for a moment, catching his breath and feeling a rush of disappointment. He had wanted to ride longer, to show that he had what it takes to be a champion bronc rider. But as he got up and dusted himself off, he realized that he had already achieved something important.

He had faced his fear and taken a chance. He had entered the arena for the first time and given it his all. And he knew that he would be back, ready to ride again and show the world what he was made of.